IMSI

Intra-Cytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI) is an advanced form of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), designed to improve fertilization outcomes in IVF, especially for couples with male factor infertility. Using high-powered digital magnification—up to 7,200 times, compared to ICSI’s 400x—IMSI allows embryologists to examine sperm in greater detail. This helps select the healthiest and most morphologically normal sperm for injection into the egg.

The IMSI technique was pioneered in 2004 by Benjamin Bartoov and his team at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Their findings revealed a significant jump in pregnancy rates, from 30% to 66%, by using morphologically superior sperm.

How IMSI Works and Who It Helps

IMSI is especially beneficial for:

• Couples with previous IVF or ICSI failures
• Cases of severe male factor infertility
• Couples with unexplained infertility
• Men with high sperm DNA fragmentation
• Poor embryo quality in previous IVF attempts

How the procedure works:

• The sperm sample is analyzed under a high-magnification microscope (7,200x).
• Embryologists select sperm based on shape, size, and internal structure, which indicate better genetic quality.
• The selected sperm is then injected into the egg using a micromanipulator, similar to the ICSI procedure.
• If sperm is not present in the semen, it can be retrieved via testicular biopsy.
• Fertilization occurs in the lab, and the embryo is later transferred into the uterus.

Key Benefits of IMSI:

• Higher fertilization success
• Better embryo quality and blastocyst formation
• Increased implantation and pregnancy rates
• Improved outcomes in couples with repeated ICSI failures

At Dr. Suparna’s IVF Clinic, IMSI has led to successful pregnancies in many challenging cases. One notable success involved a couple who had two failed ICSI attempts due to male infertility. With IMSI, fertilization was finally achieved and resulted in a healthy pregnancy.

If you’ve faced repeated IVF failures or have been diagnosed with male factor infertility, IMSI may offer renewed hope on your fertility journey.