HIV/AIDS Glossary

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A type of in vitro (outside the body) fertilization that is used to overcome male infertility. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves injecting a single sperm into an egg that has been removed from a woman’s ovary. The fertilized egg can then be returned to the woman's uterus. ICSI, which is always combined with sperm washing, can be considered as a reproductive option for an HIV-discordant couple. ICSI is considered when the male partner has HIV and insemination with donor sperm from a man who does not have HIV is not an option.