ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an assisted reproduction technique used as part of an IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment. It enables couples in which the man has been diagnosed with fertility issues to have a child of their own. The semen is provided in a sample or a testicular biopsy – if necessary. Embryologists individually select the best sperm, which is subsequently used to fertilise the eggs.

When the ultrasound scans show that the follicles have reached an adequate size and therefore are likely to contain a suitable number of eggs, we schedule the egg collection process. Some 36 hours before the procedure an injection of the hormone hCG is administered. This makes the eggs mature in a similar way to the way they would naturally.

The egg collection is carried out in the operating theatre under sedation and lasts approximately 15 minutes. Once the procedure is completed, you will need to stay in the clinic at least an hour, but you can go home the same day. You’ll need someone to pick you up, and you shouldn’t drive for the rest of the day, because of the anaesthetic.

The resulting embryos are observed in the laboratory and are classified according to their morphology and their ability to divide. Not every embryo will carry on developing so the decision about when to complete the embryo transfer will depend on the number and quality of your embryos.

Once the embryo transfer has been made, we vitrify the remaining good quality embryos so that they can be used in a later cycle without the need for further ovarian stimulation.