Trying to conceive for more than a year? ICSI might be the solution.

If you’ve been trying to conceive but are facing hurdles—especially due to male factor infertility—ICSI (IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection) could be the breakthrough you need.

This advanced fertility treatment is often used alongside IVF and has helped couples all over the world. If traditional IVF hasn’t worked, or sperm-related issues are standing in your way, ICSI offers a more precise, effective solution.

What is ICSI?

ICSI (pronounced ick-see) is a lab-based fertility technique where a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg using a fine needle and a high-powered microscope.

It bypasses natural barriers that might stop fertilization—like poor sperm motility, low sperm count, or abnormally shaped sperm. ICSI is especially useful when the sperm can’t reach or penetrate the egg on its own.

When is ICSI Recommended?

ICSI isn’t for everyone—but in the right cases, it can make all the difference. It is usually recommended for:

• Male factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology)
• Previous IVF failure, especially when fertilization didn’t occur
• Unexplained infertility, where standard methods haven’t worked
• Using frozen or surgically retrieved sperm, often in cancer survivors or men with obstructive azoospermia

Is ICSI Different From IVF?

Yes, and the main difference lies in how fertilization happens:

• In IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in a lab dish, hoping the sperm naturally fertilizes the egg.
• In ICSI, one healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into each mature egg, kickstarting fertilization.

ICSI is usually only ideal for cases where sperm can’t penetrate the egg or where fertilization has failed before.

The Step-by-Step Process of ICSI

Here’s what you can expect during an ICSI cycle:

• Ovarian Stimulation The woman is given hormone injections to help her ovaries produce multiple eggs.
• Egg Retrieval Eggs are collected through a simple outpatient procedure using ultrasound guidance.
• Sperm Collection The male partner gives a semen sample—or sperm is surgically retrieved (if needed) using TESA or PESA.
• Micromanipulation Under a microscope, the embryologist picks one healthy sperm and injects it into each mature egg.
• Fertilization Check The next day, we check if fertilization occurred (evidenced by two pronuclei in the egg).
• Embryo Development Fertilized eggs grow in a special incubator for 3–5 days.
• Embryo Transfer One or more healthy embryos are placed in the woman’s uterus during a simple, painless procedure.
• Pregnancy Test A blood test is done after two weeks to confirm whether implantation was successful.

ICSI Treatment Cost in Mumbai

The average cost of ICSI in Mumbai ranges from ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per cycle. This typically includes:

• Doctor consultations & fertility assessment
• Hormonal injections for egg stimulation
• Egg retrieval, sperm collection, and ICSI procedure
• Embryo culture, monitoring, and transfer

Additional Costs (Depending on Your Case)

• Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT): ₹50,000–₹1,00,000
• Embryo Freezing & Storage: ₹30,000–₹50,000 per year
• Surgical Sperm Retrieval (TESA/PESA): ₹20,000–₹40,000
• Medications: ₹20,000–₹40,000 based on brand & dosage

Most clinics in Mumbai also offer financing plans or package deals to ease the cost burden.

ICSI Success Rates

ICSI has a high fertilization success rate of 70–80%, especially in cases of male infertility. However, fertilization doesn’t always mean pregnancy. Success still depends on:

• The woman’s age and egg quality
• Sperm health
• Uterine environment
• Overall reproductive health

Pregnancy and live birth rates with ICSI are generally comparable to traditional IVF, and in many cases, ICSI gives couples a higher chance when other methods have failed.

Are There Any Risks?

ICSI is safe and widely practiced—but like all medical procedures, it has some considerations:

• Slightly higher risk of genetic conditions or birth defects (mostly related to the sperm’s genetic quality)
• PGT or genetic counseling may be advised, especially in severe male factor infertility
• Not all eggs may fertilize, and not all fertilized eggs will grow into healthy embryos

That’s why the focus should be on thorough evaluations and individualised plans to minimize risks and improve success.

If you’ve faced multiple IVF failures, male infertility, or unexplained delays in conceiving—ICSI may be your next best step.