IVF Methods Part 1 – MACS, ICSI, IMSI. What do these letters mean?

At first glance, these words may seem like they come from another planet. In the world of IVF, however, they mean a lot. Each of these abbreviations denotes one method of artificial insemination. Here's an explanation and description of what these methods entail.

MACS

Or, the magnetic selection of sperm. It is performed before the artificial insemination itself. It uses magnetic nanoparticles, which bind to the surface of damaged sperm. A magnet is then used to remove low-quality sperm from the sample, leaving behind healthy cells with the highest chance of fertilisation. Sperm quality is essential for proper embryo development. This method is suitable for individuals whose sperm are of insufficient quality, have DNA disorders, or suffer from infertility.

PICSI

Or, the intracytoplasmic injection of preselected sperm. With this method, a natural substance called hyaluronan selects the sperm that is most suitable for fertilisation. The sperm is then injected into an egg. The PICSI method is used in cases where previous IVF attempts have not been successful, after repeated miscarriages, or in cases of poor embryo quality, and can also be combined with the MACS method.

ICSI

Or, the intracytoplasmic injection of sperm. With this technique, sperm that has been selected under a microscope is transferred to the cytoplasm of a mature egg by microinjection. This significantly increases the chances of successful fertilisation of the egg. This method is used especially when the man’s sperm count is low, there is reduced quality and motility of sperm, lower quality of eggs, low number of eggs, or in cases of infertility caused by an immunological factor.

IMSI

Or, intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection. Strong, healthy sperms have the best chance of fertilising an egg. With this method, a very powerful microscope is used to find it. Sperms are magnified up to 6,000 times; the best are the ones with a long tail and a well-shaped neck and head, and it’s these ones that are looked for. The best of these is then injected into an egg. This method is used for women who have experienced repeated miscarriages with no obvious cause, in the case of abnormal sperm shape, or if the egg cannot be fertilised using ICSI.

These are only some of the many methods offered by the GYNEM IVF centre. Different methods, or a different combination of methods, are appropriate for different people. You can discuss everything in detail, and ask questions, with the doctors at the clinic.

*This article is translated from Czech original to English language by translation agency Marvel, s. r. o.