Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, better known as ICSI, is a technique that involves placing a sperm into the nucleus of an egg.

It is used in severe cases of male infertility (e.g. very low motility) or in repeated failed attempts at in vitro fertilization.

The procedure followed is the same as that of classic in vitro fertilization. Initially, the woman undergoes controlled ovarian stimulation.

The next step is to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries, using suction and ultrasound guidance. The egg retrieval procedure (oocyte retrieval) is performed under general anesthesia.

The partner's sperm is specially processed. A single sperm is then selected and injected directly into the nucleus of the egg in a culture medium. The eggs are later tested to see if they have been fertilized, resulting in the creation of embryos.

The embryos are carefully monitored for 2 to 5 days. This allows us to select those with the best development before placement in the uterus.

Embryo transfer takes place on days 2 to 5. According to the law, the placement of up to two (2) embryos is permitted.

The remaining embryos are frozen for future use.

Fertilization and pregnancy rates with the ICSI method are comparable to those observed in couples following the classic in vitro fertilization procedure.