ICSI Treatment in Chennai
Advanced ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) for low sperm count, poor sperm motility, azoospermia and previous IVF failure. Planned by fertility specialists and performed in our in-house embryology lab, with consultations at 8 Hive fertility clinics across Chennai.
ICSI in short: ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced IVF technique in which an embryologist injects one healthy sperm directly into each mature egg. It is the treatment of choice for severe male infertility and for couples whose eggs did not fertilize in a previous IVF cycle. One ICSI cycle takes about 4 to 6 weeks from tests to pregnancy result.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Niveditha Amilthan, Founder, The Hive Fertility Clinic · Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
What is ICSI Treatment? ICSI Full Form and Meaning
ICSI full form is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. "Intracytoplasmic" means inside the cytoplasm, the inner part of the egg. ICSI is a laboratory step performed as part of an IVF cycle. Instead of placing thousands of sperm around an egg and waiting for one to enter on its own, our embryologist selects a single healthy, moving sperm and injects it into the centre of the egg using a very fine glass needle under a high-power microscope.
Because the sperm does not have to swim to the egg or break through its outer shell by itself, ICSI makes fertilization possible even when the sperm count is extremely low, when sperm barely move, or when sperm has to be taken directly from the testis. The first baby conceived through ICSI was born in 1992, and today ICSI is one of the most widely used fertility lab techniques in the world.
At The Hive Fertility Clinic, ICSI treatment is planned by our fertility specialists together with the embryology team. The decision to use ICSI is based on your semen analysis, previous treatment history and egg numbers, not applied by default.
ICSI at a glance
- Full form
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
- Type
- Advanced IVF laboratory technique
- Main use
- Male factor infertility and past fertilization failure
- Cycle length
- About 4 to 6 weeks from tests to pregnancy test
- Pain
- ICSI step is painless; egg collection under short anaesthesia
- Hospital stay
- Not needed; day procedures
- Also called
- Sperm microinjection, ICSI IVF
Who Needs ICSI Treatment?
ICSI is most often recommended for male infertility, but there are other situations where it gives a better chance of fertilization.
👨 Male factor infertility
Very Low Sperm Count
Severe oligospermia, where too few sperm are present for fertilization in a dish.
Poor Sperm Motility
Asthenozoospermia, where sperm lack the forward movement needed to reach the egg.
Abnormal Sperm Shape
Teratozoospermia, where most sperm struggle to bind to the egg's outer layer.
Azoospermia (Zero Sperm Count)
Sperm retrieved surgically from the testis or epididymis by TESA, PESA or micro-TESE needs ICSI.
Ejaculation Problems
Retrograde ejaculation or spinal cord injury, where only a few sperm can be collected.
Antisperm Antibodies
Antibodies that stop sperm from moving or binding to the egg normally.
👩 Other situations
Previous IVF Fertilization Failure
No or very low fertilization in an earlier conventional IVF cycle.
Frozen Sperm or Frozen Eggs
Sperm stored before cancer treatment, or eggs frozen earlier, usually fertilize better with ICSI.
Genetic Testing of Embryos (PGT)
ICSI avoids extra sperm sticking to the embryo, keeping genetic test results clean.
Few Eggs Collected
When only a small number of eggs are retrieved, ICSI may be advised to make the most of each one.
Unexplained Infertility
In selected couples with repeated unexplained failures, after discussion with your specialist.
Donor Sperm or Donor Eggs
ICSI can be combined with donor gametes when medically advised.
ℹ️ This is general patient education. Your semen analysis, hormone tests and treatment history decide whether ICSI is right for you. Looking for wider care? See our male infertility and fertility treatments.
ICSI vs IVF vs IUI: What Is the Difference?
ICSI is not separate from IVF. It changes only the fertilization step. IUI is a simpler treatment where fertilization happens inside the body.
| Feature | IUI | Conventional IVF | ICSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where fertilization happens | Inside the body | In the lab; sperm enters the egg on its own | In the lab; one sperm injected into each egg |
| Best suited for | Mild sperm issues, ovulation problems, unexplained infertility with open tubes | Blocked tubes, endometriosis, failed IUI, normal sperm | Severe male factor, azoospermia, past fertilization failure, frozen sperm or eggs |
| Sperm needed | Good number of moving sperm | Good number of moving sperm | Only one healthy sperm per egg |
| Egg collection | Not needed | Needed | Needed |
| Fertilization failure risk | Not measurable | Higher when sperm quality is poor | Low; most mature eggs fertilize |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Moderate | IVF cost plus an ICSI lab charge |
Read more about IVF treatment in Chennai and IUI treatment in Chennai.
Tests and Preparation Before ICSI
A complete check of both partners helps your specialist plan the right stimulation and sperm approach.
