Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI (pronounced ik-see) stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. During standard IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in a laboratory dish and fertilisation typically occurs naturally with no further input. With ICSI, a single sperm is carefully selected by an embryologist and injected directly into each mature egg using specialised microscopic equipment and technique.

ICSI may be recommended when there are concerns about sperm quality or fertilisation potential such as:

• Low sperm count
• Reduced sperm motility (movement)
• Abnormal sperm morphology (shape)
• Surgically retrieved sperm (PESA/TESA)
• High antisperm antibodies
• Previous IVF cycles with failed or poor fertilisation
• Where pre-preimplanation genetic testing of an embryo for single gene conditions embryo testing is required
• Fertilising previously frozen eggs

Your Stellar Fertility specialist and embryology team will advise whether ICSI is appropriate for your treatment plan based on your individual circumstances.

While ICSI improves fertilisation rates, it cannot guarantee embryo development, implantation, or pregnancy. ICSI can improve the chance of fertilisation in situations where sperm may otherwise struggle to fertilise an egg. As with all fertility treatments, success depends on many factors, including:

• Egg number, quality and age
• Sperm quality
• Overall fertility health

The technique of ICSI is introduced at the laboratory phase of your In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment cycle.

Laboratory phase

On the day of insemination eggs are collected or thawed and a sperm sample is provided or thawed. An embryologist prepares both the eggs and sperm for insemination. Using specialised microscopic equipment, a single sperm is selected and injected directly into a single mature egg using a fine glass needle. The following day, an embryologist assesses whether fertilisation has occurred. Each embryo will continue to be monitored over fertilisation window as they develop.

Cycle completion

Following 5 – 6 days blastocysts will form and an embryologist will contact you to share your results. A selected embryo may be transferred into the uterus for a fresh transfer or frozen for future use.

Out of pocket fees begin from $340.

For further information on Stellar Fertility’s ICSI fee, visit our fee page or call 03 9123 8200 to speak with one of our delightful team members.