Fertility Decoded

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)

Injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. An established technique, not on HFEA's add-on list.

Written by Fertility Decoded. Reviewed by D R, MS (OBG), FRM. Review date: 31 August 2026.

Established step

This is an established, standard technique used in specific situations — not a limited-evidence add-on.

The verdict

Needed for male-factor infertility; not a general upgrade for everyone.

Who are these bodies?

HFEA
— UK fertility regulator; rates add-ons by evidence (traffic-light).
ESHRE
— European fertility society; evidence-based practice guidance.
NICE
— UK health-guidance body; what the NHS will and won't fund.
ISAR
— Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction; Indian expert consensus.
Cochrane
— Independent global reviewers of the underlying studies.

  • HFEA

    UK regulator

    Not on HFEA's rated list — chance of a baby

  • ESHRE

    European society

    Indicated for male factor

    Indicated for male-factor infertility; no benefit for routine ICSI in non-male-factor patients, and it adds cost.

    Source

  • NICE

    UK NHS guidance

    Offer for male factor

    Recommended for male-factor infertility (see NG257 ICSI section).

    Source

  • ISAR

    Indian society

    Indicated cases only

    Should be used judiciously in indicated cases only.

    Source

  • Cochrane

    Evidence base

    No Cochrane review identified specifically for this add-on.

Typical cost in India

Additional cost ~₹15,000–45,000 over conventional IVF.

Sources

Take this further

Sources last reviewed .