Intracytoplasmic Morphologically (IMSI) Treatment
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description:
Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI) is an advanced form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that enhances the process of selecting the best-quality sperm for injection into an egg. Unlike conventional IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), IMSI uses high-magnification microscopy to examine sperm at up to 6,000 times magnification. This level of detail allows embryologists to identify and select sperm that are free from morphological defects, thereby improving the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.
During the IMSI process, the sperm sample is prepared and placed under a powerful microscope. This enables embryologists to closely evaluate the structure and health of each sperm, filtering out those with abnormalities that could affect the outcome of fertilization. The selected sperm are then injected directly into the egg, a procedure that promotes the development of healthy embryos and enhances the probability of a successful pregnancy.
IMSI is particularly recommended for couples who have experienced multiple IVF or ICSI failures, or when male infertility factors such as poor sperm quality or high rates of sperm morphological defects are present. By enabling the selection of optimal sperm, IMSI helps in addressing one of the most critical factors affecting fertility treatment success.
Procedure Duration:
The IMSI procedure, similar to traditional IVF, follows a phased approach that spans several weeks. The first stage involves ovarian stimulation, where the female partner receives hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This phase usually lasts about 10-14 days, depending on the patient’s response to the medication.
Once the eggs have matured, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure that takes about 20-30 minutes under sedation. Concurrently, the male partner provides a sperm sample, which is processed in the laboratory to prepare it for the IMSI evaluation. The sperm selection process itself can take several hours, as embryologists meticulously analyze thousands of sperm under a high-powered microscope.
Following the selection of the healthiest sperm, the injection into the eggs is carried out using micromanipulation techniques. This phase, known as fertilization, occurs within a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are monitored for a few days to assess their growth and development. Embryo transfer to the uterus typically takes place three to five days after fertilization, and the final step involves waiting for pregnancy results, usually confirmed about two weeks after the transfer.
Benefits:
- Higher Success Rates: IMSI improves the chances of successful fertilization and embryo implantation, especially for couples facing male infertility issues.
- Enhanced Sperm Selection: The high magnification allows embryologists to identify and select sperm with optimal morphology.
- Reduced Risk of Miscarriage: Choosing healthier sperm contributes to better embryo quality, which may decrease the risk of miscarriage.
- Suitable for Repeated IVF Failures: Ideal for couples who have not succeeded with standard IVF or ICSI treatments.
- Potential for Better Pregnancy Outcomes: Higher quality embryos often lead to improved pregnancy rates and outcomes.
Potential Destinations:
- Spain: Renowned for its cutting-edge fertility clinics and strong regulatory standards, Spain is a popular destination for IMSI due to its advanced reproductive technology and highly skilled embryologists.
- Greece: Known for cost-effective fertility treatments combined with high success rates, Greece offers a variety of clinics that specialize in IMSI and other advanced reproductive techniques.
- Turkey: A leading destination for medical tourists seeking fertility treatments, Turkey combines affordable pricing with well-equipped clinics and experienced specialists.
- India: Home to numerous internationally accredited fertility centers, India is a preferred choice for IMSI, offering advanced procedures at competitive prices.
- Mexico: With high-quality medical infrastructure and accessible treatment costs, Mexico has become a go-to destination for North American couples seeking IMSI.
Risks & Considerations:
- Complexity of the Procedure: IMSI requires highly specialized equipment and trained professionals, which may not be available at all fertility clinics.
- Higher Cost: Due to the advanced technology involved, IMSI tends to be more expensive than standard IVF or ICSI procedures.
- Multiple Pregnancies: As with any fertility treatment, there is a risk of multiple pregnancies, which may increase health risks for the mother and babies.
- Emotional and Physical Stress: The process of undergoing fertility treatment can be emotionally taxing and physically demanding, involving multiple medical appointments and hormonal treatments.
- No Guaranteed Outcome: Despite the improved chances, IMSI, like all fertility treatments, does not guarantee a successful pregnancy.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital:
Selecting the right doctor and clinic is crucial for a successful IMSI treatment. It is important to research clinics with proven expertise in advanced reproductive technologies. Check for certifications and accreditations that reflect adherence to international medical standards. Patient reviews and success rates are also valuable indicators of a clinic’s reliability and quality of care.
Additionally, consider the experience of the embryology team, as their skill in identifying and selecting the healthiest sperm is a key factor in the success of IMSI. Ensure the clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and employs specialists well-versed in micromanipulation techniques essential for IMSI.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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