What procedure involves the direct implantation of sperm into an egg?

The direct implantation of sperm into an egg is a key characteristic of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This procedure involves the meticulous process of injecting a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of an egg using a fine glass needle. This technique is especially useful in cases of male factor infertility, where sperm may be low in count or have mobility issues, and it allows for a high chance of fertilization since the sperm is directly delivered where it needs to be.

In contrast, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves fertilization outside the body in a laboratory setting, where eggs are combined with sperm in a culture dish rather than directly injecting sperm into the egg. Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) requires the transfer of both eggs and sperm into the fallopian tubes for natural fertilization to occur within the body, not through direct injection. Artificial Insemination involves placing sperm into a woman’s reproductive tract, but it does not involve direct interaction with eggs, meaning it does not achieve fertilization by itself, nor does it utilize the direct injection method typical of ICSI.