What is ICSI ?
ICSI is a procedure in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. Injecting sperm through the egg’s shell helps the sperm fertilize directly bypassing the need to penetrate the shell.
This procedure is most commonly used to overcome male infertility problems.
What does intracytoplasmic mean?
The term “intracytoplasmic” (pronounced “IN-truh-sahy-tuh-PLAZ-mik”) describes the location of the sperm injection into the cytoplasm of an egg. This is the gel-like substance, made composed of water, salt, and other molecules, that fills the center of an egg.
How successful is intracytoplasmic sperm injection?
ICSI is used in approximately 6 out of 10 IVF treatments. ICSI and conventional IVF both have the same success rates for conceiving a child. It is predicted that fertilization occurs in 50% to 80% of ICSI attempts.