Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI)
What is IMSI Treatment?
Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection, or IMSI for short, is an advanced type of
in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. In this process, sperm is selected based on the high-magnification imaging of the sperm morphology and structures. Furthermore, this process is used along with the standard IVF process. Therefore, in this process, sperm is collected, analyzed, and inserted into the egg for further development.
In this process, only the sperms that appear morphologically normal under high magnifications are selected for injection into the eggs. Should there be any defects in sperm shape and size, it is rejected immediately. Then, the best one is selected with high magnification and injected directly into each egg using micromanipulation.
Once fertilized, the embryos develop inside the incubator for three to five days before being transferred back into the female partner's uterus for pregnancy.
Why is IMSI Performed?
There are many reasons why IMSI is performed. Some of the key reasons why IMSI is performed as a part of IVF treatment are as follows:
- IMSI may be referred after failed IVF attempts. This is done to aid in the selection of high-quality sperms and improve the chances of success.
- Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection is specifically conducted in cases involving low sperm counts, poor sperm motility, and/or high rates of abnormal sperm.
- If the IVF has failed in the past recurrent cycles or faces early miscarriage with standard IVF cycles, then there is a high chance of doctors recommending the IMSI treatment.
- IMSI is also performed if there is no reasonable explanation behind infertility.
- IMSI is also performed if the female patient is over 40. IMSI aids in selecting the sperm with the highest quality and thus increases the chance of pregnancy and fewer genetic defects.
- If the couple already has a child with birth defects, IMSI treatment is conducted to increase the chance of getting a baby without any form of birth defects.
- Sometimes, the doctors also prescribe IMSI treatment to improve the success rate of IVF protocols to maximize the IMSI IVF success rates.
These are some of the key reasons why IMSI is performed.
Who is IMSI Suitable for?
IMSI treatment- Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection is suitable, particularly for those who have failed in the IVF cycles. Besides this, IMSI treatment is also suitable for the following category of people.
- Males with severe male factor infertility, such as low sperm count, poor motility, or high abnormal morphology
- Couples who have had multiple failed IVF cycles despite normal fertility evaluations.
- IMSI is suitable for couples who are infertile but have no specific reasons why or the reasons are not undefined
- It is also suitable for women over 38 to 40 years of age
- IMSI is highly suitable for couples who have had a child with birth defects
- It is also suitable when the male partner is known to carry a genetic condition
- IMSI helps couples with recurrent pregnancy loss
- If the males have borderline semen analysis results, IMSI can help identify a fully healthy sperm.
- IMSI is also used to enhance the chance of pregnancy success by the couples
These are some of the key conditions where IMSI is suitable.
How does IMSI Treatment work?
In the Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection treatment in Nepal, the doctors magnified the sperm up to 6000 times using state-of-the-art technology. This close-up of sperm helps doctors identify both the minor and major defects in sperm and filter them out. The key steps involved in the IMSI procedure include the following:
Semen Sample Collection
A semen sample is provided by the male partner on the day of the IMSI procedure.
Sperm Processing
The semen sample is processed to filter out the healthiest and motile sperm.
High Magnification Microscopy
The processed sperm are evaluated under a microscope capable of 6000 times magnification. This enables a detailed examination of sperm morphology.
Morphology Selection
In this step, the embryologists select a sperm that appears best under high-magnification imaging. With the aid of magnification, the experts discard sperms with abnormalities in size, shape, and structure.
Micromanipulation
A single sperm is selected and then injected directly into an egg in a process called Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection using a thin glass needle.
Fertilization
The sperm fertilizes the egg, and genetic materials are combined to form an embryo.
Incubation
The fertilized embryo is allowed to develop in an incubator for 3 to 5 days.
Embryo Transfer
In the final step of the process, the doctors select the best quality embryo and transfer it back into the female partner's uterus for implantation and pregnancy.
What are The Risks and Benefits of IMSI Treatment?
Depending on your circumstances, IMSI treatment has both risks and benefits. The key risks and benefits involved of IMSI treatment are as follows.
Risks of IMSI treatment
- Some couples may not show improvement with IMSI over standard procedures
- The IMSI process increases the cost of the IVF process
- Although unlikely, the genetic issues may still be present within the baby
- Increases the time, complexity, and stress associated with IVF procedures
Benefits of IMSI treatment
- A moderately higher pregnancy rate when compared to the standard IVF process.
- Better embryo quality
- Reduced miscarriage rates
- Avoidance in passing of genetic defects
- Helps in identifying underlying sperm issues causing infertility.
FAQs About IMSI Treatment
What is IMSI in gynaecology?
IMSI treatment, or Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection treatment, is a process in ICSI where a high magnification is used to observe and select the ideal sperm before insemination and incubation.
Is IMSI better than ICSI?
While IMSI does provide a theoretical advantage for some cases, it may not significantly outperform ICSI for many patients, especially those with only minor male factor issues.
What are the benefits of IMSI?
Some of the key benefits of IMSI include the following:
- Improved pregnancy rates
- Better embryo quality
- Reduced miscarriage rates
- Avoidance of passing genetic disease
- Optimized sperm selection
- A better understanding of sperm contribution
What is the cost of IMSI treatment in Nepal?
