ICSI treatment in Kenya is one of the most effective solutions for male infertility. At Nur Fertility Centre in Nairobi, Dr. Mwaniki uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to help couples where sperm quality is the main barrier to pregnancy. If conventional IVF or IUI has not worked for you, ICSI may be the answer.

Struggling with male infertility? Speak with Dr. Mwaniki about ICSI today →

What Is ICSI?

ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is a specialised form of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg using a very fine needle. This technique bypasses many of the natural barriers to fertilisation, making it particularly effective when sperm count is very low or when sperm cannot move or function normally.

ICSI is performed in our laboratory by a skilled embryologist. The fertilised egg (embryo) is then transferred into the uterus, just as in standard IVF. The process is the same — only the fertilisation step is different.

Who Needs ICSI Treatment?

ICSI is recommended in cases of:

  • Very low sperm count (severe oligospermia)
  • Poor sperm motility — sperm that cannot swim properly
  • Abnormal sperm morphology — sperm with an unusual shape
  • No sperm in ejaculate (azoospermia) — sperm retrieved surgically (TESA/PESA)
  • Previous IVF failure where fertilisation did not occur
  • Antisperm antibodies — the immune system attacking sperm
  • Frozen sperm that has been thawed and has reduced motility

How ICSI Works — Step by Step

Step 1 — Ovarian Stimulation

The female partner takes hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This is the same as the standard IVF stimulation protocol.

Step 2 — Egg Collection

Mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries under light sedation. The process takes 20–30 minutes and is performed at our Nairobi clinic.

Step 3 — Sperm Collection

A sperm sample is provided by the male partner. If no sperm are present in the ejaculate, sperm can be surgically retrieved from the testes (TESA) or epididymis (PESA).

Step 4 — Microinjection (ICSI)

A single healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into each mature egg using a microscopic needle. This step requires great precision and skill from our embryologist.

Step 5 — Embryo Development

The injected eggs are monitored in our laboratory for 3–5 days to allow embryo development. The healthiest embryo is selected for transfer.

Step 6 — Embryo Transfer

The selected embryo is transferred into the uterus. This is a simple, painless procedure. A pregnancy test is done 14 days after the transfer.

ICSI Success Rates

ICSI achieves fertilisation in approximately 70–85% of injected eggs. However, fertilisation does not guarantee a pregnancy. Success rates depend on several factors including the age of the female partner, egg and embryo quality, and the number of embryos transferred. Dr. Mwaniki will give you an honest assessment of your individual prospects during your consultation.

ICSI vs Standard IVF — Key Differences

In standard IVF, eggs and sperm are mixed together and fertilisation happens naturally in a dish. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. ICSI is therefore better suited to cases where sperm quality or quantity is a concern and natural fertilisation is unlikely. The rest of the process — stimulation, egg collection, embryo transfer — is identical.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICSI

Is ICSI safe?

ICSI has been used safely since 1992 and millions of healthy babies have been born using this technique worldwide. There is no significant increased risk to the baby compared with standard IVF.

Can ICSI help with azoospermia?

Yes. If a man has no sperm in his ejaculate (azoospermia), sperm can often be retrieved surgically through TESA or PESA and used for ICSI. Dr. Mwaniki will assess whether surgical sperm retrieval is suitable for your case.

How much does ICSI cost in Kenya?

ICSI costs slightly more than standard IVF due to the additional laboratory steps involved. Contact us for a personalised quote and payment options. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

Get Expert ICSI Care at Nur Fertility Nairobi

Dr. Mwaniki will assess your fertility profile and recommend the best path forward for you.

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Related services: IVF Treatment | IUI Treatment | Egg Freezing | Gynaecology

For further reading on ICSI, visit the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).