🔬 Differences between ICSI and IMSI

What differences are there between the ICSI and IMSI technique? 

There are many couples who present infertility problems, and this may be due to different reasons that may be related to both men and women.

Problems on the male side are usually due to low sperm count or abnormal sperm and low mobility thereof.

On the women's side, the reasons for infertility can be age, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, mental stress and some other factors can influence this problem. 

But currently there are different methods They are of great help in solving this type of problem between couples.

Among them, we have some efficient methods that will be of great help when looking for a solution, such as ICSI and IMSI treatments.

If you have not heard of these methods, we invite you to learn more about each of them and discover the differences between ICSI and IMSI.

What is ICSI?

ICSI is a type of intracytoplasmic injection sperm, Being a fertilization method that consists of directly injecting the spermatozoon into the cytoplasm of an ovum. 

It has become one of the most used methods to treat infertility problems in men, since ICSI requires only one sperm per egg, which is why this method is known as in vitro fertilization technique.

This type of method is very convenient to treat male infertility, especially those who suffer from oligozoospermia, azoospermia, teratozoospermia or asthenozoospermia.

ICSI It is very common to use it in men who have previously undergone a vasectomy, those who have undergone a treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and they have frozen their semen, men who cannot ejaculate normally and even for those suffering from infectious diseases.

At women case, many go for this type of injection due to a poor oocyte quality or that very few follicles are obtained when performing the ovarian puncture.

What is IMSI?

Known as Injection of selected spermatozoa of intracytoplasmic morphology (IMSI), It is a type of technique that is also known as Super ICSI.

In this method, one proceeds to select sperm that have no defects and have fewer alterations, which increases implantation and pregnancy rates.

Here, the sperm are further magnified, this in order to select the best sperm. For this process, a high power microscope is used and it is highly equipped. 

The IMSI It is a method that contains a simple modification, since its potency increase is higher during the selection of sperm, which makes it more effective and leads to a higher pregnancy rate.

It is considered an advanced and successful method, and the only disadvantage of this treatment is that it can take longer, since the sperm must be carefully selected.

ICSI or IMSI?

Knowing a little about each of the methods, Which one should you choose? It is important to know that, at present, the most used method for treating severe cases of infertility is the ICSI, especially when the man has few sperm or poor morphology. 

However, the ICSI method has a disadvantage compared to IMSI method and it is that in the technique ICSI the specialist chooses the spermatozoa simply by observing their head, intermediate segment and tail. 

While in the method IMSI, the work may take longer for the selection of sperm, but they will be safer and this can be verified because the pregnancy rate with this method increases in cases of infertility in men. 

Similarities Between ICSI and IMSI

Meet some of the similarities that exist between both methods:

• Both methods are of the IVF type.
• Both methods consist of implanting an injection of a sperm into the cytoplasm of an egg.
• The two methods have become a great help to solve different problems that arise in married couples due to infertility. 

Differences between ICSI and IMSI

When is ICSI used?

The use of ICSI It is more recommended when men present cases of severe infertility or of unknown origin. In this type of case, it is when it is recommended to carry out the sperm microinjection.

This is because it has become a therapeutic option and gives very good results in this type of patient.

But, it is not only recommended in patients with severe problems, it is also done when couples seek a quick solution when wanting to fertilize.

When to use the IMSI?

Like the method ICSI, el IMSI it is recommended to practice it when the sperm morphology is the altered parameter, which is known as teratozoospermia.

It is a safe method which has become one of the most recommended by experts, and this is because with this treatment there are more chances of fertilization. 

Advantages of ICSI

Among the advantages of ICSI, they can be mentioned:

• This method has a great advantage: this technique obtains more egg fertilization rates.

• Only one live sperm is necessary for each oocyte, so it can be carried out with low quality semen. 

Advantages of IMSI

The method IMSI It has certain advantages that make it preferred by many:

• Its main advantage is that during the process a sperm visualization more detailed, making it 15 times more powerful than ICSI.
• With this method you can select live sperm in real time, avoiding the use of specific dyes that could cause damage to male gametes.

Certain factors to evaluate

However, it is important to note that to carry out either method, you need evaluate certain factors that can have a direct influence on the final pregnancy rate.

Among these can be mentioned:

• The previous study: Before undergoing these methods, it is important to carry out a preliminary study, where any type of problem that may affect the process can be identified.
• Age: it is very important, because this factor directly influences the ovarian reserve.
• Technology and training: this is a very important factor when wanting to carry out any of the processes: try to do it in trained, modern, well-equipped laboratories, this directly influences the treatment.

Preparation and care after undergoing the ICSI or IMSI method

It's important to know how should you prepare before deciding on some of these methods and then how should you take care of yourself

• Nutrition: It is recommended before undergoing the treatment to consume folic acid and Vitamin B, with this you will increase the chances of pregnancy.
• perform exercises: You must stay in shape and carry out moderate exercise routines.
• Avoid stress: Staying stressed can reduce your chances of success, which is why anti-stress activities are recommended.

After undergoing treatment, the most recommended is stay at rest about 30 to 45 minutes, then you can go back to your normal life, but without the need for effort.

It is also recommended drink enough fluidavoid having sexual intercourse until you do the pregnancy test and avoid immersion baths.

Undoubtedly, both techniques have been created with the idea of ​​helping all couples who have fertility problems.

It may interest you: 

• What are the differences between insemination and in vitro fertilization?

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