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CCRM FERTILITY CLINIC IN MENLO PARK, CA

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in the San Francisco Bay Area

Serving the Palo Alto & Menlo Park Areas

At CCRM Fertility of San Francisco, we utilize intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to enhance fertilization. In this advanced technique, a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg, allowing fertilization to occur even in cases of severe male-factor infertility or when using frozen eggs or surgically retrieved sperm.

Since it was introduced in the early 1990s, ICSI has helped thousands of individuals and couples build their families. At CCRM, our embryologists perform ICSI with precision and care, using state-of-the-art micromanipulation equipment in our on-site IVF lab.

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When Is ICSI Used?

ICSI may be recommended when:

  • There is severe male-factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology)
  • Sperm is surgically retrieved (e.g., MESA or TESA)
  • Previous IVF cycles resulted in poor or failed fertilization
  • You are using vitrified (frozen and thawed) eggs, which are harder for sperm to penetrate naturally
  • Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is part of your treatment plan, and contamination from additional sperm needs to be avoided

Your physician will review your fertility history, semen analysis, and treatment goals to determine whether ICSI is appropriate for your care plan.

ICSI and IVF: How They Work Together

ICSI is not a standalone treatment—it is performed as part of an IVF cycle. Here’s how the two work together:

  1. Egg retrieval is completed after ovarian stimulation.
  2. Sperm is collected from a fresh or previously frozen sample or retrieved surgically.
  3. Instead of allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg in a dish (as in traditional IVF), one sperm is injected directly into each mature egg.
  4. Fertilized eggs are monitored as they develop into embryos.
  5. Healthy embryos are selected for fresh or frozen transfer into the uterus.

ICSI doesn’t change the IVF process—it simply replaces the fertilization step with a more targeted, precise approach.

What to Expect During the ICSI Process

Once eggs are retrieved, they are prepared for ICSI in our lab:

  • An embryologist removes the surrounding cells to assess egg maturity
  • Each egg is held steady with a fine glass pipette
  • A single sperm is selected and injected into the cytoplasm of the egg using a tiny needle
  • The fertilized eggs are cultured and monitored for development

This delicate process is performed by experienced embryologists using specialized equipment in our San Francisco IVF lab.

Benefits and Considerations of ICSI

Benefits

  • Enables fertilization when sperm cannot penetrate the egg naturally
  • Essential for patients using surgically retrieved sperm or frozen eggs
  • Supports accurate genetic testing by minimizing DNA contamination from multiple sperm
  • Offers fertilization rates similar to traditional IVF in properly selected cases

Considerations

  • A small percentage of eggs (approximately 5%) may not survive the injection process
  • Some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of genetic abnormalities in ICSI-conceived children, though this is likely related to the underlying male infertility
  • Your physician will discuss all potential benefits and risks based on your unique circumstances

ICSI at CCRM Fertility of San Francisco

At CCRM San Francisco, we use ICSI only when medically appropriate, guided by your specific diagnosis and treatment plan. Our lab follows the latest clinical standards and is staffed by embryologists with advanced training in ICSI and IVF techniques.

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Meet our fertility specialists​

Finding the right fertility doctor is not always an easy task when you are looking for a fertility clinic near Palo Alto that can accommodate your needs. The doctors at CCRM have a great deal of experience with different fertility issues, and we feel confident that we can find a solution that will be best for you.

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Sunny Jun
MD
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Angela Liu
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Salli Tazuke
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Success Rates at CCRM Fertility of San Francisco

When contemplating IVF treatment, understanding the clinic’s success rates is crucial, as they offer valuable insights into the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Choosing CCRM Fertility means selecting a clinic that prioritizes evidence-based care and scientific rigor. Our team is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality fertility treatment informed by globally recognized research. The collaboration of our experienced fertility specialists and state-of-the-art technology helps provide our patients with the best possible chance of realizing their dream of parenthood.

Learn about CCRM Fertility of San Francisco IVF Success Rates

Learn about CCRM Fertility’s Overall Success Rates

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San Francisco patient resources

Patient PortalCalifornia's SB 729 MandateTelehealth AppointmentsFertility Assessment PackageSuccess RatesInsurancePay My BillFind a Support Group Near YouCCRM National Egg Donor Database

San Francisco treatment education

Egg and Embryo FreezingFertility TestingIntracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)IVFIVF with Sex SelectionLGBTQIA+ Fertility Male FertilityReciprocal IVF