IVF+ (PICSI), an explanation

PICSI, or Physiological Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a specialised technique used in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to select and inject the best-quality sperm into an egg. It is an enhancement of the traditional IVF process, particularly in cases where male infertility or sperm-related issues are a concern.

Here's a breakdown of how PICSI works in IVF:

Sperm Selection

 In conventional IVF, sperm are typically selected based on their appearance and movement under a microscope. However, this method does not take into account the sperm's ability to bind to the egg, a crucial factor in fertilization. PICSI improves the selection process by assessing the sperm's ability to bind to hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in the female reproductive tract.

Hyaluronic Acid Binding

   During the PICSI procedure, sperm are exposed to a petri dish coated with hyaluronic acid, which mimics the conditions of the female reproductive tract. Healthy, mature sperm have specific surface proteins that allow them to bind to the hyaluronic acid. This binding is an indicator of the sperm's maturity and potential to fertilize an egg. Sperm that do not bind to the hyaluronic acid are not used in the procedure.

Sperm Injection

   Once the best-quality sperm have been identified through their binding to hyaluronic acid, one of these selected sperm is injected directly into the egg using a microneedle. This process is known as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which is a standard technique in IVF. ICSI ensures that the egg is fertilized with the highest-quality sperm available, which can be especially beneficial in cases of male infertility or previous IVF failures.

Increased Fertilization Success

   The use of PICSI can lead to higher fertilization rates and, subsequently, a greater chance of embryo development and implantation. It is particularly beneficial when male factor infertility is a concern, as it helps to ensure that only the best sperm are used in the fertilization process.

Improved Pregnancy Outcomes

   By selecting the most competent sperm for fertilization, PICSI has the potential to improve IVF success rates, leading to increased chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.

PICSI is a valuable tool in the world of assisted reproductive technology, and it is often used in conjunction with other advanced techniques like preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to further enhance the chances of a successful IVF outcome. It's important to note that the decision to use PICSI is typically made by the fertility specialist based on the specific circumstances and needs of the individual or couple undergoing IVF.