ICSI Treatment in Kompally Hyderabad

What is ICSI?

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF where a single carefully selected sperm is injected directly into a mature egg using a glass microneedle. The fertilised egg is cultured in the embryology lab, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.

ICSI was developed specifically to overcome male factor infertility — conditions where sperm quality, count, or motility is insufficient for fertilisation to occur naturally in conventional IVF. It is now one of the most commonly performed assisted reproductive procedures worldwide, with over three decades of documented safety data behind it.

At Cloudnine Hospital Kompally, ICSI is performed under Dr Bhavana Nallapu's direct supervision in an in-house embryology laboratory. No embryology procedures are outsourced.

When is ICSI recommended?

Dr Bhavana recommends ICSI when male factor infertility is identified, or when previous IVF cycles have produced poor fertilisation results:

Low sperm count (oligospermia) Poor sperm motility (asthenospermia) Abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia) No sperm in ejaculate (azoospermia) — with TESA/PESA Prior IVF with zero or very low fertilisation rate Anti-sperm antibodies detected Frozen or surgically retrieved sperm being used Genetic testing (PGT) required — ICSI ensures reliable fertilisation Unexplained infertility after failed conventional IVF

ICSI vs. conventional IVF — what changes?

Conventional IVF

Thousands of sperm are placed with each egg in a dish. Fertilisation requires the sperm to penetrate the egg independently. Needs adequate sperm parameters.

ICSI

One hand-selected sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. Bypasses the sperm's need to penetrate the egg — making fertilisation possible even with severely compromised sperm.

Conventional IVF — fertilisation

60–80% of mature eggs fertilise when sperm quality is within normal range.

ICSI — fertilisation

70–85% of injected mature eggs fertilise — even with very poor sperm parameters. Results vary by individual case.

How ICSI is performed — step by step

1

Ovarian StimulationDaily hormone injections stimulate the ovaries to grow multiple follicles. Dr Bhavana monitors your response with ultrasound and blood tests every 2–3 days — typically over 10–14 days.

2

Trigger & Egg RetrievalOnce follicles are mature, a trigger injection is given. Egg retrieval happens 34–36 hours later — a 20–30 minute day procedure under light sedation. Same-day discharge.

3

Sperm Collection or Surgical RetrievalA semen sample is collected on retrieval day. If azoospermia is present, sperm are retrieved via TESA or PESA — a minor surgical procedure performed the same day.

4

Sperm SelectionAn embryologist examines all available sperm under high magnification and selects the single best candidate for each egg. This selection step is what makes ICSI different from conventional IVF.

5

MicroinjectionThe selected sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of each mature egg using a glass microneedle and a high-powered microscope. One sperm per egg.

6

Fertilisation Check & Embryo CultureEggs are assessed 16–18 hours after injection for fertilisation. Successfully fertilised eggs are cultured for 3–5 days in controlled laboratory conditions.

7

Embryo TransferThe best-quality embryo is selected and transferred into the uterus — a 10–15 minute procedure requiring no sedation. Good-quality remaining embryos are vitrified for future FET cycles.

Duration & Timelines

Admission required?	No. ICSI is managed as an outpatient cycle. All procedures, including egg retrieval, are day procedures.
Stimulation phase	10–14 days of daily injections with monitoring scans every 2–3 days.
Egg retrieval	20–30 minutes under light sedation. Same-day discharge.
Embryo transfer	10–15 minutes. No sedation required. You leave immediately after.
Total cycle duration	4–6 weeks from first injection to pregnancy test.
Clinic visits	Approximately 5–7 visits per cycle for monitoring, retrieval, and transfer.
Pregnancy test	Blood test (beta hCG) 14 days after embryo transfer.

Recovery & Aftercare

Return to desk work within 24–48 hours after egg retrieval. Avoid strenuous activity for 3–5 days.

Mild bloating and pelvic discomfort after retrieval are normal and typically settle within 2–3 days.

Progesterone luteal support begins after retrieval — take exactly as prescribed without gaps in doses.

Avoid vigorous exercise, swimming, and intercourse during the two-week wait following embryo transfer.

Written post-procedure instructions are provided. Dr Bhavana's team remains reachable throughout the cycle.

Seek same-day review if severe pelvic pain, sudden abdominal bloating, or very low urine output develop — signs of OHSS.

Heavy vaginal bleeding or fever after egg retrieval — contact the clinic immediately.

Success & Outcomes

Fertilisation Rate

ICSI achieves fertilisation in approximately 70–85% of injected mature eggs, even in cases of severe male factor infertility where conventional IVF would yield little or no fertilisation. Results vary by individual case.

Pregnancy Rates

Overall pregnancy rates depend on embryo quality, maternal age, uterine health, and the underlying diagnosis — not on ICSI alone. Dr Bhavana provides a realistic, case-specific estimate before any cycle begins.

Male Factor Resolution

ICSI has made biological parenthood possible for couples where severe male factor infertility — including azoospermia — would previously have required donor sperm. Surgically retrieved sperm can be used successfully.

Frozen Embryos

Good-quality surplus embryos are vitrified and stored. These can be used in future FET cycles at significantly lower cost and without repeating the full stimulation process.

If male factor infertility is not addressed

Poor sperm parameters do not improve on their own in most cases. In couples where male factor infertility is the primary cause, continuing to attempt natural conception or repeated IUI cycles without addressing the root problem reduces the overall probability of success while time passes. ICSI allows couples with significant male factor issues to proceed to treatment directly — avoiding cycles of failed simpler treatments. As maternal age advances, the benefit of earlier intervention increases further.

Frequently Asked Questions

ICSI has been performed since 1992 and has an extensive safety record. Large population studies show no significant increase in birth defect rates in ICSI-conceived children compared to naturally conceived children. Any marginal differences seen in older studies are largely attributed to underlying parental infertility factors rather than to the ICSI procedure itself.

Not necessarily. For mild male factor infertility, conventional IVF may be the right starting point. The decision depends on the severity of sperm abnormalities, your age, how long you have been trying, and prior treatment history. Dr Bhavana evaluates all parameters before recommending ICSI over conventional IVF.

Yes. In cases of obstructive azoospermia, sperm can be retrieved directly from the testes (TESA) or epididymis (PESA). These surgically retrieved sperm are then used in ICSI. Results depend on the cause of azoospermia and the quality of sperm found at retrieval — all discussed in detail at your consultation.

Total fertilisation failure in a conventional IVF cycle is a strong indication to switch to ICSI for subsequent attempts. Dr Bhavana reviews the embryology findings from the failed cycle in detail before planning the next protocol — including whether ICSI, modified stimulation, or both are appropriate.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)