Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) involves the direct injection of sperm into eggs obtained from In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

How is ICSI performed?
The mature egg is held with a specialized pipette. A very delicate, sharp, and hollow needle is used to immobilize and pick up a single sperm. This needle is then carefully inserted through the shell of the egg and into the cytoplasm of the egg. The sperm is injected into the cytoplasm, and the needle is carefully removed. 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. A blood test or ultrasound may be used to determine if implantation and pregnancy has occurred.