A couple undergoes IVF. Sperm analysis shows total motile count of 0.8 million/mL. The MOST appropriate ART technique is:

• A Standard IVF insemination
• B Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ✓
• C Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm washing
• D Donor sperm insemination

Explanation

ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is indicated when total motile sperm count is severely reduced (typically <5 million total motile), when sperm morphology is severely abnormal, or following previous IVF fertilization failure. A total motile count of 0.8 million/mL represents severe oligoasthenospermia. Standard IVF requires at least 1–2 million motile sperm per egg for insemination; below this threshold, ICSI bypasses the need for sperm to penetrate the zona and directly fertilizes the oocyte. Donor sperm is reserved for azoospermia when no sperm can be retrieved.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.