Advanced Sperm Selection Techniques
All IVF cycles at Bavishi fertility institute are ICSI cycles; this allows our expert embryologists to select the best sperm based on their motility and morphology (structure).
However, sperms that look good under the microscope may have DNA damage or reduced fertilizing capacity. Medical illnesses like diabetes can also reduce the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Patients with suspected or patients who previously show poor fertilization with IVF or ICSI are good candidates for Advanced sperm selection techniques.
Various techniques select sperms based on various functional features such as the ability to connect to oocytes like membranes, apoptotic markers (markers that signal cell death) or a more detailed structure evaluation.
The state of the sperm DNA, the ability of the sperm to connect to oocytes like membranes, the presence in the membrane of certain apoptotic markers and indicators of sperm maturity, and more detailed structural evaluation by IMSI procedure could be used to help identify the best sperm.
What is IMSI
(Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)?
IMSI uses specialized lenses and software to magnify the sperm much more than usually used. The large-magnitude morphological selection of sperm allows the selection of the best sperm in real-time and its direct use in ICSI.
As a first step, the primary sperm selection process is done as done for standard ICSI. A few more sperms are selected than required. These sperm are now seen under High magnification, and their structure is carefully studied. Of these, only the structurally normal sperm is selected and used for fertilization with ICSI.
IMSI technique is a subjective analysis; the experience of our expert embryologist plays a crucial part in the success.
Who is IMSI recommended for?
IMSI is recommended in the following cases:
- Low sperm morphology- High number of abnormal shaped sperms
- Low sperm quality.
- Past ICSI failures.
What are the steps involved in the IMSI procedure?
- Sperm Selection: Sperm samples are collected from the male partner and prepared for fertilization as per routine IVF-ICSI protocol.
- Egg Retrieval: Eggs are retrieved from the female partner through a minor surgical procedure
- Low -Magnification Microscopy: Sperms are selected from prepared sample as per routine ICSI in higher number than required
- High-Magnification Microscopy: Sperm selected in low magnification are placed under high-magnification microscopy, allowing for detailed assessment of sperm morphology. Sperms with normal morphology- normal structure are selected
- Injection: The selected sperm are injected directly into the egg using a fine needle, a process known as intracytoplasmic injection.
- Embryo Culture: Fertilized embryos are cultured in the laboratory for a few days before being transferred into the woman’s uterus.
Advantages of using IMSI
- Enhanced Sperm Selection: IMSI allows for the selection of sperm with the highest morphological quality, potentially leading to improved embryo quality and higher pregnancy rates.
- Reduced Risk of Abnormalities: By selecting sperm with optimal morphology, IMSI may reduce the risk of genetic abnormalities and chromosomal abnormalities in the resulting embryos.
- Improved IVF Success Rates: Studies suggest that IMSI may result in higher fertilization rates and increased chances of successful pregnancy compared to conventional IVF or ICSI.
- Cost: IMSI may be more expensive than conventional IVF or ICSI due to the additional equipment and expertise required for sperm selection under high-magnification microscopy.
- Availability: IMSI may not be available at all fertility clinics, limiting access for some couples.
Why perform IMSI?
IMSI is performed to improve the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy in couples struggling with infertility, particularly when male factor infertility is a contributing factor. By selecting sperm with optimal morphology, IMSI aims to enhance embryo quality and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Is IMSI better than ICSI?
While both IMSI and ICSI involve the injection of sperm into the egg, IMSI offers the added advantage of selecting sperm with the highest morphological quality. Studies suggest that IMSI may result in higher fertilization rates and improved pregnancy outcomes compared to ICSI, particularly in cases of severe male factor infertility.
Is PICSI better than ICSI?
PICSI and ICSI are both techniques used in ART to facilitate fertilization, but they differ in their approach to sperm selection. While ICSI involves the manual selection and injection of sperm into the egg, PICSI utilizes a physiological sperm selection process based on hyaluronan binding. The embryologist than selects the best sperm from available sperms which are bound to hyaluroan in process similar to ICSi. Thus PICSI adds to the advantages offerd by ICSI.
FAQ
Yes, IMSI is considered safe when performed by experienced fertility specialists. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider.
The cost of IMSI IVF treatment can vary depending on various factors, including the clinic location, the expertise of the fertility specialist, and any additional services or medications required. It is advisable to consult with your fertility clinic for specific pricing information and to discuss any financial considerations or insurance coverage options available to you.
IMSI is typically recommended for couples facing infertility issues, particularly when male factor infertility is involved. However, it may be suitable in recurrent IVF failures, poor fertilization or if you had poor quality embryos in past. suitability depends on individual factors, and it is best determined through consultation with a fertility specialist.
While IMSI can improve the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy, it does not guarantee a successful outcome. The success of IMSI depends on various factors, including the underlying causes of infertility and individual patient characteristics.
Like any medical procedure, IMSI carries potential risks and side effects. Sperms remain outside the body for longer time in IMSI but in controlled IVF lab environment, although this has not shown adverse effects but may potentially reduce their fertilizing capcity
The success rates of IMSI vary depending on individual factors such as age, fertility diagnosis, and treatment protocols. Generally, IMSI has been shown to improve fertilization rates and embryo quality compared to conventional IVF or ICSI in cases of male factor infertility or previous IVF failures.
The duration of the IMSI procedure can vary but typically takes a few hours. This includes sperm selection under high-magnification microscopy, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. Your fertility clinic will provide you with specific instructions and timing for each step of the procedure.
During the IMSI procedure, you can expect to undergo sperm selection using high-magnification microscopy, egg retrieval through a minor surgical procedure, and embryo transfer. Your fertility clinic will provide you with detailed instructions and support throughout the process.
It is advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle before undergoing IMSI treatment. This includes eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, managing stress, and taking any prescribed medications as directed by your fertility specialist. Additionally, your fertility clinic may provide specific recommendations based on your individual health and medical history.
It may be a good idea to give semen sample with short period of abstinence as these sperms typically may have marginally higher normal morphology.
Ahmedabad