Advanced Sperm Selection Techniques
All IVF cycles at Bavishi fertility institute are ICSI cycles; this allows our expert embryologists to select the best sperm based on their motility and morphology (structure).
However, sperms that look good under the microscope may have DNA damage or reduced fertilizing capacity. Medical illnesses like diabetes can also reduce the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Patients with suspected or patients who previously show poor fertilization with IVF or ICSI are good candidates for Advanced sperm selection techniques.
Various techniques select sperms based on various functional features such as the ability to connect to oocytes like membranes, apoptotic markers (markers that signal cell death) or a more detailed structure evaluation.
The state of the sperm DNA, the ability of the sperm to connect to oocytes like membranes, the presence in the membrane of certain apoptotic markers and indicators of sperm maturity, and more detailed structural evaluation by IMSI procedure could be used to help identify the best sperm.
PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
The PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) technique improves pregnancy rate and reduces the risk of miscarriages. The advantage of this method is the objective selection of spermatozoa based on their functional quality.
What is IMSI? (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)
IMSI uses specialized lenses and software to magnify the sperm much more than usually used. The large-magnitude morphological selection of sperm allows the selection of the best sperm in real-time and its direct use in ICSI.
As a first step, the primary sperm selection process is done as done for standard ICSI. A few more sperms are selected than required. These sperm are now seen under High magnification, and their structure is carefully studied. Of these, only the structurally normal sperm is selected and used for fertilization with ICSI.
IMSI technique is a subjective analysis; the experience of our expert embryologist play a crucial part in the success.
What is MACS? (Magnetic-activated cell sorting)
The MACS technique separates apoptotic sperm cells from normal sperms. Apoptosis is a process by which a cell destroys itself at the end of its life cycle. In MACS, damaged apoptotic sperm is labelled with magnetic nanoparticles, and then they are put through a column, where the apoptotic sperm is captured.
Intact live sperm flow through the column and are collected to fertilize oocytes.
Recent research data evidence of meta-analysis shows that MACS do not improve embryo implantation. Read more
Microfluidics
In nature, sperms travel from the vagina to the fallopian tube to fertilize eggs. While in IVF, they come in contact with female eggs directly. The principle of microfluidics is to create micro-channels that stimulate the female reproductive tract. Sperms that travel through these microchannels are selected for fertilization.
PolScope
Sperms are highly condensed cells with compact DNA. They exhibit high birefringence when struck with polarized light.
Those with vacuoles do not generate such a refractive index, and those with altered morphology either in the head, intermediate piece, and flagellum. The selected sperms with high birefringence are used for fertilization.
Selection of the genetically normal sperm for fertilization is crucial for optimum success. It is challenging in some cases where judicious use of appropriate technology by experienced embryologists is a blessing.
Who should consider Advanced Sperm Selection Techniques?
Advanced sperm selection techniques are recommended for individuals or couples facing specific fertility challenges. These techniques help improve the chances of selecting the healthiest sperm for fertilization, leading to better IVF or ICSI outcomes. Here are some cases where advanced sperm selection may be beneficial:
1. Severe male factor infertility
- Low sperm count (Oligospermia).
- Poor sperm motility (Asthenospermia).
- Abnormal sperm morphology (Teratospermia).
2. Recurrent IVF/ICSI failures
- Couples who have experienced multiple failed IVF or ICSI cycles despite normal embryo development.
3. High DNA fragmentation in sperm
- Men with high levels of sperm DNA damage, which can affect embryo quality and pregnancy rates.
4. Unexplained infertility
- When no apparent cause of infertility is found, advanced sperm selection may help improve success rates.
5. Advanced paternal age
- Men over 40 may have increased sperm DNA fragmentation, affecting embryo development and pregnancy outcomes.
6. History of miscarriages
- Couples who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss may benefit from selecting genetically healthier sperm.
7. Poor embryo development in previous cycles
- If previous IVF cycles resulted in poor embryo quality, selecting better sperm may improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
8. Presence of varicocele
- Men with varicocele-related sperm abnormalities can benefit from improved sperm selection methods.
FAQs
No, these techniques are performed on sperm samples collected through natural ejaculation or surgical retrieval if needed. They do not involve any invasive procedures for the male partner.
No, these techniques are specifically designed for use in assisted reproductive treatments like IVF and ICSI. They cannot be applied to natural conception.
Your fertility specialist will recommend these techniques based on your sperm analysis, medical history, and previous IVF/ICSI outcomes.
While they improve sperm quality and selection, these techniques do not guarantee pregnancy but can significantly enhance fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation rates.
The duration varies depending on the technique used, but it typically adds a few extra hours to the standard sperm preparation process in an IVF lab.
These techniques are generally safe, but since they involve handling sperm under specialized conditions, there is a slight possibility of sperm loss during processing.
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