PICSI in Almaty

PICSI (physiologic ICSI).

ICSI is a method in which a sperm is injected into an egg, using a special microneedle. This procedure significantly increases the chances of successful conception in cases of male factor infertility.

It would seem that it is simply impossible to increase the probability of fertilization even more. Nevertheless, a rather subjective method of sperm selection during ICSI raises some questions, and the selection of spermatozoa for ICSI plays a critical role and directly affects the development of the embryo. But there is an even more effective method of fertilization called PICSI. It differs from ICSI by a more careful selection of the sperm for its subsequent injection into the cytoplasm of the egg.

PICSI is an additional method of sperm selection for the ICSI procedure, based on physiological mechanisms. It is based on the determination of the ability of male cells to bind to hyaluronic acid. High-quality mature spermatozoa have receptors for the main component of the eggshell – hyaluronic acid. For the selection of spermatozoa carrying such receptors, special cups are used, the bottom of which is covered with hyaluronic acid. Mature spermatozoa bind to the bottom of the cup, while immature ones remain mobile. Bound spermatozoa are selected for ICSI. Such sperm is more likely to carry intact DNA, which has several advantages for successful conception and a favorable pregnancy.

Advantages of PICSI

PICSI allows the doctor to select the “right” sperm, which is then injected into the egg. The main advantages of PICSI include:

• the chances of pregnancy are significantly increased;
• the risk of miscarriage decreases (the selected sperm most likely carries intact DNA);
• reduced risk of congenital diseases associated with gene or chromosomal mutations;
• the level of favorable pregnancy course for mother and child is higher.

PICSI are used primarily to increase the chances of conception. Indications for this procedure are:

• low sperm quality;
• immunological infertility;
• unsuccessful IVF attempts in the anamnesis;
• cases of miscarriage in the anamnesis.