PICSI Fertility Treatment

PICSI IVF is a technique designed to improve the results of ICSI, increasing the chances of fertilization. Find out the details.

This process is helpful for couples who have had difficulties with fertilization or poor embryo quality in previous treatments.

PICSI fertility treatment uses a natural substance to select mature sperm, like how the body naturally chooses sperm. This method not only increases the chances of fertilization but also helps create better-quality embryos, leading to higher success rates.

At our centers in Mexico and the USA, we offer PICSI IVF to help couples achieve their goal of a healthy pregnancy.

How does PICSI work?

PICSI IVF fertility treatment works by selecting sperm in a way that mimics the body’s natural process.

In traditional ICSI, sperm is chosen based on how it looks and moves. However, this conventional method doesn’t always guarantee the sperm is mature enough for successful fertilization.

In PICSI fertility treatment, a substance called hyaluronic acid is used to pick the best sperm. Hyaluronic acid naturally binds to mature sperm, showing they’re ready for fertilization. During the PICSI procedure, sperm that bind to the hyaluronic acid are selected for injection into the egg.

This step increases the chances of successful fertilization and leads to higher quality embryos. PICSI fertility treatment is beneficial for couples who have had repeated IVF failures or concerns about embryo quality.

Who is it recommended for?

Low sperm count (oligozoospermia):

The chances of natural fertilization are significantly reduced, making PICSI IVF a more effective option.

Irregular motility and morphology (asthenozoospermia or teratozoospermia):

These conditions can hinder the sperm’s ability to reach and fertilize the egg and are particularly suited for PICSI fertility treatment.

Absence of spermatozoa (azoospermia):

A condition where sperm is completely absent, making traditional methods unlikely to achieve fertilization.

High fragmentation of sperm DNA:

A condition where the genetic material (DNA) within the sperm is damaged or broken into smaller pieces.

Sperm cells unable to fertilize an egg cell:

PICSI can help by directly injecting a selected sperm cell into the egg, bypassing any barriers to fertilization.

PICSI IVF is also beneficial for couples who have experienced repeated IVF failures or poor embryo quality. This advanced method offers a more precise sperm selection, increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization.

How is this done?

To select a good quality sperm, a drop of hyaluronic acid is used, and placed on a special culture plate, which is the main component of the cells surrounding the egg, as well as a micropipette.

In PICSI, we use a special sterile culture plate with three microdroplets of hyaluronic acid hydrogel, where the competent spermatozoa, obtained from the semen sample, will remain, giving better results than in ICSI.

This selection process ensures that only the healthiest and most viable sperm are chosen, which is crucial for successful fertilization.

The hydrogel mimics the natural environment of the egg, helping to select only the most mature and competent sperm. The selected sperm is injected into the egg, just as in ICSI, but with better results due to the improved selection process. This added precision in PICSI fertility treatment significantly enhances embryo quality, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy

The use of PICSI fertility treatment increases the chances of successful fertilization and higher quality embryos, making it an advanced and effective option for couples struggling with infertility.

PICSI vs. ICSI: What's the Difference?

If you’re confused about PICSI vs ICSI fertility treatments, you’re not alone. While it can be confusing, it boils down to one main difference — how the sperm is selected.

In ICSI, sperm is picked based on its appearance and movement, but this doesn’t always ensure the sperm is mature.

PICSI fertility treatment uses hyaluronic acid to select the best mature sperm. This substance binds only to mature sperm, which are more likely to result in successful fertilization and healthy embryos.

By using this method, PICSI IVF improves the chances of a successful pregnancy, especially for couples who have had problems with traditional ICSI.

While both techniques aim to help with fertilization, PICSI offers a more precise way of choosing sperm, leading to better outcomes.

PICSI has been shown to significantly improve success rates in IVF by enhancing both sperm selection and embryo quality. By utilizing a physiological selection process, PICSI identifies sperm with intact DNA and optimal fertility potential, which leads to higher pregnancy rates and lower miscarriage rates.

Studies have demonstrated that IVF cycles incorporating PICSI result in better outcomes compared to traditional methods. The use of hyaluronan binding in PICSI reduces the risk of selecting sperm with high DNA fragmentation, further contributing to improved success rates.

This method not only increases the chances of successful fertilization but also enhances the overall quality of the embryos transferred. As a result, couples undergoing IVF with PICSI experience higher success rates and a greater likelihood of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

PICSI success rates

PICSI and male infertility

PICSI is a valuable option for couples dealing with male infertility, primarily when traditional IVF or ICSI hasn’t worked. Male infertility often involves problems like low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or sperm with damaged DNA.

PICSI helps by using a natural process that mimics the body’s selection of the best sperm. In PICSI, a unique substance binds to the healthiest sperm, allowing the embryologist to choose the most mature, healthy, and viable ones. These sperm are more likely to fertilize the egg and produce a healthy embryo.

By improving sperm selection, PICSI increases the chances of a successful pregnancy. For couples facing challenges with male infertility, PICSI offers a better chance of overcoming these issues and achieving their dream of having a baby.

FAQ

What are the benefits of PICSI IVF?

PICSI IVF offers better sperm selection, leading to higher quality embryos and improved pregnancy rates. It helps reduce the risk of using sperm with damaged DNA, which can lead to failed fertilization or miscarriage. PICSI is especially beneficial for couples dealing with male infertility or those who have had unsuccessful IVF cycles. Overall, it increases the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy.

Is PICSI IVF always recommended for IVF patients?

PICSI IVF is not always recommended for all IVF patients. It’s typically suggested for couples dealing with male infertility issues, such as poor sperm quality or high DNA fragmentation. It may also be recommended for those who have had failed IVF cycles with traditional ICSI. However, each case is different, and your fertility specialist will determine if PICSI is the best option for you.

What is the recovery process like after PICSI IVF?

The recovery process after PICSI IVF is like traditional IVF. Patients may experience mild discomfort or cramping following egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Rest is usually recommended for a few days, and everyday activities can typically be resumed shortly after. Your fertility specialist will provide specific instructions based on your case. A pregnancy test is usually done about two weeks after the embryo transfer to confirm success.

Can PICSI IVF be done with frozen eggs or sperm?

Yes, PICSI IVF can be done with frozen eggs or sperm. The process works just as well with cryopreserved genetic material as fresh samples. The frozen sperm or eggs are thawed and used in the PICSI process, where the best quality sperm is selected for fertilization. This makes PICSI a flexible option for couples who have previously stored eggs or sperm for future use.

Is PICSI IVF covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for PICSI IVF varies depending on the policy and location. In some cases, insurance may cover part of the cost, especially if PICSI is recommended due to male infertility. However, it’s vital to check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan includes. Some fertility centers also offer financial counseling to help you navigate insurance and payment options for PICSI treatment.

We have the necessary equipment and technology

To perform ICSI and PICSI techniques in case they are required during In Vitro Fertilization treatments, which we have perfected to create the Multicycle Solutions and increase your chances of bringing a baby of your own home.