What is IMSI?
Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI), also called Super ICSI, is an in vitro fertilization technique that aims to select the best sperm to increase the chances of successful implantation. It requires local anesthesia with sedation in the ovarian puncture procedure.
Why is IMSI performed?
IMSI is indicated in the following specific cases:
- Numerous failed transfer attempts.
- Patients with severe teratozoospermia (high number of abnormal or foreign sperm in the semen).
- Patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Long-term infertility of unknown origin
What is IMSI?
This technique consists of previously selecting the spermatozoa by means of a microscope of approximately 6,000 magnification, 15 times more powerful than the one used with ICSI. Thanks to this microscope, spermatozoa with abnormalities are discarded on the basis of their morphology.
Sperm without abnormalities are then implanted one by one into each embryo by intracytoplasmic injection. Finally, between one and three embryos are selected for transfer, which consists of introducing a fine catheter to the end of the uterus.
Preparation for IMSI
As in any other in vitro fertilization technique, it is important to take into account three points before the treatment:
- Nutrition: it is important to take folic acid and vitamin B, as they increase the chances of pregnancy. Thus, it is recommended to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, dairy products and meat, and to avoid fast food, foods high in transgenic fats and sugars and low in vitamins and minerals.
- Exercise: being in shape gives advantages to conceive. Even so, it is not recommended to increase physical exercise, but to keep it as usual.
- Stress relief: stress can reduce the chances of successful treatment, so stress-relieving activities are recommended.
Post-treatment care
Once the embryo transfer has been performed, the woman should rest for the rest of the day, although total bed rest is not necessary. Progesterone hormone should also be administered orally or with injections for 8-10 weeks after the transfer.
Within 12-14 days after the transfer, the woman returns to the specialist for a pregnancy test. It is important to visit the specialist if symptoms such as pelvic pain, fever over 38°C, blood in the urine or vaginal bleeding occur.