Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a special method of IVF therapy used in couples where the man has a significant reduction in semen quality. This method is also recommended if successful fertilization does not occur with traditional IVF treatment.

In ICSI, the sperm is not added to the eggs in a culture dish like in the traditional IVF method. Instead, a sperm is injected directly into each egg under a microscope using a fine, hollow glass needle. This significantly increases the fertilization rate of the eggs and enables more successful treatment for couples with severely limited sperm quality from the man.

The course of therapy for the couple remains largely the same as with IVF therapy, only with an additional laboratory procedure. The chance of success of a pregnancy is similar to that of conventional IVF therapy, i.e. around 20 to 30 percent per treatment cycle.

In Germany, statutory health insurance companies only cover the costs of in-Vitro-Fertilisation using ICSI if certain limit values set by the WHO are met in two spermiograms. For more information about spermiograms, see the “Spermiogram” section. In addition, an examination by an andrologist is required. Details on how health insurance companies cover costs can be found in the “Cost cover” section.

Before starting ICSI therapy, genetic counseling and chromosome analysis for both partners are recommended. This is because chromosomal abnormalities can occur more frequently in couples who want to have children. The chromosomal analysis is carried out from a blood sample after a consultation and the result is available in about four weeks.

ICSI therapy is recommended in the following cases:

• Highly limited sperm quality
• Lack of fertilization with conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF)