Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a method of assisted reproductive technology that is used to help with conception when sperm problems can make natural fertilization difficult. This is how the ICSI procedure works:

  •  Egg preparation: A woman has an ovarian stimulation procedure to produce multiple eggs, usually through hormone therapy. The eggs are then extracted from the ovaries and prepared.
  •  Sperm preparation: Sperm is usually obtained from the sperm of a partner or donor. Sperm undergoes special training in which healthy and motile spermatozoa are selected.
  •  Sperm injection: Specially prepared sperm cells are injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg using a thin needle, allowing fertilization to take place outside the woman's body.
  •  Embryo cultivation: After ICSI, fertilized eggs are cultured in the laboratory to the embryo stage and, if they develop normally, can be used for implantation.

ICSI is an effective method of helping with conception in cases where sperm problems can make natural fertilization difficult.