IVF Treatment Process – ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an assisted reproduction method in which a single sperm is collected with a fine glass needle and directly injected into each egg. This procedure is carried out in the laboratory by experienced embryologists using advanced equipment.
Our clinic stands out with its experienced and well-referenced team across all departments. By following the latest technologies and up-to-date treatments, we have been providing ethical and high-quality care for many years.
Infertility affects 1 in every 8 couples. In about half of the couples who struggle to conceive, the cause of infertility is related to the male factor, particularly sperm. ICSI is the most effective treatment method for male-factor infertility, offering the highest success rates. When combined with IVF, ICSI allows the direct injection of sperm into the egg.
ICSI is recommended in the following cases:
Unexplained infertility
Women with both fallopian tubes blocked or non-functional
Ovulation disorders and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Patients with low ovarian reserve
Endometriosis and endometrioma (“chocolate cyst”)
Advanced maternal age
Cases with abnormal sperm count or quality
Failed intrauterine insemination (IUI) attempts
Cases requiring genetic testing of embryos
Treatment Process
The first stage of treatment begins with routine tests.
On days 2–4 of her menstrual cycle, the mother-to-be begins preliminary treatment with injections to stimulate egg maturation. This stage does not necessarily require her to be at our center; it can be managed in coordination with a local doctor (preferably experienced in IVF). If the patient prefers, the entire monitoring process can also be carried out at our center. In most cases, patients spend the final week of their treatment in Cyprus.
Within 10–12 days, once the eggs reach the desired maturity, an injection is administered at the time we determine to trigger ovulation. Approximately 36 hours later, the eggs are retrieved under anesthesia. The anesthesia used is deep sedation, not full surgical anesthesia, lasting only 10–15 minutes depending on the number of eggs. The procedure is safe and pain-free for the patient.
On the day of egg retrieval, sperm cells collected from the father are injected into the eggs using the ICSI technique. The fertilized eggs are monitored in the laboratory. On the day chosen by the embryologist and doctor, the best-quality embryos are transferred into the uterus, completing the treatment. Remaining good-quality embryos are frozen and stored.
Travel and Accommodation
We support our patients with travel and accommodation arrangements. Patients may organize their own transport, lodging, and transfers, or, if they prefer, we can arrange everything on their behalf, benefiting from the special discounts provided by our partner hotels.
Stay Healthy,
Cyprus American IVF Team
Frequently Asked Questions About IVF Treatment Process
What is IVF treatment?
IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is an assisted reproductive treatment in which eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus.
What is ICSI in IVF treatment?
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a laboratory technique in which a single sperm cell is injected directly into each egg using a fine glass needle.
Why is ICSI used in IVF?
ICSI is commonly used to improve fertilization chances, especially in cases of male-factor infertility, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm quality, or previous fertilization failure.
Who can benefit from IVF with ICSI?
IVF with ICSI may be recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, PCOS, low ovarian reserve, endometriosis, advanced maternal age, abnormal sperm parameters, failed IUI attempts, or cases requiring embryo genetic testing.
Is ICSI suitable for male-factor infertility?
Yes. ICSI is one of the most effective methods for male-factor infertility because it allows a selected sperm cell to be injected directly into the egg.
How does the IVF treatment process begin?
The IVF process begins with routine medical tests. Then, on days 2 to 4 of the menstrual cycle, ovarian stimulation injections are started to help multiple eggs mature.
Does the patient need to stay at the clinic during ovarian stimulation?
No. The ovarian stimulation phase can be followed in the patient’s own country or region under the supervision of an IVF-experienced local doctor in coordination with the clinic.
How long does ovarian stimulation take?
Ovarian stimulation usually takes about 10 to 12 days. The exact duration may vary depending on ovarian response and the personalized medication protocol.
When does the patient travel to Cyprus for IVF treatment?
In most cases, patients spend the final week of treatment in Cyprus. Travel is usually planned when the eggs are close to the desired maturity and egg retrieval is scheduled.
How is egg retrieval performed?
When the eggs reach the desired maturity, a trigger injection is administered. Approximately 36 hours later, eggs are collected under deep sedation in a short and pain-free procedure.
Is egg retrieval painful?
Egg retrieval is not usually painful because it is performed under deep sedation. The procedure generally lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of eggs collected.
What happens on the day of egg retrieval?
On the day of egg retrieval, sperm cells collected from the male partner are injected into the eggs using the ICSI technique. The fertilized eggs are then monitored in the laboratory.
When is embryo transfer performed?
Embryo transfer is performed on the day selected by the embryologist and doctor, depending on embryo development and treatment planning.
How are embryos selected for transfer?
Embryos are monitored in the laboratory, and the best-quality embryos are selected for transfer based on their development and clinical evaluation.
What happens to remaining good-quality embryos?
Remaining good-quality embryos can be frozen and stored for future use, depending on the patient’s treatment plan and clinic policy.
Does IVF with ICSI guarantee pregnancy?
No. IVF with ICSI does not guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on age, ovarian reserve, egg quality, sperm quality, embryo development, uterine health, and overall treatment planning.
Can IVF with ICSI be used after failed IUI?
Yes. IVF with ICSI may be recommended after unsuccessful intrauterine insemination attempts, especially when sperm quality, age, or other fertility factors reduce the chance of pregnancy.
Can genetic testing be combined with ICSI?
Yes. When embryo genetic testing is required, ICSI is commonly used to fertilize the eggs before embryos are biopsied and analyzed.
Is travel and accommodation support available?
Yes. Patients may organize their own travel, accommodation, and transfers, or they may receive support from the clinic through hotel options and transfer arrangements.
What should couples consider before IVF with ICSI?
Couples should understand the testing process, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, ICSI fertilization, embryo transfer, possible embryo freezing, success rates, travel planning, and personalized treatment requirements.
