Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
The natural in vitro fertilisation (IVF) process, where sperm and egg meet to create an embryo, sometimes needs a helping hand. This is where intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help make all the difference.
With ICSI, our fertility specialists can carefully select and inject high-quality sperm directly into an egg to create an embryo. This technique gives your sperm a bit of extra support, bringing you one step closer to achieving your dream of becoming a parent.
Page Guide
We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How does it work?
ICSI treatment process: how does it work?
At Bourn Hall, our fertility experts have been offering ICSI to patients since 1993, making us one of the most experienced centres in the UK for performing this fertility technique.
If you’re considering ICSI, there are several steps involved in the process. So, here’s what to expect:
Step 1 – Arrange an appointment
When you get in touch with our team, we’ll schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. During this first meeting, we’ll talk you through the process, answer any questions you might have, and review your medical history.
Step 2 – Fertility screening
Next, we’ll carry out a range of tests to assess your sperm quality and determine whether ICSI is the right type of fertility treatment for your specific needs. This will allow us to personalise your care and give you the best possible chance of success.
Step 3 – Ovarian stimulation
If you are deemed a suitable candidate for ICSI, the female partner or egg donor will begin ovarian stimulation to encourage the development of multiple eggs. Throughout the process, our team will monitor you closely to ensure your comfort and wellbeing.
Step 4 – Egg retrieval and collection
Once the eggs are mature, one of our fertility specialists will gently collect them using a fine needle during a minor surgical procedure. This will be done under sedation or general anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Step 5 – Sperm collection and ICSI procedure
On the same day as the egg retrieval, we will collect a sperm sample from the male partner or sperm donor. A fertility specialist will then carefully select a single, healthy sperm and inject it directly into the cytoplasm of each mature egg using a fine glass needle
Step 6 – Embryo development
After fertilisation, the eggs become embryos, and we will closely monitor them for several days to keep an eye on their development and overall quality. Our team provides expert care during this delicate stage, keeping you informed throughout the process.
Step 7 – Embryo transfer and implantation
Around three to five days after fertilisation, we will select the highest-quality embryo(s) to transfer into your uterus. This process is usually quick, painless and doesn’t require any sedation or anaesthetic. Depending on what’s been agreed beforehand, we can store any additional embryos safely for future use.
Step 8 – Pregnancy and parenthood
About two weeks after the embryo transfer, we’ll ask you to take a pregnancy test to find out whether your treatment was successful. Whatever the outcome, our compassionate team will be right there to support you and provide you with specialist guidance on the next steps
Who is ICSI treatment for?
Everyone’s fertility journey is different, and you may be recommended ICSI for several reasons. For example, our fertility specialists might suggest ICSI if:
- You have a low sperm count
- Your sperm motility (movement) is poor
- There is a high number of abnormal sperm
- Your sperm has been collected surgically (such as during a vasectomy)
- Your semen contains high levels of antibodies
- Previous conventional IVF treatments have been unsuccessful, or very few eggs were fertilised
- Tests of your sperm function show that your sperm may have difficulty achieving fertilisation or could compromise embryo quality and implantation
- You have chosen to use donated eggs and sperm
At Bourn Hall, we understand that every fertility journey is unique. Whatever your path may look like, our team are here to support you with the expertise and care you deserve.
What next?
I’m still not sure. What are the next steps?
Your ICSI treatment cycle is similar to conventional IVF. The only difference is that our embryologists use micromanipulation techniques in the laboratory to fertilise your eggs, instead of placing sperm and eggs together in a culture dish.
We also believe you should have every opportunity to optimise your health and lifestyle, to get the best out of your fertility treatment. We now include a free, comprehensive, one-hour consultation with our fertility nutritionist for all our self-funding patients undergoing IVF treatment. Our fertility experts will also be able to advise you if blastocyst culture is right for you, depending on your individual circumstances.
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
Schedule a Discovery call to find out which tests and treatments are right for you.
Fertility funding partners we work with:
We’re incredibly proud of our success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 73%* chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2021
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 73% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 63% (50% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
We provide world-class support throughout the fertility journey.
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our excellence in fertility treatment
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews you can trust
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
Your Stories
Real journeys, real hope. Hear from our patients as they share their paths to parenthood.
A Journey to Motherhood: One Mother’s Story of Hope Having Fertility Treatment Using Donor Services
For many women, the dream of motherhood is a lifelong hope - one filled with expectation, excitement,...
From Heartbreak to Hope – Victoria & Jonathan’s Journey
Victoria and Jonathan’s story is one of incredible strength, love, and perseverance. Their path to parenthood wasn’t…
Positive result was greatest Christmas gift after miscarriage grief
The festive period will always hold a very special place in Cara and Steve’s hearts after finding...
Our Fertility Events
Join our experts at a range of events including support groups, webinars and open evenings. Learn more about the options available to you, including fertility tests and treatments, and get the answers to any questions you might have.
Related Content
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.