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Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI)
The advanced of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) over the past couple of decades has led to the development of PICSI. This is an advanced technique used in fertility treatments that can dramatically improve your chances of building a family.
If you are curious about what PICSI is, how it works, and cost of the procedure, keep reading. By learning about PICSI, you can make an informed decision about your fertility treatment.
What Is PICSI?
Physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection or PICSI is a type of advanced fertility technique that is used in ARTs like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to enhance treatment success rates.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a conventional mentioned where a single sperm is chosen to be injected in an egg to fertilise it. The sperm selection in a conventional ICSI method is performed on the basis of visual criteria, i.e. the sperms that looks the healthiest is chosen for fertilising the egg. However, this may not always lead to best possible outcomes for the couple. Sperm selection in the PICSI method, on the other hand, is done on the basis of the physiological binding ability of the sperm to hyaluronan, which is a naturally present substance in the female reproductive tract.
The use of PICSI instead of ICSI can enhance pregnancy rates and reduce the risk of miscarriages. This method is believed to be advantageous because of the objective selection of the sperm on the basis of its functional quality.
Why Is PICSI Used?
Who Should Consider PICSI?
PICSI is recommended to couples who have low sperm count or quantity. Couples who present male factor infertility due to reduced sperm motility, abnormalities in sperm morphology, etc., can benefit from PICSI IVF cycle. PICSI selects the sperm with optimal functioning, thus, improving the chances of successful fertilisation and development of the embryo.
Opting for PICSI fertility treatment can be beneficial for people who are associated with the following cases:
- High percentage of spermatozoa (sperm) affected by fragmented DNA
- Age of the woman is more than 38
- Low quality embryos
- Multiple abortions in the past
- Failed ICSI IVF cycles
How Does PICSI Work?
Hyaluronic acid is present throughout the zona pellucida or the protective layer of an egg in addition to surrounding this layer. The receptors present in the head of the sperm allow the sperm to locate the egg and proceed to fertilise it. Thus, the fertilisation achieved through ICSI PICSI is quite closer to the natural fertilisation process.
The embryologists choose spermatozoa for the physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection that are able to form a positive bond with a gel containing hyaluronic acid. Since only a mature spermatozoon is able to bind to hyaluronic acid, PICSI improves IVF success rates. Research indicates that mature spermatozoon that are able to have this interaction tend to have low percentage of chromosomal abnormalities, good morphology, and good DNA integrity.
Clinical Evidence for PICSI
PICSI is only recommended to patients who are undergoing ICSI IVF treatment. Thus, its effectiveness cannot be evaluated for every patient who goes through IVF treatment journey. There is no benefit in opting for PICSI if male factor infertility is not the cause for couple’s fertility. But this technique can be beneficial for couples who are experiencing male factor infertility.
Although the controlled trials show no major difference between the results of PICSI and ICSI, more research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of PICSI. This is because the evidence collected for many trials is a secondary outcome as the scientists were researching a different subject. Thus, it is important to discuss your circumstances with your doctor and ask them about any doubts, before making your decision on whether to opt for PICSI with your IVF treatment cycle or not.
PICSI Procedure
An ICSI PICSI in vitro fertilisation treatment constitutes several steps. The IVF treatment proceeds as usual, except for the fertilisation part. Egg fertilisation in a PICSI IVF cycle typically includes the following steps:
Hyaluronan-Coated Dish Preparation
An embryo-grade petri dish is coated with hyaluronan-rich substance. Since this substance closely resembles the natural environment of the female reproductive tract, it is helpful in differentiating mature sperm from others. A fertility clinic may also use ready to use PICSI dishes for the procedure.
Semen Sample Collection & Processing
After collecting a fresh semen sample from the intended father, the embryologists process it. The processing of the semen sample separates sperm from seminal fluid and other possible debris. This step is important to yield best possible results for the couple.
Sperm Selection
Sperm separated from the semen sample at then placed onto the hyaluronan-coated petri dish. As you are now aware, mature sperm tend to bind to hyaluronan in the dish. On the other hand, unhealthy or immature sperm have no such interactions.
Bound Sperm Identification
Then, the embryologist proceeds to identify the sperm that have attached to the hyaluronan using a microscope. These sperms are highly likely to fertilise an egg successfully through the ICSI PICSI as they are believed to be of good quality.
Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Once the preparation is done, the selected spermatozoon is picked up individually using an extremely thin needle and injected directly into the egg. This step is performed under the guidance of a microscope. The injection of the spermatozoon in the egg cytoplasm aids the fertilisation process, especially in case of male factor infertility where the sperm quantity or quality is lower than normal.
Advantages of Using PICSI
Here are some of the pros of PICSI:
High Success Rates
Research has revealed that IVF treatment aided with PICSI results in a higher pregnancy and live birth rates in comparison to traditional IVF methods; this is especially true for couples with male factor infertility.
Reduced DNA Fragmentation
PICSI is able to select mature sperm for fertilisation that attach to hyaluronan. This reduces the risk of DNA fragmentation as mature sperm are of high quality and likely to have intact DNA. Ultimately this leads to better IVF outcomes for patients.
Enhanced Embryo Quality
Sperm selected for the PICSI method of fertilisation are generally of high quality and have low chances of DNA fragmentation or other defects. Fertilising an egg with healthy sperm tends to produce good quality embryos as compared to conventional ICSI or traditional IVF treatment cycle.
Why Choose Nova IVF for PICSI Treatment?
Nova IVF Fertility is an excellent choice for your fertility partner. You can enjoy the following benefits among others if you choose to collaborate with Nova IVF fertility:
Transparent Communication
At Nova IVF Fertility, we understand the importance of trust. Thus, our team of fertility doctors ensure transparency every step of the way in your fertility treatment.
In-House Fertility Specialists
You get access to IVF specialists with decades of experience in reproductive medicine in Nova IVF clinic near you. Our team of doctors are adept at handling complex cases of infertility and recurrent IVF failures.
Global Standard of Care
Care provided at Nova IVF Fertility matches the global standard of care. We go beyond what’s required as per the national standards to ensure optimum IVF outcomes for you and your family.
