What is IMSI?

IMSI-IVF stands for Intracytoplasmic Morphology-Selected Sperm Injection in vitro fertilization. It is an advanced form of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) that involves injecting a single sperm cell directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization. Unlike ICSI, IMSI-IVF employs high-magnification microscopy to select the highest-quality sperm cell for injection.

IMSI-IVF is typically recommended for couples facing severe male infertility issues, such as poor sperm motility or abnormal sperm morphology. The use of high-magnification microscopy helps identify sperm cells with the best potential for successful fertilization.

How Does IMSI Work?

The IMSI-IVF process consists of several key steps:

1. Sperm Collection

   Sperm cells are collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. The samples are then analyzed to assess both quality and quantity.

2. Sperm Selection

   Using high-magnification microscopy, the best-quality sperm cells are selected based on their morphology, optimizing the chances of successful fertilization.

3. Egg Retrieval

   After ovarian stimulation, which involves medications to enhance egg production, mature eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries using a needle under ultrasound guidance.

4. IMSI

   The selected sperm cell is injected directly into the egg using a thin pipette. This targeted approach significantly increases the chances of successful fertilization and subsequent embryo development.