IVF & ICSI

Dr. Ashraf Sabry offers IVF and ICSI with more than 20 years of experience and hundreds of successful cases. We always start with an accurate diagnosis of the cause, then build a treatment plan tailored to each case. We also follow every step, from preparation to pregnancy, to give you the best possible chance of success.

What Is ICSI?

ICSI is fertilisation of the egg by the sperm outside the body, in the laboratory. It is used for couples who have difficulty getting sperm to the egg through natural intercourse, such as a severe shortage in sperm count or quality, erectile problems, blocked fallopian tubes, or severe hormonal problems that prevent a healthy egg from being produced each month.

How Is ICSI Done?

• You are examined to make sure there are no problems that would prevent the procedure or reduce its success, and these are treated if found.
• The ovarian stimulation protocol that suits you is chosen, explained to you, and started at the right time.
• The size and number of eggs and the thickness of the uterine lining are monitored by ultrasound, with hormone tests on set days that we tell you about in advance.
• When the eggs and the uterine lining reach the required size, you take medication that triggers ovulation.
• On the day of the procedure, the woman comes to the hospital fasting for 6 to 9 hours, with her personal ID.
• Egg retrieval is done under light anaesthesia, with the eggs collected precisely under ultrasound guidance.
• After recovery, you can go home the same day, taking a mild painkiller if needed.
• The sperm sample is collected from the husband at the same time.
• The eggs are fertilised with the sperm and placed in a special incubator that mimics the inside of the uterus in temperature, gases, chemicals and nutrients, and the division of the fertilised eggs is monitored.
• At a specific stage of cell division, the embryos are transferred to the uterus.
• 14 days later, the woman has a quantitative blood pregnancy test to confirm whether a pregnancy has been established.

When Do We Recommend ICSI?

• Low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal sperm shape.
• Blocked fallopian tubes or poor tubal function.
• Failed IUI or previous treatments.
• Advanced maternal age or low ovarian reserve.
• Wishing to choose the baby’s gender or to test embryos genetically before transfer.

How Long Does the IVF Journey Take, Step by Step

One cycle usually takes 4 to 6 weeks from the first visit to the pregnancy test, in the following stages:

• Preparation and tests: one to two weeks before the cycle starts.
• Ovarian stimulation: 10 to 12 days of injections, with ultrasound and blood-test monitoring.
• Egg retrieval: a simple procedure under light anaesthesia lasting 15 to 20 minutes.
• Embryo development in the lab: 3 to 5 days.
• Embryo transfer: a quick procedure that is painless in most cases.
• Pregnancy test: about two weeks after the transfer.

Patients travelling from outside Egypt need a stay of about 3 weeks; see our International Patient Service page for details.

Tests Needed Before IVF/ICSI

Before starting the cycle, we request a set of tests to choose the right protocol and estimate your chances of success:

• For the wife: ovarian reserve hormone (AMH), day 2 or 3 cycle hormones (FSH, LH and oestradiol), thyroid (TSH) and prolactin, a transvaginal ultrasound to count follicles and examine the uterus, examination of the uterine cavity by hysteroscopy or imaging when needed, and immunology and clotting tests.
• For the husband: a recent semen analysis; if it is severely abnormal, we may request hormone tests or additional investigations depending on the case.
• For both: viral screening (hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV) and blood group.

You can send your previous test results on WhatsApp +201022224442 for review before your consultation.

What Affects IVF/ICSI Success?

There is no single success rate that fits everyone; your chances depend mainly on:

• The wife’s age: the most important single factor, because egg quality declines gradually with age, especially after 35.
• Ovarian reserve: determines how many eggs we expect to retrieve.
• Sperm quality: ICSI overcomes many sperm problems, but very severe abnormalities can affect embryo development.
• Embryo quality: assessed by the embryologist in the lab before transfer.
• The uterus and its lining: for example polyps or fibroids inside the cavity, which are treated before transfer.
• Lifestyle: excess weight and smoking reduce the chances of success.

After reviewing your tests, we explain your expected chances honestly and according to your case.

After Embryo Transfer: What Should You Do?

• There is no need for strict bed rest; you can carry on with your normal daily life while avoiding strenuous effort.
• Take your pregnancy-support medication (progesterone) on time until we tell you to stop.
• Avoid smoking and any medication that was not prescribed.
• Do not rely on an early home pregnancy test; have the blood test on the scheduled date.
• Contact us immediately if you have severe abdominal pain, severe bloating, shortness of breath or heavy bleeding.

Does IVF/ICSI Have Risks?

IVF/ICSI is generally safe, but there are some risks that we work to minimise:

• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): we reduce the risk by choosing the right protocol and doses, and by freezing embryos and postponing the transfer when needed.
• Multiple pregnancy: we decide how many embryos to transfer based on age and embryo quality, and usually prefer to transfer one or two.
• Minor symptoms after retrieval: cramps or mild bloating that settle within days.

Freezing Extra Embryos and Genetic Testing

Good-quality extra embryos can be frozen for use in a later attempt without repeating stimulation and retrieval. Embryos can also be tested genetically before transfer to detect certain genetic diseases, or to choose the baby’s gender for family balancing.

IVF/ICSI Cost

The cost depends on the protocol, medication doses and any additional services such as embryo freezing or genetic testing. Contact us on WhatsApp +201022224442 to find out the cost for your case after we review your tests. For patients from outside Egypt: International patient packages.

What Makes Dr. Ashraf Sabry’s Centre Different?

• Accurate assessment and a personalised plan for every case.
• Personal follow-up by the doctor from preparation to the pregnancy test.
• Modern protocols to improve egg and embryo quality.
• Partner laboratories that follow European (ESHRE) standards.
• Compassionate care and continuous emotional support for the couple.

Dr. Ashraf Sabry’s Videos About IVF and ICSI

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• YouTube
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International Guidelines We Follow

IVF and ICSI are provided according to the latest recommendations of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), to ensure the highest success rates and safety for mother and baby.

Useful Related Pages

You may also find these helpful: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), gender selection, or embryo and sperm freezing.

Patient Reviews of IVF/ICSI at the Clinic

Read patient reviews and experiences on Google Maps, Vezeeta and WhatClinic.

Why Choose Dr. Ashraf Sabry?

Dr. Ashraf Sabry, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, infertility and aesthetic gynaecology, is the best IVF doctor in Egypt, with more than 20 years of experience. The clinic is in Cairo and Giza. Book now through the contact page, on WhatsApp, or by calling +201022224442.