Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection (aka IMSI) is an advanced method over ICSI to improve embryo quality. Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection is an option when sperm morphology is very poor. This results in the embryos from previous ICSIs to be poo and not result in pregnancy. It entails the selection of sperm at 200 to 400 times larger magnification than standard ICSI, enables the embryologist to closely scrutinise the sperm morphology in more detail.
A ‘hero’ sperm is then selected and injected directly into the ova.
IMSI has been shown to improve embryo quality, reduce miscarriages rate and increase chances of an ongoing pregnancy.
The process & what to expect
The process of Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection does not require any additional procedures on your side. An IMSI cycle will continue just as an ICSI cycle would. The IMSI cycle only changes some of the processes within the laboratory. Different lab consumables are used and the sperm selection technique under the microscope are different to ICSI. Notably, the only difference on your behalf with regards to Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection is that it is an additional cost. The final outcome of the cycle might hopefully be more successful than past cycles.
Is Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection right for you?
The indications for Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection include:
- Severe male factor infertility (poor morphology)
- Recurrent failed ICSI cycles
- Failed blastulation
- Poor fertilization within previous ICSI cycles
FAQ
Q:Is there an extra cost involved with IMSI, when compared to ICSI?
A: Yes, there is an additional cost for IMSI. The additional cost is R3900, however, this cost may vary.
Q: Does IMSI guarantee success?
A: There are unfortunately no ‘guarantees’ when it comes to fertility treatment, making it one of the most difficult journeys one can go through. However, with that said, IMSI has been proven by some studies to be more beneficial than ICSI as an indication treatment, but there are still no guarantees.
Q: What are the risks of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection?
A: It is not known if there are risks of Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-selected Sperm Injection over and above those known from ICSI.