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[Stockbild] ICSI method of in vitro fertilization. Image 1 of 4. Light micrograph of a human egg (left) about to be injected with a sperm contained in a micro- needle (right). This method of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is known as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The injected sperm fertilizes the egg. The resulting zygote is cultured until it reaches an early stage of embryonic development. It is then implanted into the uterus, allowing pregnancy to proceed as normal. IVF treatment enables couples with a range of infertility problems to conceive a child. For a sequence of images showing penetration of the egg during ICSI, see images M802/205-208. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/MAURO FERMARIELLO) === ===