IVF with ICSI: Your Personalized Path to Parenthood 

ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection and is commonly used in conjunction with IVF. During ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg using a fine needle, bypassing many natural barriers to fertilization. This technique is beneficial for couples with male-factor infertility, low sperm count or motility, or poor fertilization in previous IVF cycles. 

At NYC IVF, ICSI is often used to maximize fertilization success and is tailored to your specific fertility diagnosis.

A typical IVF cycle, from initial testing through embryo transfer, takes about four to six weeks. Ovarian stimulation lasts eight to 14 days, followed by a short egg retrieval procedure. Embryo development in the lab typically takes three to six days, and a transfer is usually performed within that week, unless the embryos are frozen for future use. 

Throughout the process, NYC IVF provides detailed guidance and frequent check-ins to ensure you always know what’s coming next. 

IVF with ICSI is recommended for patients with a range of fertility challenges, including blocked fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, or male-factor infertility. It’s also ideal for LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents looking to start families of their own, and those using donor sperm or eggs. 

At NYC IVF, every treatment plan is personalized to your fertility history, goals, and diagnosis. Dr. Elassar will guide you through the process and help you understand all your options. Let’s talk.  

NYC IVF has helped many female couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. Some of the treatments we offer include: 

• Donor-sperm IUI/IVF from a screened, FDA-tested sperm donor at a licensed facility or a known donor. Our team can prepare the sample and place it directly in the uterus or use it for standard IVF, depending on family goals and needs. 

• Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to participate in family-building. One partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy, so both can share biologically and emotionally during the journey. 

We’ve guided many male couples on their journey to building a family. Some treatment options available at NYC IVF include:  

• Donor-egg IVF, where you can choose a thoroughly screened egg donor. NYC IVF fertilizes the eggs with one or both partners’ sperm to create embryos tailored to your family goals. 

• Gestational carriers, where a carefully matched surrogate nurtures your embryo through pregnancy, are backed by our support at every step. 

NYC IVF supports single women at every step toward motherhood with these proven paths: 

• Donor-sperm IUI — a straightforward, in-office procedure using FDA-screened donor sperm (banked or known), where sperm is placed directly into the uterus. It’s quick, minimally invasive, and often a first-line choice. 

• Donor-sperm IVF — pairs donor sperm with your eggs in the lab, offering higher success rates and the option for embryo genetic testing before transfer. 

• Elective egg freezing — if you’re not ready to conceive right now, preserve today’s healthiest eggs and keep your options open for later. 

Contact us to learn how NYC IVF can help you plan your family with clarity and confidence.

Most patients report mild, short-term symptoms during IVF treatment. Hormone injections are small and quick, usually taking just a few minutes each day. The egg retrieval procedure is performed under light sedation, and most patients return to their usual routines the next day. Some women may experience mild bloating, cramping, or mood changes during stimulation, but severe discomfort is rare. 

In New York State, many insurance providers offer coverage for IVF treatments, and at NYC IVF, we work with several major insurance providers. Contact us to discuss your specific policy so we can help you understand what you may expect to pay out of pocket.  

Unlike competitors or large, multipractice offices that may surprise you with hidden fees, NYC IVF prioritizes pricing transparency. Every patient receives a detailed financial discussion during their first visit, including a clear explanation of their financial responsibility. There are no hidden fees or surprise bills — just confidence in the journey ahead.  

At NYC IVF, we typically transfer one or two embryos depending on your age, medical history, and embryo quality. Transferring a single high-quality embryo (especially for younger patients) is often preferred to reduce the risk of multiples while maintaining high success rates. Any additional healthy embryos can be frozen for future use. 

Embryos not transferred can be safely cryopreserved (frozen) for future IVF cycles or to expand your family later. Frozen embryos retain the same genetic age as when they were created, giving you more options over time. NYC IVF uses advanced vitrification methods that preserve embryo quality during freezing and thawing. 

NYC IVF’s success rates are among the highest in the country, nearly double the national average. Our delivery rates reflect the benefits of personalized, physician-led care, combined with advanced laboratory protocols. Actual success depends on factors such as age, diagnosis, and overall health; we provide honest, individualized guidance every step of the way. 

Most patients can maintain their regular work and exercise routines during IVF treatment. Monitoring visits are brief and scheduled early in the day. After egg retrieval, many patients take a day off to rest, but most are back to normal activities the next day. Embryo transfer requires no sedation and involves minimal downtime.