Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is a specialised form of IVF that is used primarily to combat male infertility, egg fertilisation issues and when using donor sperm. IVF involves using multiple sperm to try and fertilise an egg, while ICSI uses a more technical and delicate procedure to inject a single sperm directly into an egg. This careful procedure is designed to improve the chance of fertilisation occurring where other techniques might not be effective.

When is ICSI used?

It only takes one sperm to successfully fertilise an egg, but sometimes there are infertility factors that may prevent sperm from being able to do that. Many men experience struggles with infertility, but thanks to modern techniques and medical specialists, this doesn’t always mean they can’t have a baby.

By using ICSI, we are able to bypass the need for sperm to travel and penetrate the egg’s outer layer by directly injecting one sperm into the egg’s centre: the cytoplasm. ICSI ensures that a viable sperm not only reaches the egg, but is able to enter the centre and make fertilisation possible. We spend as much time as needed ensuring that we find the best sperm to be used in the process.

ICSI may be the right treatment for you if you have or are experiencing:

a low sperm count;
poor sperm morphology (shape) or motility (movement);
anti-sperm antibodies;
low fertilisation rates when using standard IVF; or
decided to use donor sperm.

For people who are not facing any of the above issues, undergoing standard IVF is the preferable treatment course. IVF often leads to higher fertilisation rates; however, ICSI remains a viable and positive course for those who require a different process.

Fertility treatment is also used in situations where there are other medical concerns. If you or your partner are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to your child, IVF or ICSI may form part of your health and reproductive plan. Similarly, many people opt to preserve their fertility via freezing if they are about to undergo medical treatments that may harm their fertility, such as radiation and chemotherapy. ICSI or standard IVF may be the best option to fall pregnant after such treatments.

Our ICSI process

The process of obtaining eggs and sperm to be used in an ICSI cycle is the same as the process for IVF treatment. To begin, a female partner undergoes hormone stimulation treatment to develop multiple mature eggs, which are then collected in a simple procedure. On the same day, either a fresh or frozen sperm sample is prepared to be used along with the eggs to create one or multiple embryos.

At this stage, where standard IVF places multiple sperm near each egg, ICSI works differently. The ICSI procedure step by step looks like:

Selection: Our specialists take great care to observe each individual sperm in a sample under a microscope, observing them for movement and shape. Each sperm is assessed to identify which would be the most viable and most likely to fertilise the egg. Once they have selected the most appropriate sperm, it is gently drawn up into a needle and ready to be injected into the egg.
Injection: The egg is placed underneath a specialised high-powered microscope and held in place, and the single sperm is injected into the centre of the egg using a sharp glass micropipette needle. This requires a delicate hand and patience. This is repeated for each egg.
Fertilisation: We observe each egg for signs of fertilisation over the next 24 hours. If fertilisation occurs, we grow each embryo until it reaches the blastocyst stage, which can take around 5 to 6 days. When an embryo is ready, we will transfer it directly into your uterus while other embryos are quickly and safely frozen using liquid nitrogen in a process called vitrification. These embryos are preserved so that they may be used in the future.

After around two weeks, we use a blood test to see if the embryo has developed into a successful pregnancy. While we wish we could guarantee ICSI success, unfortunately we cannot, but we are with you every step of the process. Falling pregnant, even through fertility treatments, often takes multiple cycles, and we’re always there when you need support.

ICSI risks

Given the highly technical and more invasive nature of ICSI treatment compared to other techniques, it is possible that some eggs may be damaged while being handled. We want to emphasise that this is incredibly unlikely but is however a small possibility.

Men who experience infertility issues may at times be at risk of passing these on to male children.

Blood tests may be used to test one or both partners for any genetic issues that may be passed on to their children. While we wish we could guarantee successful pregnancy for all of our patients, unfortunately we cannot. Going through an ICSI procedure or any other fertility treatment does not guarantee a successful pregnancy, but we do everything possible to give you the best chance of starting or adding to your family.

Embryo storage

Under current Victorian law, we are allowed to keep your embryos frozen for up to 5 years from the day they were stored. This can be extended if the responsible persons consent to storage for another 5 years and go through a written application process. Our specialists can help you through the process of extending. Rest assured that your embryos are never discarded without your consent or without us making contact with you.

Alternative treatments

In most cases, our specialists will only recommend undergoing ICSI or IVF treatment if you have tried other less-invasive options first, and found that they have not been successful for you. We offer a range of other treatments you may want to try first, including artificial insemination, ovulation induction, or laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery to treat gynaecological conditions.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is a less invasive process of artificially placing washed sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, hoping that the sperm will enter the fallopian tube and fertilise an egg. IUI is often used for unexplained fertility, or in the case of using donor sperm.

Egg Freezing

As women age, it becomes less likely that they will be able to fall pregnant naturally, but freezing your eggs as early as possible can help you prolong your ability to reproduce and try for a baby when you’re ready. Whether for personal or medical reasons, egg freezing is a way to help you try and get pregnant in the future.

Ovulation Induction

Tracking ovulation is an important process when trying for a baby. Ovulation induction is a minimally invasive treatment that involves taking medication in the form of tablets or a fine needle injection to induce ovulation and help women have more regular menstrual cycles.

FAQ

Is ICSI better than IVF?

ICSI is a form of IVF treatment that is used in particular cases where IVF may not be as effective. Primarily, ICSI is used in cases of male fertility issues, but evidence suggests that success rates are higher with standard insemination techniques like those used in regular IVF. We recommend undergoing regular IVF unless you have particular circumstances that make ICSI a more suitable treatment.

How much does ICSI cost?

The cost of ICSI will vary for different individuals based on their circumstances and treatment needs. You can find out more about our estimated out-of-pocket ICSI cost on our Fees page.

Taking The Next Step Towards Parenthood

ICSI is a specialised treatment that offers hope to many facing fertility challenges. At Create Fertility, we’re here to provide personalised care and expert guidance tailored to your unique journey.

Book an appointment with our dedicated team today to discuss how ICSI could help you take the next step towards growing your family.