You’ve heard the term ICSI—maybe during your fertility consult or while researching IVF in Singapore.
But do you need it?
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is one of the most advanced lab procedures in fertility medicine, but it’s not for everyone. In some cases, it may not be necessary.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Who ICSI is recommended for (especially in Singapore)
- How doctors determine whether you need it
- What to ask your fertility specialist before deciding
Let’s demystify ICSI—so you can make an informed, confident choice.
What Is ICSI and How Does It Work?
ICSI is a specialised lab technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a fine needle under a microscope. It’s performed as part of an IVF cycle.
It was developed to overcome challenges where sperm struggle to fertilise the egg on their own—particularly in male factor infertility cases.
💡 Think of ICSI as precision fertilisation. Instead of letting sperm swim toward the egg, an embryologist manually does the work under lab conditions.
When Is ICSI Recommended?
According to fertility specialists in Singapore, ICSI is typically recommended in the following situations:
Male Factor Infertility
- Low sperm count (oligospermia)
- Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
- Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
- Obstructive azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate but retrieved surgically)
In these cases, natural fertilisation through IVF may fail, making ICSI the best approach.
Past Fertilisation Failure
If you’ve undergone IVF in the past and no embryos formed, ICSI may be introduced in the next round to increase fertilisation rates.
Use of Frozen or Donor Sperm
Frozen sperm (or eggs) can sometimes have reduced motility, making ICSI more effective.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval
In cases where sperm is extracted directly from the testicle (e.g. PESA, TESA), ICSI is almost always required.
Egg Freezing and Egg Banking
ICSI is often used to improve the odds of successful fertilisation when using thawed eggs, especially from egg freezing.
What Fertility Specialists in Singapore Say
Doctors in Singapore generally follow evidence-based recommendations when advising on ICSI. Here’s what some common approaches look like:
- At public hospitals, ICSI is only used when medically necessary—often after detailed semen analysis or past IVF failure
- At private clinics, ICSI may be recommended more proactively, especially for patients with borderline semen parameters or older eggs.
What to Ask Your Fertility Specialist
Before agreeing to ICSI, ask your doctor:
- Why are you recommending ICSI in my case?
- Can you walk me through my partner’s semen analysis results?
- Would conventional IVF work for us? Why or why not?
- Have we tried natural fertilisation before?
- Are there any risks associated with ICSI for the baby or embryo?
These questions help ensure that ICSI is recommended for clinical reasons, not just convenience-based ones.
Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
ICSI is not cheap—it adds $1,500–$3,000 to an IVF cycle in Singapore. However, it increases the likelihood of fertilisation in the right scenarios and may reduce the number of IVF cycles needed.
Consider ICSI if:
- You’ve had previous IVF fertilisation failure
- You’ve been told you or your partner have a sperm-related issue.
- You’re using frozen eggs or surgically retrieved sperm.
Avoid it if:
- Both partners have normal fertility indicators
- It’s suggested without clear evidence or history.
Related: ICSI Costs in Singapore: How It Compares to IVF & What’s Included
Final Thoughts
ICSI is a powerful, life-changing tool—but it’s not always necessary. If you’re in Singapore and facing fertility concerns, it’s important to:
- Understand why ICSI is being recommended
- Ask your doctor the right questions.
- Compare costs and clinic policies.
When it comes to your fertility, knowledge is power—and informed choices lead to better outcomes.
Call to Action
👉 Still unsure if ICSI is right for you?
Take our Fertility Quiz for a personalised recommendation and connect with clinics that fit your needs.
Sources:
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.
