IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection) is a cutting-edge reproductive technology that improves upon traditional ICSI using ultra-high magnification to select the best possible sperm for fertilization. It is especially effective in challenging male infertility cases and for couples with prior IVF failures.
IMSI helps embryologists identify sperm with the highest morphological quality, increasing fertilization rates, improving embryo development, and reducing the risk of genetic defects.
What Is IMSI?
Traditional sperm selection for ICSI uses ~400× magnification. IMSI uses ultra-high magnification (up to 6000×), allowing observation of fine sperm structural details, including:
- Nuclear shape and integrity
- Presence of vacuoles in the sperm head
- Cytoplasmic abnormalities
How IMSI Works
- Fresh semen sample prepared in IVF lab
- Embryologist examines sperm under ultra-high magnification with Nomarski optics
- Sperm with best morphology and minimal defects are selected
- Selected sperm are injected directly into the egg
Benefits of IMSI
- Higher fertilization rates
- Improved embryo quality
- Increased pregnancy and live birth rates
- Lower miscarriage rates
- Better outcomes in severe male factor infertility, high DNA fragmentation, or recurrent IVF/ICSI failure
Who Is IMSI Best For?
- Men with poor sperm morphology
- Patients with repeated IVF or ICSI failures
- Couples with unexplained infertility
- Individuals with high sperm DNA damage
- Older male partners
IMSI vs ICSI: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | ICSI | IMSI |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | ~400× | Up to ~6000× |
| Sperm evaluation | Basic morphology | Ultra-detailed morphology |
| DNA integrity insight | Limited | Better indirect assessment |
| Embryo quality | Variable | Often improved |
| Ideal for | Standard cases | Difficult male factor infertility |
Safety and Success Rates
IMSI is non-invasive, performed in the IVF lab, and does not alter fertilization fundamentally. It is widely used in high-complexity centers and associated with:
- Enhanced embryo quality
- Reduced fertilization failure
- Potentially increased live birth rates in specific cases
Results vary based on patient factors and clinical protocols.
Why Choose IMSI at Our Fertility Clinic?
- State-of-the-art laboratory technology
- Senior embryologists trained in advanced ART
- Personalized treatment planning
- Evidence-based protocols aligned with international standards
FAQs
- Does IMSI guarantee pregnancy? No, but it improves success in male infertility cases.
- Is IMSI painful or risky? No, it is performed entirely in the IVF lab.
- How long does IMSI add to the process? Minimal time for sperm selection; no significant delay in treatment.
Book Your IMSI Consultation
Contact our fertility specialists today for a personalized evaluation and to learn if IMSI is right for your treatment plan.
What Is IMSI?
Traditional sperm selection for ICSI uses magnification of ~400×. IMSI uses ultra-high magnification (up to 6000×), allowing the embryologist to observe fine structural details of the sperm, including:
- Nuclear shape and integrity
- Presence of vacuoles in the head
- Cytoplasmic abnormalities
This detailed assessment selects sperm that resemble those chosen by natural physiological processes—promoting healthier embryo development.
How IMSI Works
- A fresh semen sample is prepared in the IVF lab
- The embryologist uses a high-powered microscope with Nomarski optics to examine sperm at ultra-high magnification
- Sperm with the best morphology and minimal defects are selected
- Selected sperm are directly injected into the egg via micromanipulation
This meticulous selection aims to improve genetic integrity and fertilization competence.
Benefits of IMSI
IMSI may provide the following clinical advantages:
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- Higher fertilization rates
-
- Improved embryo quality
-
- Increased pregnancy and live birth rates
-
- Lower miscarriage rates
-
- Better outcomes in couples with:
- Better outcomes in couples with:
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- Severe male factor infertility
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-
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- High sperm DNA fragmentation
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-
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- Recurrent ICSI or IVF failure
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- Poor embryo development history
Who Is IMSI Best For?
IMSI is recommended for:
-
- Men with poor sperm morphology
-
- Patients with repeated IVF or ICSI failures
-
- Couples with unexplained infertility
-
- Individuals with high rates of sperm DNA damage
-
- Older male partners
Your fertility specialist will review your semen analysis and clinical history to determine if IMSI is suitable.
IMSI vs ICSI: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | ICSI | IMSI |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | ~400× | Up to ~6000× |
| Sperm evaluation | Basic morphology | Ultra-detailed morphology |
| DNA integrity insight | Limited | Better indirect assessment |
| Embryo quality | Variable | Often improved |
| Ideal for | Standard cases | Difficult male factor infertility |
Safety and Success Rates
IMSI is a non-invasive laboratory procedure performed during IVF and does not alter fertilization fundamentally. It is widely used in high-complexity reproductive centers and has been associated with:
-
- Enhanced embryo quality
-
- Reduced fertilization failure
-
- Potentially increased live birth rates in specific cases
Results can vary based on patient factors and clinical protocols.
Why Choose IMSI at Our Fertility Clinic?
-
- State-of-the-art laboratory technology
-
- Senior embryologists trained in advanced ART
-
- Personalized treatment planning
-
- Evidence-based protocols aligned with international standards
At our clinic, IMSI is integrated into tailored IVF strategies for patients with complex fertility challenges.
FAQs
Does IMSI guarantee pregnancy?
Is IMSI painful or risky?
How long does IMSI add to the process?
Book a Consultation
If you’ve had unsuccessful IVF cycles or if sperm quality is a concern, IMSI may improve your treatment success. Contact our fertility specialists today for a personalized evaluation.