Tests for the woman
- AMH and FSH (egg reserve)
- Transvaginal ultrasound and antral follicle count
- Thyroid, prolactin and sugar levels
- Uterus check (hysteroscopy if needed)
Tests for the man
- Semen analysis (count, motility, morphology)
- Sperm DNA fragmentation if advised
- Hormones (FSH, testosterone) for azoospermia
- Genetic tests when count is extremely low
Lifestyle preparation
- Stop smoking and alcohol for both partners
- Folic acid for the woman as prescribed
- Healthy weight, sleep and stress control
- Men: avoid hot baths and laptops on the lap
ICSI Procedure: How ICSI Treatment Works
Here is what happens in a typical ICSI cycle at The Hive Fertility Clinic, from the first visit to the pregnancy test.
Consultation and fertility evaluation
Our specialist reviews your history and reports, orders tests for both partners and explains whether ICSI is needed and why.
1 to 2 visitsOvarian stimulation
Daily hormone injections help several eggs grow at once. Follicle growth is tracked with ultrasound scans and blood tests so the dose can be adjusted safely.
About 10 to 12 daysTrigger injection
When follicles reach the right size, a trigger injection completes egg maturation. Egg collection is timed about 34 to 36 hours later.
1 injectionEgg collection and sperm preparation
Eggs are collected through a thin needle under short anaesthesia. On the same day the semen sample is processed in the lab, or sperm is retrieved surgically by TESA or PESA if needed.
Day procedure, 20 to 30 minutesThe ICSI step: sperm injection
Under a high-power microscope, the embryologist holds each mature egg steady, selects one healthy sperm, immobilises it and injects it into the egg with a micro-needle.
Same day as egg collectionFertilization check and embryo culture
Fertilization is checked the next morning. Embryos are grown in the lab and graded daily until they reach the cleavage (day 3) or blastocyst (day 5) stage.
3 to 5 daysEmbryo transfer and pregnancy test
The best embryo is placed in the uterus with a soft catheter, usually without anaesthesia. Extra good-quality embryos can be frozen. A blood pregnancy test (beta hCG) follows.
Test 12 to 14 days after transferSperm Retrieval and Techniques Used With ICSI
Depending on your reports, your specialist may combine ICSI with one of these. Each is advised only when it is likely to help.
TESA and PESA
Minor needle procedures that take sperm from the testis (TESA) or epididymis (PESA) in men with obstructive azoospermia.
Micro-TESE
A microsurgical search for sperm-producing tissue in men with non-obstructive azoospermia, followed by ICSI.
IMSI
Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection uses very high magnification to select sperm. Studies have not shown a clear benefit over standard ICSI for most couples.
PICSI (Physiological ICSI)
Selects mature sperm by their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid. It may be considered in selected cases; routine use has not shown better live birth rates.
Blastocyst culture and embryo freezing
Growing embryos to day 5 helps pick the strongest one. Extra embryos are frozen for future transfers without repeating stimulation.
Sperm DNA fragmentation testing
Checks damage in the sperm's genetic material, which can affect embryo quality and guide how sperm is chosen for ICSI.
ICSI Success Rate: What Affects Your Chances
ICSI success is measured in two ways. The fertilization rate is usually around 70 to 80 percent of mature eggs injected. The pregnancy rate per cycle depends mostly on the woman's age and embryo quality.
ICSI success rate by age (own eggs)
Bars show the general trend, not exact percentages. Over 40, embryo genetic testing or donor eggs may be discussed.
What raises ICSI success
- Younger age of the female partner
- Good egg reserve and more mature eggs
- Good-grade blastocyst embryos
- Healthy, receptive uterine lining
- Frozen embryos for later transfers
What lowers ICSI success
- Female age above 38 to 40
- Low egg numbers or poor egg quality
- High sperm DNA fragmentation
- Fibroids, polyps or thin lining
- Smoking, high BMI, uncontrolled thyroid or sugar
The Hive Fertility Clinic's overall success rate is 80%. Your personal chance with ICSI is explained after your tests, based on your age, reports and history.
Care After ICSI Embryo Transfer
The 12 to 14 days between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test can feel long. These simple steps help.
Do
- Take support medicines on time
- Walk and do light housework
- Eat balanced home meals and drink water
- Sleep well and keep stress low
Avoid
- Smoking and alcohol
- Heavy lifting and intense workouts
- Hot tubs and saunas
- Medicines not approved by your doctor
Call your doctor if
- Severe abdominal pain or bloating
- Breathlessness or very low urine output
- Heavy bleeding
- Fever
Mild cramps or spotting can happen with or without pregnancy. Home urine tests can be misleading this early, so wait for the blood test.
