Fertility Glossary

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Last updated: March 2026 · Medically reviewed by Dr. Adnan Jabbar

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg using a microscopic glass needle. It was developed to overcome severe male factor infertility and achieves fertilisation rates of 70–85% per injected egg regardless of sperm quality.

70–85%

Fertilisation rate per injected egg (ASRM, 2023)

50%+

Of all IVF cycles worldwide now use ICSI (ESHRE, 2022)

~40%

Male factor contribution to couple infertility globally (WHO, 2023)

When is ICSI used?

ICSI is the treatment of choice when the male partner has severe oligospermia (very low sperm count), poor motility (asthenospermia), abnormal morphology (teratospermia), or azoospermia requiring surgical sperm retrieval. It is also used when a previous conventional IVF cycle had low or failed fertilisation.

Importantly, large randomised controlled trials — including a Cochrane Review (2021) — have found no benefit to using ICSI over conventional IVF in couples with normal sperm. ICSI should not be used routinely; it is a targeted solution for a specific clinical problem.

Related terms

IVF Azoospermia

Frequently asked questions about ICSI

What does ICSI stand for?

ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection — a technique where a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg.

Is ICSI better than conventional IVF?

For couples with normal sperm, ICSI offers no benefit over conventional IVF. ICSI is indicated specifically for male factor infertility where sperm quality makes natural fertilisation in a dish unreliable.

What fertilisation rate does ICSI achieve?

ICSI achieves 70–85% fertilisation per injected egg regardless of sperm quality (ASRM, 2023), compared to 60–70% for conventional IVF.

Can ICSI be used with surgically retrieved sperm?

Yes. ICSI is the standard technique when sperm is retrieved surgically via TESE, Micro-TESE, PESA, or TESA procedures for azoospermia.

Is ICSI right for you?

Dr. Adnan Jabbar offers free initial consultations via WhatsApp.

Ask about ICSI on WhatsApp

Read the full ICSI treatment page →