Intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI, is a form of in vitro fertilization. That means the egg is fertilized outside the body. First, egg cells are harvested. Then they're placed in a special media in a laboratory dish.

Within a few hours, a sperm is injected through a fine needle into the center of an egg. If successful, the cell will divide and form the first stages of an embryo.

Typically, several eggs are harvested and fertilized at the same time. Then they're placed in the uterus. This increases the chance one will implant and become a successful pregnancy.

Review Date:1/10/2022
Reviewed By:John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.