IVF with ICSI: your personalized path to parenthood

In vitro fertilization is a multi-step treatment: eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in the lab, and an embryo is transferred into the uterus. It begins with medication that helps several eggs develop. Once they mature, they’re collected in a short in-office procedure under light sedation.

In the lab the eggs are either mixed with sperm (conventional IVF) or fertilized with ICSI, depending on your situation. The fertilized eggs grow into embryos, and the healthiest are selected for transfer, a simple procedure in which one or two embryos are placed into the uterus.

ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg with a fine needle, bypassing several natural barriers to fertilization. It’s useful for male factor infertility, low sperm count or motility, and poor fertilization in a previous IVF cycle.

We use ICSI where it’s likely to help, based on your diagnosis.

About four to six weeks from initial testing through embryo transfer. Stimulation lasts 8 to 14 days, followed by retrieval. Embryos develop in the lab for three to six days, and transfer usually happens that same week unless the embryos are frozen for later.

IVF with ICSI is used for a range of situations, including blocked fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, diminished ovarian reserve and male factor infertility. It’s also a path for LGBTQ+ patients, single parents, and anyone using donor sperm or donor eggs.

Every plan here is personalized to your history, your diagnosis and your goals, and Dr. Elassar will walk you through your options.

• Donor-sperm IUI or IVF using a screened, FDA-tested donor from a licensed bank, or a known donor. We prepare the sample and either place it in the uterus or use it for IVF.
• Reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy, so both share in the journey.

• Donor-egg IVF, where you choose a thoroughly screened egg donor and the eggs are fertilized with one or both partners’ sperm.
• Gestational carriers, where a carefully matched carrier carries your embryo, with our support at every step.

• Donor-sperm IUI, a straightforward in-office procedure using FDA-screened donor sperm, often a first choice.
• Donor-sperm IVF, which pairs donor sperm with your eggs in the lab and allows genetic testing of embryos before transfer.
• Egg freezing, if you’re not ready to conceive now and want to keep your options open.

Most patients have mild, short-lived symptoms. The daily injections are small and quick. Egg retrieval is done under light sedation, and most patients are back to their routine the next day. Some bloating, cramping or mood changes during stimulation are common; severe discomfort is rare.

In New York State many insurance plans include some IVF coverage, and we can work with your insurance. Every plan is different, so we review your specific policy with you and explain what you can expect to pay.

Every patient has a detailed financial conversation at their first visit, with a clear explanation of what they’ll be responsible for. No hidden fees, no surprise bills.

Usually one or two, depending on your age, medical history and embryo quality. Transferring a single good-quality embryo is often preferred, especially for younger patients, because it lowers the chance of twins. Additional healthy embryos can be frozen for later.

Embryos that aren’t transferred can be frozen for a future cycle or to grow your family later. A frozen embryo keeps the genetic age it had when it was created, which gives you more options over time.

Your chances depend on your age, your diagnosis and your ovarian reserve, so the honest answer comes from your own workup, and Dr. Elassar will talk it through with you at your consultation. You can also read our cycle outcomes exactly as they’re reported to SART on our success rates page.