PICSI - Advanced Sperm Selection Technique for Improved Fertility Outcomes
PICSI full form in IVF - PICSI is an abbreviation for Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
PICSI is an innovative technique of Assisted Reproductive Technology, which optimises success rates of IVF. This is quite different from conventional IVF-ICSI methods, where sperm selection mainly depends on the criteria applicable through vision alone; PICSI makes use of the physiological binding ability of sperm to hyaluronase-a substance naturally present in the female reproductive tract. The PICSI method enhances the pregnancy rate and reduces miscarriage risks. The key benefit of this technique is the selection of spermatozoa based on their functional quality objectively.
What is the underlying principle behind the method?
Hyaluronic acid is the natural component of the shell itself. The sperm head has a particular receptor, so it can bind with hyaluronic acid. This is a natural process that happens in nature. Subsequently, the PICSI technique is applied for fertilisation where the embryologist picks out the sperms that have a positive bonding with the gel containing hyaluronic acid. These sperms are applied in fertilisation through the ICSI method.
The biochemical competence of mature spermatozoon to interact includes hyaluronic acid binding. Many scientific experiments have proven that the population of spermatozoa able to bind with hyaluronic acid possessed better morphology, fewer percent of chromosomal abnormalities, and integrity of DNA.
Who is PICSI recommended for?
PICSI is recommended in the following situations:
- A high percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA (High -DFI DNA fragmentation index)
- Woman's age over 38.
- In previous failed fertilisation cycles using ICSI.
- Development of low-quality embryos.
- Couple with a history of multiple abortions.
How is PICSI performed?
PICSI involves the following steps:
- Preparation of Hyaluronan-Coated Dish: A dish is coated with a substance known as hyaluronan, which is the composition present in the cumulus cells that surround the egg. This substance serves like the natural environment of the egg and helps differentiate mature and healthy sperm. Modern practice commonly utilises pre-prepared PICSI dishes.
- Sample Semen Collection: The sample is obtained from the male. The semen sample specimen is prepared for the removal of surplus seminal fluid and other unwanted things.
- Sperm selection process: The sperm sample which has been prepared and cleaned is placed in a special dish coated with hyaluronan. Matured, or fertile, healthy sperms possess receptor points that bind with hyaluronan. Therefore, the matured or fertile sperm will stick to the coated-dish, while unhealthy ones shall not.
The bound sperm are identified under a microscope where they have attached to hyaluronan. This is the better-quality sperm that is more likely to fertilise an egg successfully.
Sperm Injection: the selected sperm is aspirated one by one using a needle and directly injected into the cytoplasm of the egg through the ICSI procedure, thereby improving fertilisation regardless of the quality or number of sperm available.
Advantages of PICSI
The benefits offered by PICSI include the following:
- Improved quality of the embryo: The potential of the quality of transferred embryos may be improved through PICSI because of selecting the optimal fertility potential sperm in IVF procedures.
- Higher success rate: The new research has revealed that the PICSI leads to a higher pregnancy rate and lesser miscarriage compared with other conventional methods of IVF.
This reduces the chances of DNA fragmentation. The process of selecting an intact DNA possessing sperm makes the IVF outcomes better.
Disadvantages of using PICSI
Although it is associated with quite a few advantages, the results of PICSI also need to be counted in competition with potential limitations:
Awareness: PICSI might not be an appropriate step for all the patients, particularly for the severe male factor infertility or in case of an extremely low sperm count.
Availability and cost: The availability and cost of PICSI vary with different fertility clinics and locations.
Indications of PICSI
PICSI is indicated primarily in those cases where the sperm quality is low or otherwise compromised. It benefits couples who possess decreased sperm motility, abnormal morphology, or high levels of DNA fragmentation. Selecting the best sperm with functional competency enhances the chance of successful fertilisation and later embryo development.
What is the impact of PICSI on IVF success?
PICSI significantly improves IVF success rates by enhancing sperm selection and embryo quality. Pregnancy rates were significantly higher with reduced miscarriage rates for those couples undergoing IVF cycles using PICSI. It selects sperm with intact DNA and optimal fertility potential, which may further improve ART outcomes.
Do you think PICSI is better than ICSI?
PICSI and ICSI are two ART interventions which help ease the process of fertilisation, however, different in their selection of sperms. In ICSI they can manually select sperm to be used for injection into the egg, while in PICSI, physiological sperm selection is done via hyaluronan binding. The embryologist then selects the best sperm from those sperms that bound hyaluronan by a process like ICSI. So, it upsurges benefits which are claimed by ICSI.
Why choose Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals for PICSI (Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)?
- Advanced Technology: Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals uses advanced PICSI technology to choose the healthiest sperms, and hence makes fertilisation more likely to be successful.
- Expert Team: With outstanding fertility specialists that have fantastic experience in their field, the institute can provide proper treatment and individualised care, thereby giving the best result to each one.
- High Success Rates: With the implementation of PICSI and numerous other advanced forms of IVF techniques used in Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals, the chances of success with fertility treatments are always on the higher side.
- Overall care: An institute provides fertility care holistically supporting from the diagnostic to the treatment process.
- Patient centred: It designs specific treatments with best possible success chances with care.