IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Oocytes (eggs) may be fertilized using one of two techniques: standard insemination or ICSI.
In standard insemination, sperm and egg are placed together in culture, allowing fertilization to occur naturally, even though it happens outside the body.
Alternatively, fertilization may be achieved using Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) — a technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an oocyte using a fine glass micropipette under microscopic guidance.
Notably, ICSI was first introduced in Georgia by Dr. Lika Chkonia after her return from the United States — a groundbreaking step that led to the birth of the country’s first ICSI-conceived child in 2004.
Inside the ICSI Procedure at Reproart
When Is ICSI Used?
ICSI may be recommended in situations where precise assistance is needed to achieve fertilization. These include:
- Abnormal sperm parameters, such as low count, poor motility, or atypical morphology — which may reduce the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg naturally.
- Previous IVF cycles with failed or low fertilization rates using standard insemination.
- Use of surgically retrieved sperm, obtained through testicular aspiration or biopsy (e.g., TESE, PESA).
- Unexplained infertility, when no clear cause has been identified but fertilization remains unsuccessful.
Our clinical experience shows that in many such cases, ICSI significantly improves the likelihood of successful fertilization and embryo development.
At What Stage of IVF Is ICSI Performed?
ICSI is performed in the embryology lab on the same day as egg retrieval.
Once mature oocytes are collected, they are carefully evaluated and prepared. At this stage, selected sperm are also processed and isolated for use.
Using a high-resolution inverted microscope equipped with a micromanipulation system, a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. This advanced setup allows the embryologist to control the position of both the egg and the injection pipette with extreme precision — ensuring safety and accuracy throughout the procedure.
Following ICSI, the fertilized eggs are cultured in a carefully controlled environment and monitored over the next several days as they develop into embryos.
ICSI or Standard Insemination — Which One Do I Need?
There is no single answer for every patient. In some cases, standard insemination may be completely sufficient. In others, ICSI may significantly improve the chances of fertilization.
Your reproductive endocrinologist and embryologist will carefully evaluate your test results, medical history, and the characteristics of the eggs and sperm to recommend the most appropriate method.
This decision is always individualized — and based on what gives you the best chance of success.
Success Rates and Expertise at Reproart
The success of ICSI depends heavily on the skill, precision, and training of the embryologist.
At Reproart, our ICSI procedures are performed by highly experienced professionals using advanced micromanipulation systems. As a result, we achieve an average fertilization rate of 80% — outcomes that align with the world’s leading IVF laboratories.
Every step is conducted under strict quality control and ISO 9001-certified standards to ensure the highest level of safety and success.
