What ICSI adds
In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together and fertilisation happens on its own. In intracytoplasmic sperm injection, an embryologist selects a single sperm and injects it directly into the egg. It bypasses the steps where sperm normally have to penetrate the egg's outer layers.
When ICSI is indicated
- Severe male factor infertility: very low count, poor motility or abnormal morphology.
- Sperm obtained surgically, for example in obstructive azoospermia.
- Previous cycle with failed or very low fertilisation in standard IVF.
- Use of frozen eggs or in some cases of preimplantation genetic testing.
When it is not automatically better
ICSI is not a general upgrade. It adds laboratory handling and cost, and it bypasses some natural sperm selection. For couples with normal semen parameters and a good fertilisation history, standard IVF is often appropriate. A clinic that performs ICSI on every cycle without a stated reason is worth questioning.
What the cycle involves
The stimulation and retrieval stages are identical to standard IVF. The difference is entirely in the laboratory. Time in China is therefore the same: roughly two to three weeks for a fresh cycle.
Legal position in China: assisted reproduction is regulated and available only to married couples, using their own gametes. Surrogacy, egg donation for commercial purposes and non-medical sex selection are prohibited. Any clinic offering those services is operating outside the law, and we do not cover them. Eligibility is confirmed by the hospital against your marriage certificate and identity documents before treatment starts.
Common questions
Does ICSI improve success rates?
It improves fertilisation rates in cases of male factor infertility. It does not improve implantation or live birth rates when semen parameters are normal.
Is ICSI more expensive?
Usually yes, because of the additional laboratory work. We do not publish prices; ask for a written quotation.
Can ICSI be used with frozen sperm?
Yes, including surgically retrieved and frozen samples in many cases.
Does ICSI increase birth defect risk?
Studies show a small association, largely confounded by the underlying infertility. This should be discussed with the clinician rather than assumed.