During ICSI the sperm doesn’t have to travel to the egg or penetrate the outer layers of the egg. This means that it can help couples where the man’s sperm: can’t get to the egg at all can get to the egg, but for some reason can’t fertilise it ICSI is likely to be recommended if your partner has: A very low or zero sperm count. A high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm. This can result in poor motility, which means the sperm can’t swim well.
Sperm that can’t be ejaculated but can be collected from the testicles or from the duct where sperm is stored (epididymis). This may be needed if your partner has had an irreversible vasectomy or injury. Problems with getting an erection and ejaculating, due to spinal cord injuries or diabetes, for example. If you have tried IVF you may move on to ICSI if not enough eggs could be retrieved, or if eggs retrieved for IVF were not successfully fertilised.