Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI ) is an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. This technique is used in order to prepare the gametes for the obtention of embryos that may be transferred to a maternal uterus. With this method acrosome reaction is skipped.

How Is ICSI( Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection ) Performed?

There are basically five simple steps to ICSI which include the following:

• 1. The mature egg is held with a specialized pipette.
• 2. A very delicate, sharp, and hollow needle is used to immobilize and pick up a single sperm.
• 3. The needle is then carefully inserted through the shell of the egg and into the cytoplasm of the egg.
• 4. The sperm is injected into the cytoplasm, and the needle is carefully removed.
• 5. The eggs are checked the following day for evidence of normal fertilization.

Once the steps of ICSI are complete and fertilization is successful, the embryo transfer procedure is used to physically place the embryo in the woman’s uterus. Then it is a matter of watching for early pregnancy symptoms. The fertility specialist may use a blood test after 14 days or ultrasound after 28 days to determine if implantation and pregnancy has occurred.