PICSI – Another Way, Another Hope
Modern infertility treatments are increasingly enhanced by advanced technologies that significantly boost the chances of pregnancy. One widely used method is ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), which allows for the selection of a single sperm to inject directly into the egg. [1,7] Since sperm quality plays a crucial role in fertilization and embryo development, ICSI has become an important tool in assisted reproduction. However, ICSI primarily selects sperm based on their morphology and motility, without insight into the sperm’s internal quality. This limitation has led to the development of an advanced technique known as PICSI, which helps further refine sperm selection, offering a promising solution for couples facing infertility caused by poor sperm quality.
What is PICSI?
PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an advanced sperm selection technique that mimics the natural fertilization process. It uses hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid (HA) - a naturally occurring substance found surrounding the egg cell to coat the surface of a specialized culture dish. [2,3,6] Only mature sperm with intact DNA and optimal developmental quality can bind to HA.These selected sperm are then used for ICSI, helping ensure that fertilization occurs with the highest-quality sperm. PICSI, therefore, provides an added layer of confidence in achieving successful and genetically sound fertilization.
According to studies on patients with an HBA score below 65% - measured using the Hyaluronic Binding Assay (HBA) to assess the sperm’s ability to bind with HA - the use of the PICSI technique was found to significantly improve treatment outcomes. Specifically, fertilization rates increased, [5] and a greater number of embryos progressed to the cleavage and blastocyst stages of development. In addition, PICSI was found to significantly improve the implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate,while also reducing the pregnancy loss rate when compared to conventional ICSI.
Who is PICSI Suitable For?
Given these factors, PICSI is a technique that allows for more precise selection of the highest-quality sperm, which in turn contributes to better embryo quality, increased chances of pregnancy, and a reduced risk of miscarriage. As such, PICSI may be a valuable option for couples seeking a more successful outcome in their fertility journey, bringing them one step closer toward completing their family.
Reference :
Jetanin Hospital
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