IMSI and PICSI

IMSI in microinjection involves using much higher magnification to examine sperm closely, allowing the embryologist to spot minor defects and vacuoles within sperm heads. Vacuoles indicate higher DNA fragmentation, so IMSI treatment focuses on selecting sperm without large vacuoles, which are more likely to have intact DNA and lead to better embryo quality.

PICSI IVF, on the other hand, selects mature sperm based on their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural marker of sperm maturity. Men with poorer sperm quality may have more immature sperm, which can look normal but carry damaged DNA. PICSI fertility treatment helps choose the most mature and healthy sperm for injection.

It’s important to note that both IMSI and PICSI are used in addition to standard ICSI but are not suitable for all sperm samples. For example, these techniques may not be appropriate if sperm numbers are very low or if sperm are surgically retrieved.