IMSI, or Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection, is an advanced fertility treatment aimed at enhancing the chances of successful fertilization during assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as IVF. It is an improved version of the traditional ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technique, where sperm are selected based on their detailed morphology under high magnification. IMSI uses a microscope with magnification up to 6000x to allow embryologists to observe the internal structure of sperm in greater detail, helping them identify and select the most morphologically normal sperm for fertilization.
By selecting sperm that are free from structural abnormalities, IMSI helps improve embryo quality, potentially leading to higher chances of successful implantation and pregnancy. This technique is particularly beneficial for couples dealing with male infertility, especially those with poor sperm morphology, or for those who have experienced multiple failed IVF or ICSI cycles.
IMSI is typically recommended in cases where male infertility is a significant factor or where previous ART cycles have failed. Specific situations where IMSI might be beneficial include:
• Couples dealing with abnormal sperm morphology
• Men with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation
• Previous unsuccessful IVF or ICSI attempts
• Unexplained infertility
• Men with low sperm count or low motility
IMSI offers a more precise selection process than standard ICSI, allowing for the identification of the healthiest sperm. This selective approach can lead to higher-quality embryos, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Couples begin by consulting a fertility specialist who will evaluate their medical histories and fertility profiles to determine whether IMSI is a suitable option. Tests like semen analysis and hormone evaluations are performed to assess the male partner’s sperm quality and overall fertility status.
As with other ART treatments, the female partner will undergo ovarian stimulation to encourage the production of multiple eggs. Medications are administered to stimulate egg development, which is closely monitored through ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the eggs reach maturity, they are prepared for retrieval.
The eggs are retrieved from the female partner’s ovaries using a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation or anesthesia. A thin needle is used to collect the eggs from the ovarian follicles, and these are then taken to the lab for fertilization.
The defining feature of the IMSI procedure is the selection of sperm using high magnification. The sperm sample is placed under a microscope that magnifies it up to 6000 times, allowing embryologists to examine the sperm’s internal structure. Only sperm with the most normal morphology, meaning those free from defects or abnormalities, are selected for fertilization.
Once the best sperm have been selected, they are injected directly into the retrieved eggs using the ICSI technique. Fertilization is then carefully monitored in the laboratory over the next several days as the embryos develop. Embryologists keep track of embryo development to ensure that healthy, viable embryos are ready for transfer.
Once the embryos reach the appropriate developmental stage (usually 3 to 5 days), the best-quality embryo(s) are selected for transfer to the woman’s uterus. The embryo transfer is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that typically doesn’t require anesthesia.
If you are considering IMSI as part of your fertility journey, reach out to our fertility experts for more information. We offer personalized consultations, whether in-person, over the phone, or via video call, to help you make an informed decision. Contact us by filling out the form below or call us at +91 9599754455 to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward building your family. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.