What is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)?
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a laboratory procedure in which one or more eggs (oocytes) are retrieved. Fertilization is achieved by the injection of individual sperm into the eggs. The fertilized eggs are transferred to the uterus within 2 to 5 days. This is commonly known as a “fresh IVF-ICSI cycle”. In 1978 the first IVF baby (or test-tube baby) was born through the combined efforts of Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe in the UK. Steptoe had developed a laproscope to view internal organs. Edwards collaborated with Steptoe to devise a technique whereby with the use of a modified laproscope eggs could be retrieved from the ovary. Fertilization was then limited to the petri dish, thus leaving many patients with male factor problems still unable to conceive. ICSI, pioneered in 1993 by Gianpiero D. Palermo, is considered a major breakthrough in the treatment of male factor infertility. Today the procedure is commonly applied in IVF clinics throughout the world. Dr Palermo i
