IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)


IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)

Sperm can be visualized 400 times bigger in micro injection. In this way morphological structures of sperm (head, tail defects) can be evaluated but the defects and vacuoles on the head of the sperm cannot be evaluated.

Object lens and special optic systems are used in IMSI which enable to visualize the sperm 8000 times bigger and abnormalities on the head of the sperm can be separated.
Studies since 2005 demonstrated that vacuoles -include the genetic materials inside the head of the sperm- give a clue about the damages in DNA structures.

Damages in DNA may cause failure in fertilization, embryo arrest, abnormal or slow embryo development, therefore chance of pregnancy is decreased. Conceiving spontaneously with high DNA damaged sperm is difficult. DNA damaged sperms are eliminated naturally in spontaneous pregnancies. Studies demonstrated that pregnancy rates are higher and miscarriage rates are decreased in patients performed IMSI.
It is observed that advanced age, smoking, air pollution, long abstinence duration, testicles subjected to hot environment may increase the DNA damage in sperm. If DNA damage is lower than 8%, DNA of oocytes may cure the damaged DNA in sperm and healthy baby may born.

Technique of IMSI;

• Severe male factor ,
• Recurrent IVF failures
• Unexplained infertility

Enables to select better sperm in above cases. It is considered that IMSI may contribute to children’s healthy development. Therefore, IMSI is performed in necessary cases in our center.