intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Pronunciation: ICK-see
Also written as: ICSI — Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
ART procedure where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg's cytoplasm.
Full Definition
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an advanced assisted reproductive technique used primarily for severe male factor infertility. During this procedure, an embryologist uses a microscopic needle to inject a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of a mature egg. ICSI bypasses natural fertilization barriers and is particularly effective when sperm count is very low, sperm motility is poor, or previous IVF attempts have failed due to fertilization issues. The technique has revolutionized treatment options for couples with male infertility factors that were previously considered untreatable.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize ICSI when using the acronym. Pronunciation guide helpful for patient education materials.
In Context
- "Intracytoplasmic sperm injection achieved an 85% fertilization rate in cases with severe oligospermia." — Research paper
- "The couple elected intracytoplasmic sperm injection after conventional IVF resulted in poor fertilization." — Treatment plan