OExpert IMSI treatment at KIMS Fertility Centre

Intracytoplasmic Morphological Sperm Injection (IMSI)

IMSI is a refinement of the ICSI process. While standard ICSI involves sperm selection at around 400x magnification, IMSI magnifies sperm up to 6000x. This gives our embryologists the ability to examine fine structural details, such as the shape and presence of vacuoles in the sperm head, which may indicate DNA damage or poor quality.

The aim is to inject the healthiest-looking sperm into the egg, improve fertilisation outcomes and increase the chances of viable embryo development.

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Benefits

  • Enhanced Sperm Selection: IMSI uses high-magnification microscopy (over 6000x) to examine sperm structure in detail, helping select sperm with the best morphology (shape).
  • Improved Embryo Quality: Selecting sperm with fewer structural defects can result in higher-quality embryos with better development potential.
  • Better Outcomes in Repeated IVF Failures: IMSI is particularly helpful for couples who have experienced poor embryo development or failed ICSI cycles.
  • Lower Risk of Genetic Abnormalities: By avoiding sperm with visible vacuoles or defects, IMSI may reduce the chance of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage.

Preparation and Process

  • Semen Evaluation: A detailed semen analysis helps determine the need for IMSI based on motility and morphology.
  • Lifestyle Optimisation: Male partners should stop smoking, avoid alcohol, reduce stress, and maintain a balanced diet to support sperm health.
  • Antioxidant Supplements: Nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, CoQ10 and L-Carnitine may help improve sperm morphology.
  • Previous Cycle Review: Share your history of ICSI or IVF failures, as IMSI is often recommended in such scenarios.
  • Medical Management: Treat any infections, varicocele, or hormonal issues that may affect sperm quality.

The Process

The process begins similarly to a regular ICSI cycle. The female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. Meanwhile, a semen sample is prepared in the lab. Using a high-powered microscope fitted with digital imaging, our embryologists examine individual sperm at a magnification of 6000x.

This allows us to identify sperm with normal shape, smooth structure and no visible defects. The selected sperm is then injected into a mature egg, just as in ICSI. Fertilised eggs are then cultured and monitored before embryo transfer.

IMSI does not change the overall IVF cycle but enhances the sperm selection process, which can be particularly helpful in challenging cases.

General Success Rate

  • Fertilisation Rate: Similar to ICSI, with around 70-80% fertilisation of injected eggs.
  • Clinical Pregnancy Rate: In couples with severe male factor infertility or poor embryo quality, IMSI may improve pregnancy rates by 10-15% over standard ICSI.
  • Miscarriage Reduction: Early studies suggest a reduced risk of miscarriage, especially in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss related to sperm quality.

Our Doctors

Fertility Doctors in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Maharashtra

Dr. Padam Kanaka Mahalakshmi
Dr. Padam Kanaka Mahalakshmi
Consultant Fertility Specialist
Dr. M. Kavya Meghana
Dr. M. Kavya Meghana
Fertility Specialist, Clinical Embryologist, Cosmetic Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Doctor Profile
Dr. Y. Manoj Kumar
Andrologist, Senior Consultant Urologist, Infertility Specialist, Laparoscopic & Transplant Surgeon
Dr. Sireesha Gurijala
Dr. Sireesha Gurijala
Consultant Fertility Specialist
Dr. I Naga Prathyusha
Dr. I Naga Prathyusha
Consultant Fertility Specialist, Advanced Reproductive & Laparoscopic surgeon
Doctor Profile
Dr. Pentyala Srikanth
Consultant Andrologist & Urologist
Dr Nimma Pooja Reddy
Dr. Nimma Pooja Reddy
Consultant Fertility Specialist and Laparoscopic surgeon
Dr. Sindhura Bandi
Dr. Sindhura Bandi
Consultant Fertility Specialist in Reproductive Regenerative Medicine
Doctor Profile
Dr. Bokka Sri Harsha
Microsurgical Andrologist, Consultant Urologist, Laser, Laparoscopic & Renal Transplant Surgeon
Dr. Pala Keerthi
Dr. Pala Keerthi
Consultant Fertility Specialist in Reproductive Medicine
Dr. Jyotsna Nekkala
Dr. Jyotsna Nekkala
Consultant Fertility Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Doctor Profile
Dr. Murali Krishna Padyala
Consultant Andrologist, Urologist, Renal Transplant Specialist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Paayal Agrawal
Dr. Paayal Agrawal
Consultant Fertility Specialist and Laparoscopic surgeon
Dr. Arti Patil
Dr. Arti Patil
Consultant Fertility Specialist and Laparoscopic surgeon
Dr. Rita Bang
Dr. Rita Bang
Consultant Fertility Specialist and Laparoscopic surgeon

Why Choose Us?

At KIMS Fertility IVF Centre, we use IMSI to give couples facing sperm-related fertility challenges a higher chance of success. As one of the best fertility centres in the state, we are equipped with high-resolution imaging systems and experienced embryologists trained in advanced sperm selection.

We recommend IMSI only when medically appropriate. Our goal is to tailor treatment plans for each individual or couple and provide options that improve the likelihood of pregnancy without adding unnecessary steps or cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is IMSI different from ICSI?
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Both techniques involve injecting a single sperm into an egg. The difference is in how the sperm is selected. IMSI uses higher magnification to better assess sperm shape and structure.
Does IMSI improve pregnancy success rates?
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It may improve outcomes in selected patients, particularly those with sperm morphology issues or repeated IVF failures. However, success still depends on other factors like egg quality and overall embryo development.
Is IMSI suitable for all couples?
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Not necessarily. IMSI is most useful for couples with known sperm issues or prior unsuccessful fertility treatments. Your doctor will advise if it suits your situation.
Does IMSI take more time than ICSI?
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Yes, sperm selection under high magnification is more time-consuming. However, it does not delay the IVF process significantly.
Is IMSI more expensive?
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IMSI carries a slightly higher cost due to the advanced equipment and time required, but it is only recommended when it has a clear clinical benefit.
Can IMSI reduce the risk of miscarriage?
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IMSI may help reduce miscarriage risk in some couples by improving embryo quality through better sperm selection, especially when poor sperm morphology or DNA damage is suspected.
Is IMSI helpful in unexplained infertility cases?
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In certain cases of unexplained infertility, especially after failed ICSI cycles, IMSI may reveal subtle sperm defects that were previously undetected. Your doctor may suggest IMSI to improve outcomes.
Will IMSI affect how the embryo develops?
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IMSI itself does not change how an embryo develops. However, by selecting morphologically normal sperm, it may improve the chances of forming a healthier embryo with better implantation potential.
Why is it done?
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IMSI is often recommended in the following situations:

  • Couples with multiple IVF or ICSI failures
  • Male factor infertility with poor sperm morphology
  • High sperm DNA fragmentation levels
  • Recurrent miscarriage possibly linked to sperm quality
  • Low embryo quality in previous IVF attempts

IMSI provides an added level of selection for couples who may not have seen results with conventional ICSI.

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