Male Infertility How ICSI Treatment
Helps Couples Conceive
Male infertility affects nearly 40% of all couples struggling to conceive. However, many men delay seeking help — often due to embarrassment or the mistaken belief that fertility issues are “a woman’s problem.” ICSI treatment for male infertility has transformed outcomes for thousands of couples. Even men with extremely low sperm counts can now father children. At AMVI Hospitals, Hyderabad, we offer the complete male fertility assessment and ICSI treatment pathway under one roof.
40%
What Is Male Infertility?
Male infertility means a man’s sperm cannot fertilise a woman’s egg successfully. This can happen for several reasons. The most common causes include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape, or a physical blockage preventing sperm release. A simple semen analysis — a painless, 30-minute test — can identify the exact problem.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
A healthy sample contains at least 15 million sperm per millilitre. Anything below this is a low count. However, even one healthy sperm is enough for ICSI. A low count does not mean conception is impossible — it means ICSI is the right treatment path.
No Sperm in Ejaculate (Azoospermia)
Some men have no sperm in the ejaculate at all. This can be caused by a blockage or a production problem. However, even in these cases, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testicle through TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) — and used for ICSI.
Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia)
Sperm must swim well to reach the egg naturally. Poor motility means sperm move sluggishly or not at all. As a result, they cannot complete the journey to the fallopian tube. ICSI completely bypasses this problem — the sperm is placed directly into the egg.
Abnormal Sperm Shape (Teratospermia)
Sperm shape affects its ability to penetrate the egg’s outer layer. In a normal sample, at least 4% of sperm should have normal shape. A lower percentage reduces natural fertilisation significantly. However, with ICSI, the embryologist selects only the best-shaped sperm — eliminating this barrier entirely.
What Is ICSI Treatment for Male Infertility?
ICSI stands for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is the most advanced form of fertility treatment available for male infertility. In standard IVF, sperm and eggs are placed together and fertilisation happens naturally in the dish. In ICSI, however, a single healthy sperm is selected under a high-powered microscope and injected directly into a mature egg. This bypasses all problems related to count, motility, and morphology.
✅ ICSI — What It Achieves
- Works even when sperm cannot swim at all
- Works with surgically retrieved sperm (TESA) in azoospermia
- Fertilisation rate: 70 to 80% of injected eggs in most cases
- Babies born through ICSI are just as healthy as naturally conceived babies
ICSI Treatment — Step by Step
Step 1 — Ovarian Stimulation
The female partner takes hormone injections for 10 to 12 days. These stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple eggs. Throughout this process, our team monitors follicle growth with regular follicular monitoring scans. This ensures perfect timing for egg retrieval.
Step 2 — Egg Retrieval and Sperm Collection
When the eggs are ready, a minor procedure under sedation retrieves them from the ovaries. The male partner provides a semen sample the same day. If azoospermia is present, TESA retrieves sperm directly from the testicular tissue under local anaesthesia — a 15-minute procedure.
Step 3 — ICSI Fertilization
Our embryologist examines all sperm under a high-powered microscope. One best-quality sperm is carefully selected. Using a microscopic needle, that sperm is injected directly into each mature egg. Results are checked the next day — typically 70 to 80% of eggs fertilise successfully.
Step 4 — Embryo Development and Transfer
Fertilised eggs develop into embryos over 3 to 5 days. The best-quality embryo is transferred to the uterus in a simple, painless procedure. Furthermore, additional good-quality embryos are frozen — giving future attempts without repeating the full stimulation process.
Dr. Shaivalini Says
“The biggest mistake I see couples make is waiting. A semen analysis takes 30 minutes. It can give you answers that change everything. If you have been trying for 6 months and the female partner’s tests are normal, please — get the male partner tested immediately. Do not leave this half of the equation unexplored.”
— Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu, Fertility Specialist, AMVI Hospitals
⚠️ Things That Temporarily Reduce Sperm Quality — Avoid These
- Prolonged laptop use on the lap (heat damages sperm)
- Tight underwear — increases scrotal temperature
- Smoking — significantly reduces sperm count and motility
- Heavy alcohol consumption — affects sperm DNA
- Prolonged high fever — sperm quality drops for 3 months after a fever
- Anabolic steroids — severely suppress sperm production
Conclusion
Male infertility is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. ICSI treatment for male infertility has given thousands of couples the family they always wanted. Here are the key points:
- 40% of infertility cases involve a male factor — always test both partners
- A semen analysis is simple, quick, and painless — do it early
- ICSI works even with severely reduced sperm count or no sperm in ejaculate
- 70–80% fertilisation rate — ICSI is highly effective
- ICSI babies are just as healthy as naturally conceived babies
- Do not wait — earlier treatment means more options and better outcomes
At AMVI Hospitals, our team handles every male fertility case with complete privacy and sensitivity. You are not alone in this.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a semen analysis take and where can I do it?
Can male infertility be cured without IVF or ICSI?
In some cases, yes. If the cause is hormonal (low testosterone, thyroid issues), hormone treatment can restore sperm production. If caused by a varicocele (enlarged vein in the testicle), surgical correction can improve sperm quality significantly. A proper evaluation will determine the right approach.
Is TESA painful? What happens during the procedure?
Can lifestyle changes improve sperm quality before ICSI?
What is the cost of ICSI treatment in Hyderabad?
Get Answers Today — Book a Male Fertility Assessment
Book a complete semen analysis + ICSI consultation at AMVI Hospitals — Puppalaguda or Attapur, Hyderabad.
Author Bio
Senior Cosmetic Gynaecologist | Fertility Specialist | Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeon
Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu is a renowned Senior Cosmetic Gynaecologist, Fertility Specialist, and Advanced Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeon in Hyderabad, with 20+ years of distinguished clinical experience in women’s health and reproductive medicine. She is associated with Apollo Hospitals, Ankura Hospitals, and Rainbow Hospitals, and has successfully performed 1000+ complex gynaecological, cosmetic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries.