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The biology of controlling fertilityIntra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Fertility is the ability to produce offspring. Fertility is continuous in males and cyclical in females. Infertility can have a number of causes and there are a range of infertility treatments that work in different ways. Physical and chemical methods of contraception can prevent fertilisation and pregnancy.

Part of Human BiologyPhysiology and Health

Treatments for infertility - Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Figure caption,
A computer monitor showing intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

ICSI can be used when:

  • sperm counts are low
  • mature sperm are abnormally shaped or don't move normally
  • where sperm needs to be removed surgically
  • frozen sperm that has reduced in quality is being used

A sample of sperm is collected and the head of the sperm is drawn into a needle and injected directly into the egg in order to increase chances of fertilisation.