What is ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or ICSI, is used to treat a number of male infertility  problems. Using a tiny hollow needle, a single sperm is injected directly into  the egg in the hopes of attaining fertilization.
    Why is it used: Your fertility doctors in Kansas  City may recommend this procedure if there is difficulty achieving  fertilization.
    Who is a candidate: ICSI  may be suggested for a variety of male infertility disorders, including: semen that  contains low sperm (oligospermia) or no sperm (azoospermia), sperm that lacks the ability to penetrate an egg, sperm suffering from reduced motility (asthenospermia),  or sperm that is abnormally-shaped (teratospermia). Also, if repeated cycles of  IVF have been unsuccessful, or if you plan to have the embryo genetically  tested, you may be a candidate for ICSI.
    How is it done: Mature eggs are collected from the woman through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Sperm  is retrieved from the man either through normal ejaculation, needle aspiration, or microsurgical sperm retrieval. In a laboratory setting, a mature egg is held securely with a specialized pipette while a single, washed sperm is picked up with a tiny, hollow needle and injected directly into the cytoplasm of the egg.  Several eggs are injected in this manner to maximize the potential for fertilization. The next day, the eggs are checked to see if normal  fertilization and cell division are occurring. You and your Kansas City fertility doctors will decide on the number of embryos to implant (usually one or two). Extra embryos may be frozen for future use if ICSI is not successful the first time.
    Insurance: Discuss  the fees related to your ICSI  with your insurance company and your fertility doctors in Kansas City to determine what portions are  covered and what is not.
    Drawbacks: ICSI  technology is relatively new- there may be unknown risks. Some recent studies  have indicated that ICSI babies may have increased birth defect rates for heart and internal urinary/genital defects.  
    Advantages: Pregnancy  rates are 35 to 40 percent for infertility couples using ICSI. Some Kansas City fertility doctors offer IVF multi-cycle programs which help lessen the overall cost of  IVF/ICSI.