Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a highly specialised fertilisation technique performed as part of an IVF cycle. It is the treatment of choice where male infertility is a factor, and at Aria Fertility, our embryologists have the skills and experience to carry it out with exceptional precision.
In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together in the laboratory and fertilisation occurs naturally. In ICSI, a single sperm is selected, immobilised and injected directly into a mature egg using a fine glass needle under the microscope.
This bypasses many of the natural barriers to fertilisation and can achieve fertilisation even when sperm quality is very poor.
ICSI was developed in the early 1990s and has since become one of the most used fertility techniques worldwide. At Aria, it is offered as an add-on to IVF when clinically appropriate.
ICSI is typically recommended where:
You will meet with one of our experienced fertility consultants to discuss your history, any investigations already carried out and your treatment options. If further tests are needed – such as an AMH blood test, an ultrasound scan, or a semen analysis – these can often be arranged at the same time. As an HFEA-licensed clinic, we will also perform a Welfare of the Child (WOC) assessment prior to fertility treatment.
Before treatment begins, both partners will need certain screening tests, including infectious disease screening. These are regulatory requirements and help us ensure your treatment plan is as safe and effective as possible.
The patient takes daily hormone injections for around 10–14 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Progress is monitored through regular blood tests and ultrasound scans.
Once the eggs reach the right size, they’re collected under sedation during a short procedure that usually takes 15–20 minutes. A fine needle is guided through the vaginal wall to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries.
A sperm sample is provided on the same day, either through ejaculation or, in cases of severe male infertility, surgical extraction. The sample is then prepared in the lab to identify the healthiest, most active sperm.
Unlike conventional IVF, where sperm and eggs are mixed, the ICSI procedure involves a single sperm being selected and injected directly into each mature egg using a fine needle. This step bypasses any barriers that might otherwise prevent fertilisation.
The following day, the eggs are assessed to determine whether they have formed embryos, and these embryos are then closely monitored in our time-lapse incubators until the best embryo can be selected for transfer.
One embryo (occasionally two) is transferred into the womb using a thin catheter, in a procedure similar to a smear test. Any remaining suitable embryos can be frozen for future use.
A blood test around 10–14 days after transfer confirms whether implantation has occurred. If successful, an early scan is usually arranged a few weeks later to confirm a viable pregnancy.
Aria was founded by fertility professionals, which means every decision is driven by what is best for patients. You will have a dedicated consultant overseeing your care, supported by our team of highly experienced embryologists and nurses, to ensure you receive personalised, compassionate care.
Our laboratory was one of the first in the UK to use AI-assisted embryo selection, and our single-embryo transfer rate and multiple-pregnancy rate (currently 3.7%) reflect our commitment to safe, evidence-based care. We are regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and publish our results transparently.
Our Marylebone clinic offers a calm, unhurried environment and personalised support from the first appointment to the final outcome.
ICSI is a significant financial commitment, and we believe in being transparent about what that means from the outset.
Costs vary depending on your individual treatment plan, the investigations required, and whether additional procedures are recommended. When comparing prices between clinics, it’s worth ensuring you have a full breakdown of all components – consultation fees, monitoring scans, medication, and laboratory costs can vary considerably and are not always included in headline figures.
At Aria, we will discuss the expected costs during your initial consultation and provide you with a fully costed treatment plan before we start, so there are no surprises along the way.
The questions below are intended to give you a clear and honest overview. For advice specific to your situation, we always recommend booking a consultation with one of our team.
What is ICSI and how is it different from IVF?
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a technique used as part of an IVF cycle. In standard IVF, sperm and eggs are mixed together and fertilisation happens naturally. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. ICSI is recommended when sperm quality is too poor for natural fertilisation to be reliable.
Do I need ICSI or standard IVF?
This depends on your semen analysis results and fertility history. If there is a significant male factor issue, or if a previous IVF cycle resulted in poor fertilisation, ICSI is likely to be recommended. Your consultant will advise you based on your individual results.
Does ICSI improve success rates?
For couples with male factor infertility, ICSI significantly improves fertilisation rates compared to standard IVF. For couples with normal sperm, the evidence does not show a benefit to using ICSI routinely. At Aria, we only recommend ICSI where it is clinically indicated.
Is ICSI safe for the baby?
The large body of evidence accumulated over 30 years of ICSI use is reassuring. There is a very slightly elevated risk of certain chromosomal conditions in babies born following ICSI, which may be related to the underlying cause of the male infertility rather than the technique itself. Your consultant will discuss any relevant considerations with you.
Can ICSI help if my partner has had a vasectomy?
Yes. If sperm cannot be produced in the ejaculate, it can often be retrieved surgically from the epididymis or testis. ICSI can then be used to fertilise eggs using the retrieved sperm. We work with specialist urologists and andrologists and can advise on the most appropriate retrieval method.
What is PICSI and is it available at Aria?
PICSI (physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a sperm selection technique in which sperm are chosen based on their ability to bind to a substance called hyaluronic acid, which may select more mature and genetically normal sperm. While we can perform PICSI at Aria, we do not routinely recommend this add-on to patients. Your consultant can discuss whether it is relevant to you.
Where is Aria Fertility?
We are located at 8 Welbeck Way, Marylebone, London W1G 9YL – a short walk from Bond Street Underground station. The clinic is deliberately discreet and calm, situated in a quiet mews in the heart of London’s medical district.
When you are ready and the time is right for you, the next step is to contact us, and we will help you arrange a face-to-face, telephone or video-call introduction with one of our consultants.
You can do this by filling in the contact form below or by calling one of our friendly team members on +44 (0) 203 263 6025.
We really look forward to getting to know you and helping guide you toward your next steps toward your dream family.