ICSI/IMSI Treatments
ICSI Treatment
What is ICSI?
ICSI is an acronym for Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection. This technique is used to aid fertilisation of eggs in vitro. With ICSI, a single sperm is selected and injected directly into an egg, bypassing the natural fertilisation process. All the other aspects of the ICSI cycle are the same as an IVF cycle.
Why ICSI can help
Achieving successful fertilisation of mature eggs in vitro is central to the IVF process. With ICSI, a single sperm is selected and injected directly into an egg, bypassing the natural fertilisation process. All the other aspects of the ICSI cycle are the same as an IVF cycle (see IVF).
Cases where ICSI may be recommended:
- Abnormal sperm parameters (low sperm count, low sperm morphology and/or motility)
- Previous history of failed fertilisation with conventional IVF
- Previous history of abnormal fertilisation as it occurs in cases of gestational trophoblastic disease
- In cases where the sperm has been surgically retrieved
IMSI Treatment
What is IMSI?
Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI) is a non-invasive sperm selection process used during the ICSI procedure. IMSI is a sperm selection method used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The technique involves using a microscope with a high powered lens to view sperms under very high magnification (over x6000) and this allows the embryologists to view detailed images of the sperm during the sperm selection.
Why IMSI can helpAchieving a healthy pregnancy is dependent on the quality of the human embryo which is a product of the quality of both the egg and the sperm. An embryo can still be created from an abnormal sperm but it is unlikely to implant or it may result in an early miscarriage.
Some sperm abnormalities can be identified using a microscope which magnifies up to x400 as it is the case with ICSI. IMSI offers a the magnification of up to x6000, thus enabling the embryologists to see more accurately abnormalities in the head of the sperm. The chance of creating better quality embryos is higher by selecting a sperm without abnormalities.
There have been several studies within the last decade that suggest that IMSI could be beneficial in specific situations such as previously failed ICSI attempts. However, the research suggests that IMSI only helps certain groups of patients and should not replace standard ICSI. For more information, please see the HFEA website or speak to a member of staff.
Some sperm abnormalities can be identified using a microscope which magnifies up to x400 as it is the case with ICSI. IMSI offers a the magnification of up to x6000, thus enabling the embryologists to see more accurately abnormalities in the head of the sperm. The chance of creating better quality embryos is higher by selecting a sperm without abnormalities.
There have been several studies within the last decade that suggest that IMSI could be beneficial in specific situations such as previously failed ICSI attempts. However, the research suggests that IMSI only helps certain groups of patients and should not replace standard ICSI. For more information, please see the HFEA website or speak to a member of staff.
Cases where IMSI may be recommended
- Repeated unsuccessful ICSI cycles
- History of recurrent miscarriages
- Poor quality embryos formed in previous cycle
- A high number of abnormal sperm are found in a semen analysis
