PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced fertility treatment that enhances conventional ICSI by using a biological selection process to identify the healthiest sperm for fertilization. It is particularly useful in male infertility and repeated IVF failure.
PICSI mimics natural fertilization by selecting sperm that bind to hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally present in the human egg. HA-bound sperm are more likely mature, genetically intact, and capable of successful fertilization.
How PICSI Works
- Sperm sample is placed on a PICSI dish coated with hyaluronic acid
- Only mature sperm with intact DNA bind naturally to HA
- Embryologist selects HA-bound sperm
- Selected sperm is injected directly into the egg
Clinical Benefits of PICSI
- Higher fertilization rates compared to standard ICSI
- Improved embryo quality
- Reduced DNA fragmentation risk
- Lower miscarriage rates in selected patients
- Potential improvement in implantation and live birth rates
Who Can Benefit from PICSI?
- Male factor infertility
- High sperm DNA fragmentation
- Low sperm morphology or maturity
- Recurrent IVF or ICSI failure
- Previous unexplained miscarriages
- Advanced paternal age
PICSI vs Standard ICSI
| Feature | Standard ICSI | PICSI |
|---|---|---|
| Sperm selection | Visual assessment only | Physiological + visual |
| DNA integrity | Not assessed | Indirectly assessed via HA binding |
| Embryo quality | Variable | Often improved |
| Natural selection | Limited | Mimics natural fertilization |
Safety and Effectiveness
PICSI is safe and well-established in leading fertility clinics. It does not alter sperm or egg and does not increase congenital abnormality risk compared to standard ICSI.
Clinical studies suggest PICSI may:
- Improve clinical pregnancy rates by 10–20% in selected cases
- Reduce miscarriage risk in patients with male factor infertility
(Results vary depending on individual diagnosis and treatment.)
Why Choose PICSI at Our Fertility Center?
- Experienced embryology team trained in advanced ART techniques
- State-of-the-art IVF laboratory
- Personalized treatment planning
- Evidence-based protocols aligned with international fertility guidelines
Schedule a PICSI Consultation
Contact our fertility specialists to learn if PICSI is right for your treatment plan.
