IMSI

What is IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)?

IMSI, or Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection, is an advanced form of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) that focuses on selecting the best sperm for fertilization. Unlike traditional IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), IMSI uses a high-powered microscope to examine the sperm at a much higher magnification. This allows fertility specialists to select sperm based not only on motility but also on morphology (the shape and structure of the sperm).

IMSI is particularly beneficial for men with severe male infertility issues, including low sperm count, poor sperm morphology, and previous failed IVF or ICSI cycles.

IMSI vs. ICSI: What’s the Difference?

While both IMSI and ICSI involve injecting sperm directly into an egg, IMSI takes sperm selection a step further. The primary difference lies in the level of magnification used to analyze sperm.

• ICSI: Sperm is selected based on motility and availability, but morphology (sperm shape) is not a focus.
• IMSI: Sperm is examined in greater detail using high magnification (approximately 6,000x to 8,000x magnification), allowing the embryologist to choose sperm with the best morphology, leading to better fertilization outcomes, especially in cases of male infertility.

Why Choose IMSI Treatment?

IMSI is recommended in cases of male infertility where traditional sperm selection methods (such as ICSI) might not be enough. The benefits of IMSI treatment include:

1. Improved Fertilization Rates: By selecting sperm with optimal morphology, IMSI increases the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.
2. Better Success Rates in Severe Male Infertility: For men with poor sperm quality, morphology, or previous IVF failures, IMSI can significantly enhance the chances of pregnancy.
3. Increased Pregnancy Rates: By selecting sperm that is morphologically healthier, IMSI reduces the likelihood of fertilization failures and improves embryo quality, leading to higher pregnancy rates.
4. Minimized Genetic Risks: The improved sperm selection process reduces the risk of passing on genetic disorders or birth defects that can arise from using poor-quality sperm.

When is IMSI Treatment Recommended?

IMSI is a cutting-edge treatment option typically recommended in the following cases:

• Severe Male Infertility: Men with low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia), or abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) may benefit from IMSI.
• Previous IVF/ICSI Failures: If previous IVF or ICSI cycles have not resulted in pregnancy, IMSI may offer a more effective sperm selection method.
• Male Factor Infertility: Men with azoospermia (absence of sperm in the semen) or those requiring sperm retrieval (TESE, TESA) can benefit from IMSI, especially if sperm with poor morphology is present.
• Genetic Concerns: For couples concerned about the genetic health of the baby, IMSI can reduce the risk of passing on genetic abnormalities by selecting the best-quality sperm.

How Does IMSI Treatment Work?

The process of IMSI treatment is similar to that of IVF and ICSI, but with more precise sperm selection. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman undergoes hormone treatment to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: The eggs are collected from the ovaries during a minor surgical procedure.
3. Sperm Collection and Selection: The male partner provides a sperm sample, which is then examined under a highly advanced microscope at high magnification (6,000x or more). The embryologist selects the sperm with the best morphology for fertilization.
4. Injection of Selected Sperm into Eggs: The selected sperm is then injected directly into the egg using a fine needle.
5. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are cultured for a few days to monitor development.
6. Embryo Transfer: Once embryos are developed, one or more healthy embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus for implantation.

IMSI Success Rates

IMSI treatment has demonstrated significantly higher success rates compared to conventional IVF or ICSI, especially for men with severe male infertility factors. While success rates can vary based on the woman's age, egg quality, sperm health, and the number of embryos transferred, IMSI generally offers improved fertilization rates and higher chances of pregnancy in difficult cases.

Success rates for IMSI treatment vary but generally range from 40% to 60% per cycle. Success rates tend to be higher for women under 35 years of age and those with healthy egg quality.

Benefits of IMSI Treatment

• Increased Fertilization Rates: IMSI’s high-magnification sperm selection leads to better fertilization rates, especially in cases of male infertility.
• Higher Pregnancy Rates: By selecting the best sperm, IMSI increases the likelihood of successful embryo implantation and pregnancy.
• Lower Risk of Genetic Issues: The meticulous sperm selection reduces the chances of passing on genetic abnormalities or defects.
• Effective for Severe Male Infertility: IMSI is particularly beneficial for men with poor sperm quality who may not have been successful with standard IVF or ICSI treatments.