Do I need Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?

The purpose of ICSI is to assist the fertilization process when a man’s sperm count is abnormal.  Whether it is because the number of motile sperm is very low or the morphology is excessively poor, the technique involves the delivery of a single sperm into a single egg.  Since 1991, when it was first described, it has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility.

Most clinics will recommend ICSI if there is a fear that poor fertilization may occur by traditional IVF where sperm are merely added to the egg culture dish.  Accordingly, efforts are made to assess sperm by function or morphology to help determine those most likely to require ICSI.  It is best to discuss this option with your clinic personnel prior to treatment.