How ICSI Treatment Helps Couples with Male Infertility Conceive
October 31, 2026 · 7 min read
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
A common problem that is rarely talked about
Male-factor infertility is involved in around 40% of couples who struggle to conceive. Yet many men delay seeking help, often out of embarrassment or the mistaken belief that fertility is "a woman's problem". ICSI has transformed the outlook: even men with extremely low sperm counts can now father children. At AMVI Hospitals, the complete male fertility assessment and ICSI pathway is available under one roof.
What is male infertility?
Male infertility means a man's sperm can't fertilise an egg successfully. The most common reasons are a low sperm count, poor sperm movement, abnormal sperm shape, or a blockage that stops sperm being released. A simple, painless semen analysis can identify the problem.
Common causes, and how ICSI helps
Low sperm count (oligospermia). A healthy sample contains at least 15 million sperm per millilitre. A lower count doesn't make conception impossible: ICSI needs only one healthy sperm for each egg.
No sperm in the semen (azoospermia). This can be caused by a blockage or a production problem. Even then, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testis by TESA (testicular sperm aspiration) and used for ICSI.
Poor sperm motility (asthenospermia). Sperm that swim poorly can't reach the egg naturally. ICSI bypasses the problem by placing the sperm directly into the egg.
Abnormal sperm shape (teratospermia). Shape affects a sperm's ability to penetrate the egg. With ICSI, the embryologist selects the best-shaped sperm under the microscope.
What is ICSI?
ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In standard IVF, sperm and eggs are placed together and fertilisation happens on its own. In ICSI, a single healthy sperm is selected under a high-powered microscope and injected directly into a mature egg, bypassing problems with sperm count, movement and shape.
- It works even with an extremely low sperm count
- It works when sperm can't swim
- It works with sperm retrieved surgically (TESA) in azoospermia
- Typically, around 70–80% of injected eggs fertilise
- Most babies born after ICSI are healthy; your doctor can explain the small additional risks
ICSI treatment, step by step
Step 1: ovarian stimulation. The female partner takes hormone injections for about 10–12 days to help several eggs develop, with follicle-monitoring scans to time the egg collection precisely.
Step 2: egg collection and sperm collection. The eggs are collected in a minor procedure under sedation. The male partner gives a semen sample the same day; if there is azoospermia, sperm are retrieved by TESA under local anaesthesia, which takes about 15 minutes.
Step 3: ICSI fertilisation. The embryologist examines the sperm under a high-powered microscope, selects the best-quality sperm, and injects one into each mature egg using a microscopic needle. Fertilisation is checked the next day.
Step 4: embryo development and transfer. Fertilised eggs develop into embryos over 3–5 days. The best embryo is transferred to the uterus in a simple procedure, and other good-quality embryos can be frozen for future attempts without repeating stimulation.
Dr. Shaivalini's advice
"The biggest mistake I see couples make is waiting. A semen analysis is quick and can give you answers that change everything. If you have been trying for 6 months and the female partner's tests are normal, get the male partner tested. Don't leave half of the picture unexplored." — Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
Things that temporarily reduce sperm quality
- Long periods with a laptop on the lap (heat)
- Tight underwear, which raises the temperature of the testes
- Smoking, which reduces sperm count and movement
- Heavy drinking, which affects sperm DNA
- A high fever, after which sperm quality can stay lower for up to 3 months
- Anabolic steroids, which severely suppress sperm production
Key points
- Around 40% of infertility involves a male factor, so always test both partners
- A semen analysis is simple, quick and painless; do it early
- ICSI works even with a severely reduced sperm count or no sperm in the semen
- Earlier treatment means more options and better outcomes
At AMVI Hospitals, every male fertility case is handled with complete privacy and sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
Giving the sample takes about 30 minutes, and results are usually ready within 24 to 48 hours. You can have the test at AMVI Hospitals, where complete privacy is maintained.
Sometimes, yes. If the cause is hormonal (such as low testosterone or a thyroid problem), hormone treatment can restore sperm production. If it is caused by a varicocele, surgery can improve sperm quality. A proper evaluation shows which approach is right.
TESA (testicular sperm aspiration) is done under local anaesthesia, so the area is numb. Most men feel only mild discomfort, similar to having blood taken. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, and recovery usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
Yes. Sperm take about 72 days (roughly 3 months) to develop, so changes you make today improve the sample used about 3 months later. Stopping smoking, cutting down alcohol, managing weight and avoiding heat all help. Your doctor will give you specific advice before your ICSI cycle.
ICSI adds to the cost of a standard IVF cycle, because of the extra embryology work involved; in Hyderabad it typically adds about ₹20,000 to ₹30,000. The full cost of your treatment plan is explained at your consultation.
Have questions about this?
Talk it through with our team at Puppalaguda or Attapur.