IMSIFertilityTreatment—PreciseSpermSelection
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Shaivalini Kamarapu
MBBS · MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine · 20+ years of clinical experience
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WhatisIMSI?
Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI) is a technique used in IVF treatment to examine and select sperm using a high-magnification digital imaging microscope for microinjection into the egg.
IMSI is a modification of the ICSI technique, where sperm samples are examined under a microscope that is almost 6,000 times more powerful to better assess their morphology. At this higher magnification, the embryologist can identify tiny defects in the sperm head that would not otherwise be visible with standard ICSI.
With the IMSI technique, our scientists are better able to assess the structure of the sperm and exclude the sperm with suspected variations from being injected into the available eggs.
IMSI is yet to be confirmed as beneficial for everyone requiring sperm injection. It is recommended for those with a history of recurrent implantation failures, recurrent ICSI failures, or severe teratospermia (abnormal sperm shape). In essence, it is a selection tool to help embryologists choose the optimal sperm for ICSI — if sperm count or motility is already so low that it limits the number of sperm available for ICSI, IMSI may not be a suitable technique.
WhyperformIMSI?
For men with high numbers of abnormal sperm and previous poor outcomes in IVF with ICSI, an enhanced selection tool may improve the likelihood of fertilization and normal embryo development.
Using digital high-magnification of sperm, our scientists can examine individual sperm at 6,000 times magnification to identify abnormalities and exclude them from being used to fertilise the egg. Sperm identified as structurally normal are then used in the fertilisation procedure via ICSI.
In comparison, traditional methods of selecting sperm involve assessing sperm for visible abnormalities at 400 times magnification, and selecting the most normal-looking sperm to microinject into the egg.
WhoisIMSIsuitablefor?
Your fertility specialist may recommend IMSI if you have:
Very low numbers of sperm
A high proportion of abnormally shaped sperm
Evidence of poor outcomes with previous ICSI treatments
HowmuchdoesIMSIcost?
IMSI cost varies based on individual treatment needs and is typically discussed alongside your overall IVF/ICSI treatment plan. Ask about exact pricing at your consultation.