Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection versus intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a step toward a...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Infertility Treatment
• Embryology

Background:

• Male factor infertility necessitates advanced assisted reproductive technologies.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a common technique, but success rates can vary.
• Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) offers enhanced sperm selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of IMSI versus ICSI in the initial and subsequent artificial reproductive technology (ART) cycles.
• To evaluate the impact of switching from ICSI to IMSI after a failed cycle.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study was conducted at a single fertility center.
• Couples with male factor infertility undergoing ovum micromanipulation were included.
• Interventions included standard ICSI or IMSI, chosen by the couple.

Main Results:

• In the first ART cycle, IMSI showed slightly higher delivery rates (30%) than ICSI (23%).
• Following a failed ICSI cycle, switching to IMSI significantly improved pregnancy rates (56% vs. 38%) and delivery rates (28% vs. 18%) compared to repeating ICSI.
• Multivariate analysis indicated a threefold increase in pregnancy and delivery chances for couples switching to IMSI after ICSI failure.

Conclusions:

• Repeated IMSI cycles may not be beneficial.
• IMSI is recommended for couples who have experienced one or more failed ICSI cycles due to improved pregnancy and delivery rates.