IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)

What is the IMSI Method (High-Resolution Sperm Selection)?

IMSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection), that is, high-resolution sperm selection, is an advanced laboratory technique used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
In this method, sperm are examined by being magnified 6000 to 10,000 times with a special microscope. Thus, defects in the morphology (shape and structural) of the sperm cell are detected in detail, and only the healthiest sperm are selected for fertilization.

📍 FertiJin Women’s Health and IVF Center – Şişli / Istanbul increases the chance of pregnancy by applying the IMSI method with the latest microscope technologies.

👉 Make an appointment now for a free preliminary consultation

What is the Difference Between the IMSI Method and Classical In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

In classical IVF, sperm are evaluated and selected under low magnification.
The IMSI method, however, performs sperm selection with much higher resolution microscopes. This difference significantly increases fertilization rates, especially in men with structural sperm abnormalities.

💡 In short: The IMSI method increases embryo quality by enabling the selection of the “highest quality” sperm at the microscopic level.

What is the Difference Between IMSI and ICSI?

IMSI and ICSI are both microinjection-based methods used in IVF treatment. However, the difference between them lies in the precision of sperm selection:

👉 In summary:

• ICSI is the process of “injecting sperm directly into the egg.”
• IMSI is a more advanced, high-resolution and selective version of this process.

For this reason, it is especially preferred in cases where sperm quality is low or where previous attempts have failed.

How is the IMSI Method Applied?

1. Sperm Collection: The sample taken from the man is prepared with special solutions.
2. High-Resolution Examination: Sperm are examined under a special microscope by being magnified 6000–10,000 times.
3. Selection of Healthy Sperm: The highest quality sperm is selected in terms of head and tail structure, cytoplasm, and DNA integrity.
4. Microinjection (ICSI): The selected sperm is injected into the egg cell with a micromanipulator device.
5. Embryo Development: After fertilization, embryos are developed in incubator devices under conditions similar to the uterine environment.

Embryo Development and Transfer Process After IMSI

Eggs fertilized with the IMSI method are followed in the laboratory environment for 5 to 6 days.
During this period, the development, division rate, cell number, and structural integrity of the embryos are observed in detail.

Embryo Quality Evaluation

Embryologists evaluate developing embryos on a quality scale between Grade 1–5.
The highest quality embryos are those that reach the day 5 blastocyst stage.

Embryo Transfer

• After embryo development is completed, the healthiest embryo is selected.
• If appropriate uterine thickness (endometrium 8–12 mm) is achieved, transfer is planned.
• The transfer procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.
• The remaining high-quality embryos can be frozen and stored for future attempts.

💡 Since embryo quality is high after IMSI, the probability of pregnancy increases significantly after transfer.

Advantages of the IMSI Method

The IMSI method offers many advantages compared to classical IVF or microinjection (ICSI) techniques:

✅ Healthy sperm selection: Sperm with low DNA damage and perfect morphology are used.

✅ High fertilization rate: Fertilization success increases significantly.

✅ Embryo quality increases: It enables the formation of healthier embryos.

✅ Miscarriage risk decreases: Biochemical pregnancy and miscarriage rates decrease.

✅ Effective in recurrent IVF failures.

Who is the IMSI Method Suitable For?

The IMSI method is not necessary for every couple; however, it is especially recommended in some situations:

• Men diagnosed with impaired sperm morphology
• Couples with high sperm DNA damage
• Couples with previous unsuccessful IVF (IVF/ICSI) attempts
• Couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage
• Families with a risk of genetic or chromosomal disorders

🔬 FertiJin IVF Center – Istanbul evaluates each patient individually and determines the most appropriate method.

Success Rates of the IMSI Method

Scientific studies show that with the IMSI method:

• Fertilization rates increase by 10–20%,
• Pregnancy rates can reach up to 60%,
• Miscarriage rates decrease significantly.

The success rate may vary depending on factors such as sperm and egg quality, maternal age, and embryo development.

Cost of the IMSI Method

Since the IMSI method requires more advanced technological equipment compared to classical IVF or ICSI methods, its cost is slightly higher.
The price may vary depending on;

• The laboratory equipment of the clinic,
• The technology used,
• The personal treatment plan.

📞 You can contact FertiJin for current IMSI prices.

Clinic Selection for Reliable IMSI Treatment

One of the most important factors affecting the success rate in IMSI treatment is the laboratory infrastructure and expert team of the clinic.
When choosing a clinic, evaluate the following factors:

• Technological equipment of the embryology laboratory
• Experience of IVF specialists
• Success rates and patient reviews
• Personalized treatment approach

🔹 FertiJin Women’s Health and IVF Center – Şişli / Istanbul is one of the leading IMSI centers in Turkey with its advanced microscope technology, high success rates, and experienced team.

Pregnancy Experiences with the IMSI Method

Many couples who underwent the IMSI method achieved pregnancy after previous unsuccessful attempts.
In the experiences shared by patients, it is emphasized that embryo quality increased, the pregnancy process progressed more smoothly, and a psychologically more reassuring process was experienced.

Is the IMSI Method Suitable for You?

The IMSI method is an advanced option that increases the chance of pregnancy in IVF treatment.
However, since each couple’s medical condition is different, the suitability of IMSI must be evaluated by a specialist physician.

👩‍⚕️ Free preliminary evaluation appointment at FertiJin By making an appointment, you can learn whether the IMSI method is suitable for you.