Dr Jasdev Singh
ICSI for Severe Male-Factor Infertility
When sperm numbers are very low, or sperm has to be retrieved surgically, injecting one sperm into each egg makes fertilisation possible.
Male Fertility
Making fertilisation possible with very few sperm
Severe male factor infertility means sperm count, movement or shape are well below normal, or sperm are only found after surgery. ICSI, in which a single sperm is injected into each egg, is usually the recommended approach.
Knowing that only a few healthy sperm are needed can be a real relief.
Dr Jasdev plans both partners’ treatment together, so timing and sperm preparation are coordinated.
Both partners are assessed
Male factors play a part in many couples’ fertility problems, so sperm health is checked early.
Results explained clearly
You will understand what each result means and which options follow from it.
A plan for you as a couple
Male and female findings are considered together, so decisions make sense for both of you.
What ICSI offers in severe male factor
- Fertilisation with only a small number of sperm
- The use of fresh, frozen or surgically retrieved sperm
- A single, coordinated plan for both partners
How your care is planned
Each stage answers what is happening, why it matters, and what comes next for you as a couple. The plan is reviewed as results come in.
Assess both partners and confirm the sperm source
Plan stimulation and egg collection for the woman
Inject each mature egg and follow embryo growth
How treatment works
The woman has an IVF cycle with hormone injections and egg collection. On the same day, sperm is prepared from a fresh sample, a frozen sample or a retrieval procedure. The embryologist selects individual sperm and injects one into each mature egg.
Who may benefit
Couples where the man has a very low count, very poor movement or shape, high DNA damage, or azoospermia treated by sperm retrieval. It is also used after failed fertilisation in standard IVF. Couples where the man has had a vasectomy may also consider this, using retrieved sperm.
What to expect
Timing between partners is planned carefully. You will hear about fertilisation the next day, and receive updates on embryo growth. Suitable embryos are then transferred or frozen.
How Dr Jasdev works with you
He looks at male and female fertility together and explains results without jargon or judgement. Advice follows current evidence and your priorities as a couple. You will always know why a test or treatment is being suggested. Men and couples see him from Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia, and some travel from neighbouring countries.
What to bring to your appointment
Bringing earlier results helps Dr Jasdev avoid repeating tests and focus on your next step. If you cannot find everything, bring what you have.
- All semen, hormone and genetic test results
- Details of any sperm retrieval or frozen samples
- Records of previous IVF or ICSI cycles
What couples often ask
Men often feel unsure what to ask about sperm health. These common questions are a good place to start.
Is ICSI our only option?
Does ICSI raise any risks for the baby?
Should the man have genetic tests first?
What if fertilisation does not happen?
Your questions about ICSI for severe male factor
What is ICSI for severe male factor infertility?
It is IVF with a single sperm injected into each egg, used when sperm numbers or quality are very low or sperm must be retrieved surgically.
Who is it suitable for?
Couples with severe sperm problems, or azoospermia where sperm can be retrieved, and those with failed fertilisation in previous IVF.
What tests are needed first?
Semen, hormone and sometimes genetic tests for the man, and the usual IVF tests for the woman.
Is it painful or risky?
The woman has the usual IVF steps and risks. A small rise in some conditions in babies has been reported, sometimes linked to the cause of the sperm problem. Genetic counselling may be advised.
Why see Dr Jasdev for this?
He coordinates care for both partners and explains the plan clearly, from assessment to embryo transfer.
How do I book?
Call or WhatsApp the clinic, and bring both partners’ test results to the first visit.
This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Whether a test or treatment suits you, and its risks and timing, should be discussed with Dr Jasdev based on your own history.
Plan treatment as a couple
Book a consultation to discuss ICSI and your sperm options.