PICSI

What is PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)?

PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART) technique designed to increase the chances of fertilization in IVF cycles. PICSI is similar to ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), but it uses a more natural selection process for sperm. In PICSI, sperm are selected based on their ability to bind to a specific protein (hyaluronan) that is naturally found on the egg’s surface. This mimics the natural process of fertilization, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

This technique is beneficial for men with male infertility issues such as poor sperm quality, low sperm count, or sperm with abnormal morphology. By selecting only the best sperm for fertilization, PICSI improves the likelihood of successful embryo development.

How Does PICSI Work?

PICSI works by using a specialized dish coated with hyaluronan, a substance that is naturally present in the female reproductive system. During the treatment, sperm are placed in this dish, where they are examined for their ability to bind to hyaluronan. Sperm that successfully bind to hyaluronan are considered to be of the highest quality, as they have a greater ability to naturally fertilize an egg.

Here’s how the PICSI process typically works:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes hormonal stimulation to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: The eggs are retrieved from the ovaries through a minor surgical procedure.
3. Sperm Collection: A sperm sample is collected from the male partner. The sperm is then placed in the hyaluronan-coated dish.
4. Sperm Selection: Sperm that naturally binds to the hyaluronan are selected for injection into the egg.
5. Sperm Injection: The selected sperm is injected directly into the egg using a fine needle (similar to ICSI).
6. Embryo Culture and Transfer: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured for a few days, and one or more healthy embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus for implantation.

Why is PICSI Used?

PICSI is particularly beneficial for couples dealing with male infertility. The technique is designed to overcome issues related to sperm quality by selecting sperm that are more likely to successfully fertilize the egg. It is commonly recommended for men with the following conditions:

1. Low Sperm Quality: Men with poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape (morphology), or low sperm count may benefit from PICSI.
2. Previous IVF or ICSI Failures: Couples who have experienced unsuccessful IVF or ICSI cycles may achieve better results with PICSI.
3. Male Factor Infertility: PICSI can improve fertilization rates for men with male factor infertility, including those with severe sperm abnormalities.
4. Genetic Considerations: In cases where there are concerns about passing on genetic conditions, PICSI helps ensure the healthiest sperm is selected, potentially reducing the risk of genetic abnormalities.

Benefits of PICSI Treatment

• Improved Fertilization Rates: PICSI increases the chances of fertilization by selecting sperm with the best binding ability to the egg.
• Better Sperm Selection: The process helps identify sperm with a higher likelihood of successful fertilization, improving the chances of a viable pregnancy.
• Reduced Genetic Risks: Since the sperm selected for fertilization are of the highest quality, PICSI may reduce the risk of passing on genetic issues to the offspring.
• Effective for Male Infertility: PICSI is particularly effective for men with low sperm quality, poor sperm motility, and those who have had previous unsuccessful IVF or ICSI cycles.
• Higher Pregnancy Success Rates: The improved sperm selection process enhances the chances of pregnancy in couples struggling with male infertility.

Success Rates of PICSI Treatment

The success rates for PICSI are generally similar to those of IVF and ICSI but tend to be higher when male infertility is the primary issue. On average, the success rates for PICSI range from 40% to 60% per cycle, depending on the woman’s age, the sperm quality, and the number of embryos transferred.

The success of PICSI can also be enhanced when used in conjunction with other techniques, such as pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) to identify healthy embryos before transfer.

Is PICSI Right for You?

PICSI is an advanced fertility treatment that offers hope to couples struggling with male infertility, especially those who have experienced failure with previous IVF or ICSI cycles. If you are dealing with male infertility factors, PICSI may be an ideal solution to improve fertilization rates and increase your chances of pregnancy.

However, it’s important to consult with a fertility specialist who can assess your specific situation and determine whether PICSI is the best treatment option for you.