What is IMSI and How Can It Help with Fertility?

Louise

Louise was born and raised in Sweden, and Turkey has been her home for over 14 years. Her passion for storytelling has guided her on a journey of crafting narratives that surpass geographical boundaries. From creating blog posts to collaborating with brands, she focuses on weaving tales that resonate universally. Through her work, she aspires to create stories that connect with diverse audiences, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.

blog

What is IMSI and How Can It Help with Fertility?

How IMSI Works

During traditional ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), an embryologist selects a single sperm to inject into an egg using a standard microscope. With IMSI, the selection process is more detailed. A much more powerful microscope is used, which allows the embryologist to view sperm cells at a very high magnification. (Source: Cochrane) This makes it easier to spot imperfections or abnormalities in the sperm's shape or structure that wouldn’t be visible with regular equipment.

By choosing sperm with a better structure, there’s a greater chance of selecting one that’s genetically healthier. That can increase the likelihood of fertilization and possibly improve embryo development.

Who Might Benefit from IMSI

IMSI isn’t used in every IVF cycle but can be especially helpful in certain cases. Couples who have had multiple failed IVF attempts, or where the male partner has poor sperm quality, might be good candidates. It’s also sometimes recommended for couples dealing with unexplained infertility.

Men with high levels of DNA fragmentation in their sperm may also benefit, as IMSI aims to reduce the risk of using sperm with these issues. While IMSI doesn’t fix sperm DNA, selecting a sperm that looks healthier may help lower the risk of genetic problems. (Source: NIH)

Benefits and Considerations

One of the main benefits of IMSI is the improved sperm selection process. With better visuals, the embryologist can make more informed choices, and that might help lead to better fertilization rates and healthier embryos. Some studies have suggested that IMSI can reduce miscarriage rates and boost pregnancy chances, especially in couples with previous IVF failures.

However, it’s not always necessary. In cases where sperm quality is already good, IMSI might not offer extra benefits. It can also be more time-consuming and may add some cost to the IVF treatment, so it’s important to discuss with a fertility specialist whether it’s the right choice.

A Closer Look at Male Fertility

Often, fertility conversations focus more on the female side. But male fertility plays just as big a role in successful conception. IMSI is one of the tools that shines a light on male fertility factors, helping couples explore all possible angles. (Source: Wikipedia)

Taking steps to improve sperm quality through a healthy lifestyle, stress management, and proper nutrition is always a good idea. But when extra help is needed, technologies like IMSI offer an additional layer of support.

Choosing the Right Path

Every fertility journey is unique. What works for one couple might not be needed for another. IMSI is one of many advanced tools that can help personalize fertility treatment, offering another option when the road to parenthood needs a bit more science behind it.

If you're considering IVF and have concerns about sperm quality or previous failed attempts, asking your clinic about IMSI could be worth it. A more detailed look might be the missing piece that brings you closer to your goal.

Sources:

Cochrane - Cochrane.org/ultra-high-magnification-imsi-sperm-selection-assisted-reproduction NIH - NCBI.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8312289/

Wikipedia - Wikipedia.org/wiki/Intracytoplasmic_morphologically_selected_sperm_injection