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Intra-cytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI)

Helpful tools
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Intra-cytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI)

When there is significant male infertility, the embryologist injects a sperm into each egg using a technique called ICSI. IMSI is a variation of ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) using higher magnification, that allows the embryologist to look at the sperm head in detail.

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Benefits of IMSI:

  • Higher pregnancy rates have been reported in selected groups of patients.
  • The chance of miscarriage may be reduced by selecting better sperm.

Useful to know:

  • IMSI is not useful for sperm taken directly from the testis.
Screenshot imsi
In this IMSI photograph, arrows point to two sperm with round patches inside the head of the sperm. The two sperm at the bottom of the photograph are considered ‘normal’.
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How IMSI works:

  • Washed sperm are viewed at a magnification 600 times their normal size.

  • This magnification shows irregular features in sperm heads that otherwise cannot be seen.

  • The embryologist then chooses sperm with the most normal looking heads.

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Who can benefit from IMSI?

  • Men with poor sperm morphology because poor morphology makes sperm more susceptible to oxidation damage.

  • Men with a higher level of DNA fragmentation in their sperm (DNA fragmentation is a sign of oxidation damage).

  • People with few embryos developing to the blastocyst stage.

  • People who have not become pregnant despite the transfer of several reasonable quality embryos.

Ready to start your fertility journey?

Book a free 15 minute Dr consultation with one of our specialist

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early
  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
Set your age and the months you’ve been trying to conceive
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Your chance of having a baby per month for fertile couples
Your chance of having a baby per IVF cycle (if experiencing infertility)

Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI
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