ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) in Sharjah
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an advanced fertilization technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. At Enjab Medical Centre in Sharjah, ICSI is performed as part of an IVF cycle (/specialities/fertility/ivf) and is particularly effective for male factor infertility, including severe oligozoospermia, poor motility, or when sperm is surgically retrieved. If you are researching ICSI Sharjah or male infertility treatment UAE, our experienced embryology team provides high fertilization rates and individualized care.
Fertility / icsi
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) in Sharjah
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an advanced fertilization technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. At Enjab Medical Centre in Sharjah, ICSI is performed as part of an IVF cycle (/specialities/fertility/ivf) and is particularly effective for male factor infertility, including severe oligozoospermia, poor motility, or when sperm is surgically retrieved. If you are researching ICSI Sharjah or male infertility treatment UAE, our experienced embryology team provides high fertilization rates and individualized care.
In conventional IVF, eggs and sperm are placed together and fertilization occurs naturally. With ICSI, our embryologists select a single sperm and inject it directly into the egg cytoplasm using specialized micromanipulation equipment under high magnification. This bypasses barriers to fertilization caused by low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, or anti-sperm antibodies. ICSI is the preferred fertilization method for surgically retrieved sperm (TESA, PESA, micro-TESE) and for couples with prior failed fertilization in conventional IVF.
ICSI is recommended when sperm-related factors make conventional IVF unlikely to succeed. Your fertility specialist and embryologist will advise whether ICSI is appropriate for your situation.
- • Low sperm count (oligozoospermia) or very low sperm concentration
- • Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
- • Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia)
- • Previous failed fertilization or low fertilization rate with conventional IVF
- • Sperm retrieved surgically (TESA, PESA, TESE, micro-TESE) for azoospermia
- • Use of frozen sperm with limited numbers or post-thaw motility
- • Anti-sperm antibodies affecting sperm function
- • Unexplained fertilization failure despite normal semen analysis
- • Use of frozen eggs (ICSI is standard for frozen-thawed oocytes)
ICSI process: step-by-step at Enjab Medical Centre
Fertility evaluation and male factor assessment
Before starting, we evaluate both partners. For the male partner, this includes semen analysis (/specialities/fertility/male-fertility-consultation), and if needed, hormonal tests or scrotal ultrasound. For azoospermia, we discuss surgical sperm retrieval options.
Ovarian stimulation (same as IVF)
The female partner undergoes controlled ovarian stimulation with hormone injections to develop multiple eggs. Monitoring with ultrasound and blood tests ensures optimal timing.
Egg retrieval
Mature eggs are collected via transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration under sedation. This is the same procedure as in conventional IVF (/specialities/fertility/ivf).
Sperm collection and preparation
A fresh semen sample is provided on the day of egg retrieval (or frozen sperm is thawed). If surgical retrieval is needed, TESA/PESA/TESE is coordinated on the same day. The sample is processed to select the best individual sperm.
ICSI procedure
Using a fine glass needle and micromanipulation equipment, our embryologist injects a single selected sperm directly into each mature egg. This is performed under high magnification with precision and care.
Fertilization check and embryo culture
The next morning, we assess fertilization (presence of two pronuclei). Fertilized eggs develop into embryos over 3–5 days in controlled incubators. We monitor embryo development and grade embryos at cleavage or blastocyst stage.
Embryo transfer
One or more embryos are transferred to the uterus using a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance. Surplus quality embryos can be frozen for future use (/specialities/fertility/embryo-freezing).
Luteal support and pregnancy test
Progesterone support continues after transfer. A blood pregnancy test (beta-hCG) is performed approximately 10–14 days later. If positive, early ultrasound confirms pregnancy.
- • High fertilization rates even with severe male factor infertility
- • Enables pregnancy with surgically retrieved sperm (azoospermia cases)
- • Overcomes previous fertilization failures in conventional IVF
- • Allows treatment when sperm numbers or motility are critically low
- • Standard method for frozen eggs (oocyte cryopreservation cycles)
- • Can be combined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) when indicated
- • Provides a clear path forward for couples with male factor as the primary barrier
- • ICSI carries the same risks as IVF treatment (OHSS, procedural risks, emotional stress)
- • Small risk of egg damage during injection (typically <5% of eggs)
- • Fertilization is not guaranteed—egg quality and other factors still matter
- • Success rates depend on maternal age, ovarian reserve, and embryo quality, not just sperm factors
- • Slightly higher cost than conventional IVF due to micromanipulation
- • Long-term studies show children conceived via ICSI develop normally, but we discuss any specific concerns during consultation
Our ICSI program in Sharjah is supported by experienced embryologists, advanced micromanipulation equipment, and a comprehensive approach to male factor infertility. We serve couples from across the UAE.
Skilled embryologists with extensive ICSI and micromanipulation experience
Modern embryology laboratory with time-lapse monitoring
High fertilization rates for male factor and surgical retrieval cases
Coordination with male fertility consultation and surgical sperm retrieval
Transparent guidance about ICSI cost in Sharjah and expected outcomes
Convenient location serving Dubai, Ajman, and the wider UAE
FAQs
Is ICSI better than conventional IVF?
ICSI is not necessarily better for everyone—it is more appropriate for specific indications, particularly male factor infertility or frozen egg cycles. For couples with normal sperm parameters, conventional IVF can achieve similar results. Your doctor and embryologist will recommend the best approach for your situation.
Does ICSI guarantee fertilization?
ICSI significantly improves fertilization rates in male factor cases, but it cannot guarantee fertilization. Egg quality also plays a critical role. Fertilization rates with ICSI are typically 60–80% of mature eggs.
How much does ICSI cost in Sharjah?
ICSI cost in Sharjah includes the IVF cycle plus the micromanipulation procedure. We provide a detailed estimate after your consultation, including medications and any additional procedures like surgical sperm retrieval.
Are ICSI babies healthy?
Large studies and long-term follow-up show that children conceived through ICSI develop normally. There may be a slightly increased risk of certain conditions related to the underlying male factor, which we discuss during consultation.
What if no sperm is found in the ejaculate (azoospermia)?
For men with azoospermia, we can often retrieve sperm surgically (TESA, PESA, micro-TESE) and use it for ICSI. Your male fertility specialist will evaluate whether obstruction or sperm production is the cause and recommend the best retrieval approach.
Can ICSI be combined with genetic testing?
Yes. Embryos created with ICSI can undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A for aneuploidy or PGT-M for specific genetic conditions) at the blastocyst stage before transfer.
Trusted by Leading Insurance Providers
Ready to take the first step toward better health?
Our team of specialists is here to provide you with personalized, compassionate care.