What Is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique used in IVF that fertilizes an egg with a pre-selected sperm. ICSI is performed by an embryologist in the laboratory under the guidance of a microscope. This helps to enable fertilization in cases where sperm have a low chance of fertilizing an egg on their own. Even when there are only a few sperm available, an embryologist can select the best sperm and directly insert it into the egg to fertilize it. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection has a high success rate, and this procedure has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility. Our team, led by Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H. Barad, aims to provide top-quality care to help you achieve your goals of parenthood. To learn more about ICSI, contact the Center for Human Reproduction in New York, NY today.
How Does ICSI Work?
During a normal IVF cycle without ICSI at the Center for Human Reproduction, the eggs and sperm are mixed in a petri dish and fertilization occurs spontaneously in the dish. In contrast, in an IVF cycle utilizing ICSI, an embryologist selects the best sperm from a semen sample using a microscope and injects the sperm directly into an egg. After a few days, the fertilized eggs (now called embryos) are transferred into the uterus for pregnancy, just like in a normal IVF cycle without ICSI. An IVF-ICSI cycle is more or less the same experience for the patients in that ovarian stimulation is followed by egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
In some cases, Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad may be able to recognize ahead of time that ICSI will be needed based on the results of semen analysis or outcomes of previous IVF cycles. In other cases, it may not be until the day of egg retrieval ICSI is necessary due to poor sperm quality. Some conditions may prevent male partners from providing sperm samples. For instance, men with azoospermia (complete lack of sperm in the ejaculate) cannot produce sperm naturally. In such cases, there are surgical interventions that can retrieve potentially viable sperm directly from the epididymis (a small tube in the scrotum where sperm goes through its maturation process) or testicles. CHR works with a few expert urologists who can perform these micro-procedures. About 85% of azoospermic men can now become fathers of their own biological children this way.
What Are the Benefits of ICSI?
If you or your partner are facing male infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection could offer you several advantages. This advanced procedure involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilization. Some of the primary benefits include:
- Higher fertilization rates, even with low sperm count
- Enhanced success for sperm with poor motility or morphology
- Viable option for men with prior vasectomies of ejaculation
- Increased chance of pregnancy after previous IVF failures
- Effective treatment option when limited eggs are available after retrieval
Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
Dr Barad and his team have been super supportive and very friendly and professional at the same time. I would always recommend Center of human reproduction to anyone who wants to conceive. Let me tell you this flew all the way dallas to NY and it was worth it.
Unfortunately, I have had to deal with infertility for 7+ years and have been with 4 different clinics. CHR, Drs Barad and Gleicher, and the entire staff have been nothing short of kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and professional. This clinic is 2.5 hours from us, so it was a big decision to travel out of state for care; but I am so glad we made the decision. We’re still in the thick of it, but I feel comfortable and confident with my treatment plan.***update: I gave birth to two beautiful baby boys in January thanks to CHR. We almost lost hope on being able to grow our family and after one round of IVF with Dr Barad, I became pregnant with twins! We are forever grateful to the entire team for believing in us and not giving up on me or my body. 🙏🏻
When considering IVF, you want to be in the best hands — and that’s exactly what I found at CHR. Dr. Norbert Gleicher isn’t just one of the most respected fertility specialists in the world; he runs a private clinic that pairs world-class expertise with white-glove service. From the moment I walked in, I felt truly seen, heard, and cared for.My IVF journey at CHR was the most loving, intimate, and professional medical experience I’ve ever had. Every detail was handled with thoughtfulness and compassion. It wasn’t just a procedure — it was a deeply personal and empowering experience.I left CHR with more than just a successful outcome — I left with another family: my baby daughter and the incredible CHR team.I will forever be grateful for the care, expertise, and unwavering professionalism that guided me through every step. Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad are unique in their approach. They don’t follow marketing trends or standard protocols blindly. They bring their own evidence-based perspectives and truly understand what they’re doing — and why.
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Amazing customer service, IVF medical experts and kindness! Love every single employee of CHR!
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Who Is A Candidate for ICSI?
ICSI can improve the chance of pregnancy with IVF for couples who meet certain criteria. This procedure is ideal for males with a very low sperm count and/or azoospermia, or whose sperm cannot fertilize eggs on their own due to poor morphology (abnormal shape) or poor motility. It is also suitable for males who have had a vasectomy and need sperm collected from the epididymis or testicles and for those with ejaculation issues caused by various medical conditions. ICSI could also be an ideal option for couples whose previous IVF attempts failed due to poor fertilization or for couples who only have a few eggs available after retrieval due to diminished ovarian reserve. ICSI can achieve fertilization for many men as long as they have sperm somewhere in the reproductive tract. In cases of severe male-factor infertility, ICSI is generally a more attractive option than other treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), which has been found to be mostly ineffective.
Why Choose CHR for ICSI?
The Center for Human Reproduction stands out for its exceptional expertise and individualized care for couples considering ICSI. Led by Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad, the center offers innovative techniques and high success rates in addressing male infertility. With a commitment to customized treatment plans, CHR aims to ensure each patient receives the best possible care. Choose CHR for a comprehensive approach and proven success in helping couples achieve their dream of becoming parents, especially when other standard approaches have failed.