Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is part of the assisted reproductive technology (ART) family. Unlike conventional IVF, where multiple sperm compete to fertilise an egg on a dish, ICSI involves the precise injection of a single healthy sperm directly into a mature egg.

This technique significantly increases the chances of fertilisation, and is particularly recommended in cases of male infertility or previous IVF challenges.

At Sunfert, our experienced embryologists carefully perform ICSI in our world-class fertility laboratories, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

ICSI is suitable for couples who are undergoing IVF treatment.

At Sunfert, our fertility specialists recommend ICSI in cases such as:

• low sperm count or poor sperm motility
• abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
• previous IVF cycles with failed fertilisation
• anejaculation (inability to ejaculate)
• retrograde ejaculation (semen flows backward into their bladder)
• male reproductive system blockage
• men who have undergone vasectomy or have other reproductive surgery
• couples requiring sperm retrieval techniques such as TESE or PESA

By personalising the fertility treatment plan for each couple, Sunfert ensures that every patient receives tailored care to their unique fertility needs.

It can be done in 8 steps.

Step 1: Fertility Evaluation

During a fertility assessment, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation for both partners to identify potential factors affecting fertility and guide a personalised treatment plan.

• Both Spouses: Review of medical history, reproductive history, and previous fertility treatment outcomes.
• Female Spouse: Hormonal profile testing, ovarian reserve assessment, and evaluation of the pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes).
• Male Spouse: Semen analysis to assess sperm quality and reproductive potential.

Step 2: Ovulation Stimulation

Hormonal medications will be given by our doctors which used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

This stage usually starts at Day 2 or Day 3 of the patient’s menstrual cycle and typically lasts about 10 to 12 days depending on the treatment protocol the patient undergoes.

Step 3: Oocyte Pick-Up (OPU)

Also known as egg retrieval, this is a minimally invasive procedure in which our fertility specialist collects eggs from the patient’s ovaries. The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

During OPU, patients are given light anaesthesia or monitored sedation by an anaesthetist, ensuring that they remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Before concluding the procedure, our fertility specialist will carefully examine the vaginal puncture site to ensure there is no bleeding.

After OPU, patients are observed for 1 to 2 hours in our day ward before being discharged home. 

Most patients experience only mild bloating, cramping, or minimal bleeding, and many are able to return to their normal routine the next day.

Step 4: Sperm Selection

For every egg, our embryologist selects a single healthy sperm with optimal morphology and motility.

 

Step 5: Sperm Injection

Inject the selected sperm carefully into the egg cytoplasm with a specialised microinjection tool.

 

Step 6: Embryo Culture

Fertilised eggs are monitored in our laboratory for 5 to 7 days to develop into viable embryos.

Some patients may choose to undergo Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT), such as PGT-A or PGT-M, to screen their embryos before transfer.

To know why some patients choose to have PGT with their IVF treatment, click the link here to learn more.

• PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
• PGT-M (Monogenic/Single Gene Disorders)

Step 7: Embryo Transfer

The embryo with the highest chance of success, based on quality and development, will be selected for transfer into the patient’s uterus.

Any remaining embryos will be frozen to give the patient another opportunity at attempting pregnancy in the future.

Step 8: Post-Transfer Support

Patients receive guidance and hormone support while awaiting Beta hCG pregnancy testing.

At every stage, Sunfert provides personalised care, clear instructions, and continuous support to ensure comfort and confidence.

If you are facing fertility challenges, start with a consultation with our specialists. We will guide you through your fertility journey with expertise and compassionate care. 

Make an appointment with our Fertility Specialist today and take the next step toward your parenthood goals.

Question #1: Is ICSI painful?

• ICSI is the method of injecting a sperm into an egg with the purpose of achieving fertilisation
• As the injection itself is performed entirely outside the body and in the laboratory it is completely painless.

Question #2: Does ICSI guarantee fertilisation?

• ICSI improves fertilisation rates, especially in male infertility cases, but success depends on factors like egg quality, sperm health, and overall reproductive health.

Question #3: Are there additional costs for ICSI at Sunfert?

• No. At Sunfert, we do not charge extra for ICSI as it is part of our standard IVF treatment package.