Why ICSI Fails and What Happens Next
Common reasons for ICSI failure
- Poor egg quality, often linked to age
- Chromosomal problems in the embryo
- High sperm DNA damage
- Uterine lining not receptive at transfer
- Fibroids, polyps, adhesions or endometriosis
How we plan the next attempt
- Detailed review of stimulation, eggs and embryo grades
- Change in medicine protocol where needed
- Hysteroscopy to check the uterine cavity
- Sperm DNA testing and sperm selection changes
- Embryo genetic testing (PGT) when advised
ICSI Treatment Cost in Chennai
There is no single fixed price for ICSI, because every couple needs a different medicine dose and set of lab procedures. At The Hive Fertility Clinic you receive a written, itemised estimate after your consultation and tests, before the cycle begins.
What a typical ICSI cycle includes
- Consultation and monitoring scans
- Ovarian stimulation medicines
- Egg collection with anaesthesia
- ICSI laboratory procedure and embryo culture
- Embryo transfer
What can change the ICSI cost
- Medicine dose needed for stimulation
- Surgical sperm retrieval (TESA, PESA, micro-TESE)
- Embryo freezing and frozen embryo transfer
- Genetic testing of embryos (PGT)
- Number of cycles needed
Is ICSI Safe? Risks and Side Effects
ICSI has been used worldwide for over three decades. Like any fertility treatment, it carries some risks that your doctor will explain before you start.
Risks linked to the IVF cycle
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), lowered with careful monitoring and tailored doses
- Mild bloating, cramps or spotting after egg collection
- Multiple pregnancy if more than one embryo is transferred
Risks linked to the ICSI step
- A small number of eggs may be damaged during injection
- A slightly higher chance of some conditions in babies, mostly linked to the underlying male infertility
- Some genetic causes of male infertility can pass to a son; genetic tests may be advised first
⚖️ Sex selection is prohibited in India under the PCPNDT Act. ICSI is used only to help fertilization.
Common ICSI Myths, Answered
Best ICSI Treatment in Chennai: Why Couples Choose The Hive
As a fertility clinic in Chennai with 8 centres, we bring male and female fertility care, embryology and pregnancy care under one network.
Founder-led specialists
Care planned under founder Dr. Niveditha Amilthan and our team of fertility specialists.
In-house embryology
Sperm preparation, ICSI, embryo culture and freezing handled by our embryology team.
Both partners assessed
ICSI is chosen only when reports show it will help, not as a default add-on.
8 clinics in Chennai
Consultations and scans close to home, north to south Chennai.
ICSI Treatment Near You in Chennai
Book an ICSI consultation at the Hive IVF clinic in Chennai closest to you.
ஐசிஎஸ்ஐ (ICSI) சிகிச்சை என்றால் என்ன?
ஐசிஎஸ்ஐ என்பது IVF சிகிச்சையின் ஒரு மேம்பட்ட முறை. இதில் ஒரு ஆரோக்கியமான விந்தணு நேரடியாக ஒவ்வொரு முதிர்ந்த கருமுட்டைக்குள்ளும் மிக நுண்ணிய ஊசி மூலம் செலுத்தப்படுகிறது.
யாருக்கு ஐசிஎஸ்ஐ தேவை?
- விந்தணு எண்ணிக்கை மிகக் குறைவாக இருப்பவர்கள்
- விந்தணு இயக்கம் அல்லது வடிவம் சரியில்லாதவர்கள்
- விந்தணு இல்லாமை (Azoospermia): TESA / PESA மூலம் எடுக்கப்பட்ட விந்தணு
- முந்தைய IVF சிகிச்சையில் கருவுறுதல் நடக்காதவர்கள்
ஒரு ஐசிஎஸ்ஐ சுழற்சி பரிசோதனை முதல் கர்ப்ப பரிசோதனை வரை சுமார் 4 முதல் 6 வாரங்கள் ஆகும். சென்னையில் உள்ள எங்கள் 8 ஹைவ் ஃபெர்டிலிட்டி கிளினிக்குகளில் ஆலோசனை பெறலாம்.
ICSI Treatment FAQs
What is ICSI treatment?
What is the full form of ICSI?
What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?
Which is better, IVF or ICSI?
How much does ICSI treatment cost in Chennai?
What is the success rate of ICSI?
What is the ICSI success rate in the first attempt?
Can ICSI help men with zero sperm count (azoospermia)?
Is ICSI painful?
How long does one ICSI cycle take?
Are babies born through ICSI healthy?
Does ICSI increase the chance of twins?
Can we choose the gender of the baby with ICSI?
What should I avoid after ICSI embryo transfer?
Why does ICSI fail?
How many ICSI cycles are needed to get pregnant?
Can ICSI be done with frozen sperm or donor sperm?
Where can I get the best ICSI treatment in Chennai?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Niveditha Amilthan, Founder, The Hive Fertility Clinic
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026. This page is for patient education and does not replace a consultation with a fertility specialist. Meet our doctors