Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Fertility Services

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

ICSI is a specialised form of IVF. In contrast to standard IVF, where the sperm has to penetrate the egg by itself, ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg using a fine glass needle. All other stages of the treatment cycle are identical to IVF.

ICSI is recommended in cases where there are not enough motile sperm to fertilize an egg using normal IVF. It is particularly useful in cases where sperm parameters are severely reduced. The ICSI method was developed in 1992 and has been a major advance in the treatment of male factor infertility. 

Are there risks associated with ICSI?

While most studies on children born as a result of ICSI are reassuring, some concerns have been raised in recent years that these children may be at a slight increased risk of rare genetic abnormalities, called imprinting problems. These are, however, extremely rare.

There is a risk that genetic fertility problems may be passed on where the cause of the male infertility is a genetic one. A male child may have the same fertility problem as his father when he in turn decides to have children. For men with very low sperm counts, chromosome tests can be done to determine if there is a genetic fertility problem. If this arises, couples can be referred to a genetic counsellor for specialist advice.

Book an appointment

To book a Consult with one of our Doctors or book an appointment for Semen Analysis, click the appropriate button.
Please note that you need a GP or Consultant referral to book a Semen Analysis appointment, but this is not a requirement to book a Doctor Consult.

Online Referral


Semen Analysis


Price List

Please see the full Merrion Fertility Treatment pricelist.

close-link
Price List & Referral Forms