In short IMSI is one of the most advanced techniques used in modern infertility treatment. It enables highly precise selection of sperm with normal morphology, which may increase the chances of obtaining healthy embryos and achieving a successful IVF outcome. Although IMSI is an additional procedure, in cases of impaired semen quality, its use may play a key role in the success of fertility treatment.
IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection) is a technique that builds on the standard ICSI procedure, in which a sperm cell is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg. Unlike conventional ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), IMSI allows sperm to be assessed under much higher magnification, enabling a highly detailed analysis of their morphology. This allows the embryologist to select a sperm cell with the most favorable morphological characteristics, meaning one considered to have the greatest potential for successful fertilization and normal embryo development.
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The IMSI method uses a specialized optical microscope that allows sperm cells to be viewed at magnifications of up to 6,000 PLN. By comparison, standard ICSI typically uses a magnification of approximately 400 PLN. This substantial difference makes it possible to identify fine details that cannot be seen during conventional assessment.
During the morphological assessment, particular attention is paid to:
– After a detailed assessment, the sperm cell with the most normal morphology is selected. Then, just as in the ICSI method, we inject it directly into the cytoplasm of the egg – emphasizes Aleksandra Mospinek, MSc, Head of the Embryology Laboratory at Klinika Bocian in Łódź.
IMSI is particularly recommended for couples in whom impaired semen quality has been identified.
The most common indications include:
IMSI may also be helpful for couples whose semen parameters appear to be within the normal range but in whom reduced quality of the sperm’s genetic material is suspected.
The use of IMSI may improve treatment outcomes, particularly in cases of reduced semen quality. – Research suggests that IMSI may improve fertilization and embryo implantation rates, especially in couples with sperm morphology abnormalities – notes Aleksandra Mospinek, MSc, Senior Clinical Embryologist at Klinika Bocian in Łódź.
However, it is important to remember that treatment success also depends on many other factors, including the woman’s age, semen quality, and the couple’s overall health.
Morphological sperm selection using the IMSI method is available at Klinika Bocian facilities in Białystok, Katowice, Warsaw, and Szczecin. The cost of the procedure is PLN 750. The total cost of treatment may also be affected by other factors, such as medications, consultations, or additional procedures. It is advisable to discuss the financial details with the attending physician.
Article prepared in collaboration with:
Aleksandra Mospinek, MSc
Senior Clinical Embryologist, Head of the Embryology Laboratory at Klinika Bocian in Łódź
