ICSI - Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

Up to 40% of couples coming to QFG have a male infertility problem relating to the number or quality of sperm produced. The intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of eggs, introduced several years ago has revolutionised treatment for couples with male factor infertility. ICSI involves the injection of a single sperm into the cytoplasm of the egg. This is performed by the scientist in the laboratory at the fertilisation phase of a normal IVF cycle. No motility is required of the sperm used for ICSI, therefore it is the best fertilization method for very poor quality sperm and sperm retrieved from the testis and epididymis.

Today we are now finding that around 50% of couples having IVF treatment also require ICSI to maximise the number of eggs being fertilized and there chance of pregnancy.

With ICSI around 95% of couples have at least one oocyte fertilised and receive an embryo transfer after the procedure. QFG Results from 2006 reveal that ICSI cycles having up to two embryos transferred have yielded a pregnancy rate of around 46% in those aged up to 35 years, 33% in the age group 35 – 39 years and 12% in those aged 40 and over.