You may have heard of IVF—but what about ICSI?
If you or your partner are facing male factor infertility, your doctor may recommend ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) as part of your fertility journey. It’s one of the most advanced fertilisation techniques—and it’s widely available in Singapore.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- What ICSI is and how it differs from traditional IVF
- When it’s recommended
- Where to get ICSI treatment in Singapore—and how much it costs
Whether you’re just exploring options or deep into treatment planning, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
What Is ICSI?
ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection—a lab-based procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
It’s used as part of an IVF cycle, and it’s especially helpful in cases where the sperm may not be able to fertilise the egg on its own.
💡 Think of ICSI as IVF with a precision tool. Instead of letting sperm swim to the egg naturally (as in conventional IVF), an embryologist handpicks and injects a sperm cell directly into the egg using a microscopic needle.
When Is ICSI Recommended?
ICSI is most commonly used when there are issues with sperm quality or quantity, including:
- Low sperm count (oligospermia)
- Poor sperm motility (asthenospermia)
- Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
- Obstructive azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate but present in testes)
- Previous failed fertilisation with IVF
- Use of frozen, surgically retrieved, or donor sperm
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ICSI is used in nearly 70–80% of IVF cycles involving male infertility.¹
ICSI vs IVF: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | IVF | IVF + ICSI |
| Fertilisation Method | Eggs and sperm mixed in lab | One sperm injected into each egg |
| Used For | General infertility, female factor | Male factor infertility |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (adds ~$2,000–$3,000) |
| Embryologist Role | Observes fertilisation | Actively performs injection |
| Fertilisation Rate | 60–70% | 70–85% (if male factor present) |
💡 ICSI doesn’t increase the number of embryos, but it can improve fertilisation chances if sperm struggles to do the job naturally.
Where to Get ICSI in Singapore
ICSI is offered at all major MOH-approved ART centres in Singapore.
Public Hospitals (With Subsidies)
1. KKH (KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital)
- Offers ICSI for eligible cases
- Part of subsidised IVF program
- Great for citizens and PRs seeking co-funding
2. NUH (National University Hospital)
- Specialises in complex male and female infertility cases
- Academic and research-based approach
3. SGH (Singapore General Hospital)
- Offers ICSI through CARE (Centre for Assisted Reproduction)
- Suitable for those managing other conditions at SGH
ICSI Costs in Singapore
ICSI is not a standalone procedure—it’s an add-on to IVF.
| Provider Type | IVF + ICSI Total Cost (est.) |
| Public Hospital | $9,000–$11,000 (with subsidy) |
| Private Clinic | $14,000–$22,000 |
| ICSI Add-On Cost | +$1,500–$3,000 |
Funding Support:
- MediSave: Can be used for ICSI + IVF (up to $6,000 per cycle)
- MOH Co-Funding: Available for ICSI at public hospitals only if medically indicated
🔗 Learn more: MOH ART Funding
Expert Quote
“ICSI gives couples dealing with male infertility a real chance at parenthood. But it’s important to manage expectations—it improves fertilisation, not pregnancy rates alone.”
Final Thoughts
ICSI is one of the most advanced and widely used tools in fertility treatment today—especially when sperm issues are involved.
It’s safe, precise, and available at nearly every fertility centre in Singapore. Knowing when you need it, what to expect, and how it fits into your broader treatment plan is key.
If your doctor recommends ICSI, ask questions, understand the costs, and know you’re not alone.
Call to Action
👉 Curious if ICSI is the right next step for your fertility journey?
Take our free Fertility Quiz to get personalised insights and connect with recommended clinics in Singapore.
https://zorahealth.co/quiz
Sources:
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine:
- Mayo Clinic
- MOH Singapore
- Virtus Fertility Centre
- KKH Fertility Centre
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
