IVF PICSI

IVF PICSI is an advanced fertility treatment that enhances the traditional IVF process by focusing on the selection of the best-quality sperm. PICSI stands for Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, a technique where sperm is selected based on its ability to bind to hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the female reproductive system.

In standard IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), sperm is chosen visually by an embryologist, which sometimes results in the selection of immature or damaged sperm. PICSI, on the other hand, mimics the natural selection process, helping to ensure only healthy, mature sperm are chosen, potentially leading to higher fertilization success, better embryo quality, and increased chances of pregnancy.

PICSI can be an effective choice for patients facing specific challenges with fertility, including:

• Repeated IVF or ICSI Failures: If previous IVF or ICSI cycles have not resulted in a successful pregnancy, PICSI may improve the chances by selecting higher-quality sperm.
• Male Infertility: Men with sperm abnormalities, including poor sperm motility, shape (morphology), or DNA damage, may benefit from PICSI’s selection method.
• Unexplained Infertility: For couples where the cause of infertility is unclear, PICSI offers a more refined approach that may address hidden issues related to sperm quality.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Couples experiencing miscarriages may benefit from PICSI, as selecting more mature sperm can lower the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, a common cause of miscarriage.

PICSI builds on the ICSI technique by incorporating a natural method to identify the best sperm for fertilization. Here’s how the process works in detail:

1. Sperm Sample Collection: The male partner provides a semen sample, typically through ejaculation. If necessary, sperm can be surgically retrieved in cases where ejaculation is not possible.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Binding Test: The semen sample is exposed to a special dish coated with hyaluronic acid. In natural conception, mature sperm bind to hyaluronic acid present in the woman’s body, indicating they are healthy and ready for fertilization.
3. Sperm Selection: Only mature sperm that successfully bind to the hyaluronic acid are selected. This process helps to eliminate immature or damaged sperm, which may contribute to IVF failure or poor embryo quality.
4. ICSI Procedure: Once the best sperm are identified through PICSI, they are injected directly into the eggs retrieved from the female partner during the standard IVF process.
5. Embryo Monitoring: After fertilization, the resulting embryos are monitored closely in the lab for development. Once a healthy embryo is ready, it is transferred into the woman’s uterus for implantation.

PICSI is designed to enhance the IVF process by ensuring that only the healthiest sperm are used for fertilization. Some of the key benefits of using PICSI include:

• Improved Fertilization Rates: The selection of mature sperm increases the likelihood of successful fertilization. Immature or poor-quality sperm are less likely to result in viable embryos.
• Better Embryo Quality: Sperm selected through PICSI tend to produce embryos with better developmental potential, leading to higher-quality embryos for transfer or freezing.
• Increased Pregnancy Success: PICSI has been shown to improve pregnancy rates, particularly in couples who have experienced previous failed IVF cycles or have male factor infertility.
• Lower Miscarriage Rates: By selecting mature, chromosomally normal sperm, PICSI may reduce the risk of miscarriage, particularly in cases where recurrent pregnancy loss has been linked to sperm quality.

Is PICSI Safe? Yes, PICSI is considered a safe procedure for both the patient and the embryo. The hyaluronic acid used in the sperm selection process is a naturally occurring substance in the body and does not harm the sperm.

Does PICSI Increase the Chances of Multiple Pregnancies? No, PICSI does not inherently increase the risk of multiple pregnancies. However, like with any IVF procedure, the number of embryos transferred into the uterus can affect the likelihood of twins or triplets. Your fertility specialist will discuss the number of embryos to transfer based on your specific case.

Is PICSI Covered by Insurance? Fertility treatments, including PICSI, may not always be covered by insurance plans. It is essential to consult with your clinic’s financial advisor to understand the costs and what may be covered under your plan.

For couples struggling with male infertility, failed IVF cycles, or unexplained fertility challenges, PICSI offers a targeted approach that maximizes the chances of selecting healthy sperm for fertilization. By using this technique, patients may experience higher success rates and a better chance at achieving their dream of parenthood.

PICSI is often recommended for couples who:

• Have experienced repeated IVF or ICSI failure.
• Are dealing with male infertility, particularly sperm DNA fragmentation.
• Are facing unexplained infertility.
• Have suffered from recurrent miscarriages.