Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is a highly specialised form of IVF used to treat male factor infertility, especially when sperm count or motility is very low, or when there is no sperm in the ejaculate. In such cases, sperm can be retrieved from the testes and used to fertilise the eggs.
ICSI Treatment Process
In ICSI, a single healthy sperm is directly injected into each mature egg using a fine needle under a microscope. The procedure is performed by an embryologist in the lab. Egg collection and embryo transfer are carried out the same way as in standard IVF cycles.
ICSI offers similar pregnancy success rates to IVF and is safe. Research shows no increased risk of miscarriage or congenital conditions compared to natural conception or IVF.
Benefits of ICSI over IVF
- Ideal when sperm count or movement is too low for IVF
- Typically results in a higher fertilisation rate and more embryos
- Reduces the risk of multiple sperm fertilising one egg
- Enables the use of the male partner’s sperm rather than donor sperm
Who is ICSI for?
ICSI is recommended for:
- Couples with failed fertilisation in previous IVF cycles
- Men with very low sperm count or poor motility
- Men with blocked or absent vas deferens (the tube that leads from the testicle to the base of the penis), including after vasectomy
At Harley Street Fertility Centre Mauritius, we use advanced ICSI techniques to help couples overcome male infertility and improve their chances of success.
