ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is an advanced form of IVF in which a single healthy sperm is injected directly into a single egg in the laboratory, rather than leaving fertilisation to happen on its own. It is most often used for male-factor infertility. At UCARER Women's Health (Uçarer Kadın Sağlığı) in Istanbul, ICSI is performed as part of IVF care led by Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer, MD, an active ESHRE and ÜTCD member.
How is ICSI different from standard IVF?
In standard IVF, prepared eggs and sperm are placed together and fertilisation occurs naturally in the dish. In ICSI, an embryologist selects one sperm and injects it directly into each mature egg. Every other step — ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo culture and transfer — is the same as IVF. (See our IVF page for the full process.)
When is ICSI recommended?
ICSI may be advised after assessment when there is:
- Male-factor infertility — low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal morphology
- Sperm obtained surgically (e.g. TESE/micro-TESE) for azoospermia
- Previous IVF with poor or failed fertilisation
- Use of frozen sperm, or very few eggs available
An honest note: for couples without male-factor infertility, international evidence does not show that ICSI improves the chance of a baby compared with standard IVF. Your doctor will recommend ICSI only when it is clinically justified.
ICSI success rates — international data
Success depends mainly on the female partner's age and egg quality, as with IVF. Across Europe (ESHRE/EIM, 2022 data), the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was about 33% for ICSI — very similar to standard IVF (~33%), and about 37% for frozen transfers.¹ These are large-registry population figures, not a promise about an individual outcome; your doctor will give you a realistic estimate for your situation.
Source: ¹ ESHRE/EIM, ART in Europe (2022 data) — link in References.
Why UCARER Women's Health
- Led by Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer, MD — member of ESHRE, ÜTCD and TJOD.
- Ministry of Health–authorised for international health tourism (T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı certificate).
- Acıbadem hospital collaboration — laboratory and surgical steps supported within an internationally recognised, JCI-accredited group (in collaboration; UCARER does not claim its own JCI accreditation).
- Multilingual support in 7 languages; transparent information on costs before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is ICSI better than IVF?
Not automatically. ICSI is better for male-factor infertility. Without a male factor, it does not improve outcomes over standard IVF. The choice is made with your doctor.
Is ICSI safe?
ICSI is a well-established technique used worldwide for decades. Your doctor will discuss any individual considerations with you.
Can ICSI be used with surgically retrieved sperm?
Yes — ICSI is commonly used with sperm obtained by procedures such as TESE/micro-TESE.
Does age affect ICSI success?
Yes — as with IVF, the female partner's age is the most important factor.
References
- ESHRE / European IVF Monitoring (EIM) — ART in Europe (2022 data). https://www.focusonreproduction.eu/press-releases/ivf-and-iui-pregnancy-rates-remain-stable-across-europedespite-an-increasing-uptake-of-single-embryo-transfer/
Written for UCARER Women's Health. Medically reviewed by Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer, MD — member of ESHRE, ÜTCD and TJOD. Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. For general information only; not a substitute for personal medical advice.
