Glossary term Fertility & Pregnancy

ICSI

In one sentence

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection places a single selected sperm directly inside the egg during IVF.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection places a single selected sperm directly inside the egg during IVF.

Why it matters

ICSI transformed severe male-factor infertility: fertilisation no longer depends on sperm swimming and penetrating unaided. For couples without male-factor issues, routine ICSI adds cost without clear benefit — guidelines reserve it for where it helps.

What to ask

If ICSI is proposed, ask what in your results makes it necessary rather than standard insemination.

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Patient education

Definitions explain terms; they do not interpret your individual results or replace a consultation.

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