About
ICSI/IMSI is a very successful form of treatment for men who are infertile. Before it was introduced in 1992, couples with a significant male factor problem would not have achieved fertilisation — or experienced very low fertilisation rates, using standard IVF techniques.
Need to know
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What happens icon plus
ICSI only needs one sperm to be successful. This is identified under a microscope after the man's sperm has been retrieved then picked up using a pipette and carefully injected directly into the centre of the woman's mature egg. The fertilised egg (embryo) is allowed to develop as per standard IVF before being transferred into the womb. The transfer procedure is painless, so no anaesthetic is needed. In IMSI (a modification of the ICSI technique), sperm is analysed under a very powerful microscope. This is recommended for those with a history of recurrent implant failures, recurrent ICSI failures or severe teratospermia (abnormal sperm shape). -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will let you know how to prepare for the procedure. -
Afterwards icon plus
If you've had an embryo transfer procedure, you can go home immediately and won't need to stay in hospital overnight. After your embryo has been transferred, you can get back to your routine. You’ll have a pregnancy test two weeks later. You’ll need to take progesterone supplements during this time. If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to keep taking these until you’re 12 weeks pregnant.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.