Affordable ICSI Treatment

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised IVF technique where a single sperm is precisely injected into an egg to facilitate fertilisation. This ICSI procedure is particularly beneficial for overcoming challenges associated with male fertility. Once the sperm is successfully injected and fertilisation occurs, the embryo is transferred to the uterus. On this page, let us explore the benefits of the ICSI process to determine if it aligns with your fertility needs.

Who is ICSI Recommended for?

ICSI is the preferred method of treating severe male infertility. Through the ICSI process, our team carefully selects high-quality, mature sperm from the male partner to significantly increase the likelihood of successful pregnancy. This targeted approach is central to our fertility treatments, ensuring the best possible outcomes for couples facing these challenges.

ICSI is recommended for couples experiencing poor or no fertilisation in standard IVF treatments and is particularly suited for men who face the following fertility challenges:

• Poor sperm morphology – having abnormally shaped sperm.
• Low sperm motility resulting in slow-moving sperm.
• A low sperm count.
• Suboptimal sperm quality or count following a vasectomy reversal.

This ICSI procedure involves specific processes tailored to address these unique fertility issues effectively.

If sperm quality is exceptionally poor, we can refer and recommend a private specialist.

For more information, please download our ICSI Fact Sheet.

ICSI Treatment Procedure

ICSI Treatment begins with precise preparation steps. First, a standard IVF cycle is used to retrieve mature eggs from the female partner. Concurrently, the male partner’s semen is processed in the laboratory to extract the healthiest and most motile sperm available. This preparation is critical for the success of the ICSI procedure.

Steps in the ICSI Procedure

These are the key steps in the ICSI process:

1. Egg Maturation: After retrieval, eggs are allowed to mature. This is a crucial ICSI process before sperm injection.
2. Sperm Selection: Motile sperm are selected based on morphology, though this doesn’t guarantee functionality.
3. Egg Injection: Using precise tools, a single sperm is injected into the mature egg.
4. Incubation: Post-injection, eggs are incubated, monitored for signs of fertilisation.
5. Cell Division: Observed after 24 hours, cell division indicates fertilisation success, pivotal in the ICSI process.
6. Freezing: Optionally, embryos that develop properly can be frozen for future use, completing the ICSI process.

What is the Success Rate of Fertilisation With ICSI?

At First Step Fertility, the success rates show that approximately is ≥65% mature eggs normally fertilise.  Clinical pregnancy rates are similar to standard IVF but vary by the woman’s age. Success factors include DNA quality and the structural integrity of the oocyte, as some may not withstand the injection process.

What are the Potential Risks?

ICSI is a more invasive technique compared to standard IVF, involving significant manipulation of the egg, which poses a risk of damage during the procedure. There are inherent risks associated with the increased handling required by the ICSI process.

For the egg

As ICSI is more invasive and requires more handling than standard IVF insemination techniques, there is a small chance that the egg may be damaged during the procedure – resulting in a non-viable egg.

For the Resulting Child

Thousands of children around the world have been born because of ICSI. So far, there is no definitive evidence that the incidence of birth defects is any different with ICSI or IVF compared with children born to other parents of similar age and health. Long-term studies are ongoing to confirm this finding.

The mother’s age at delivery, family history and the presence of pregnancy complications are the most important predictors of newborn health. However, these studies are still ongoing.

Genetic Implications of Male Infertility in ICSI

Some men have non-heritable sperm issues due to conditions like vasectomies, while others may have hereditary issues that could affect their male children, such as small chromosomal changes or deletions on the Y chromosome. Men with very low sperm counts or blocked sperm ducts might carry a cystic fibrosis gene, posing a risk of the disease if both partners are carriers. Similarly, these men might have a higher chance of fathering sons with an atypical number of sex chromosomes, potentially leading to learning or fertility issues. Screening tests are available for many of these genetic concerns.

Treatment and Costs

ICSI Cycle – Cost-Effective Care

At First Step Fertility, our ICSI cycle is structured to make fertility treatments as affordable as possible:

• Out-of-Pocket Charges:
  • In most First Step Fertility clinics, ICSI fees are $1150, with OOP at $582.95
  • In Western Australia FSF clinics, ICSI fees are $1150, with OOP at $612.95
  • Patients may incur charges for day surgery, PBS medications, and some pathology tests. Chat with our FSF team to learn more.
• No Registration Fee:
  • We do not charge a registration fee for standard IVF services.
• Complimentary Embryo Storage:
  • Free storage for the first six months for any excess embryos.

This streamlined approach ensures you have access to first-class care from our specialists, scientists, and nurses while keeping costs manageable. For more detailed information, please visit our IVF Treatment Process page on our website.

Get started on your family journey and book your appointment today.