Understanding PICSI: Procedure, Benefits, and What to Expect

What is PICSI?

PICSI stands for Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. It is a special fertility treatment. In fact, PICSI helps doctors select the healthiest sperm for use in IVF (in vitro fertilization). This method can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Many couples choose PICSI when facing fertility problems. The PICSI procedure is safe and widely used in fertility clinics.

How Does PICSI Work?

PICSI uses a simple but careful process. The goal is to pick the best sperm for fertilizing an egg. Here are the main steps:

First, a doctor collects a sperm sample from the male partner.

Next, the sperm is placed in a special dish with a natural substance called hyaluronan.

Healthy sperm stick to the hyaluronan, showing they are mature and likely to be healthy.

Then, the doctor selects these sperm and injects one into each egg using ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

Finally, the fertilized eggs are watched for growth before being placed in the uterus.

Because PICSI uses natural selection, it may help improve IVF results.

Benefits of PICSI

PICSI offers several advantages for couples trying to conceive. For example, it can:

Increase the chances of fertilization

Reduce the risk of genetic problems in the baby

Lower the chance of miscarriage

Help couples with past IVF failures

Moreover, PICSI is safe and does not add much time to the IVF process. Many fertility specialists recommend it for certain patients.

Who Should Consider PICSI?

PICSI is not for everyone. However, it may help couples with:

Repeated IVF or ICSI failures

High levels of sperm DNA damage

Unexplained infertility

History of miscarriage

Additionally, men with poor sperm quality may benefit from PICSI. Your fertility doctor can help decide if this treatment is right for you.

Risks and Considerations

While PICSI is safe, there are some things to keep in mind. For instance, PICSI does not guarantee pregnancy. Also, it may not help all couples. Some risks include:

Extra cost compared to standard ICSI

No added benefit for couples with normal sperm

Possible emotional stress if results are not as expected

Still, most side effects are rare. It is important to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

The PICSI procedure is simple and does not cause pain. During the process:

You will give a sperm sample, usually at the clinic.

The sample is tested and prepared in the lab.

The best sperm are chosen using the PICSI dish.

Fertilization is done using ICSI.

After the procedure, you will wait a few days to see if the eggs fertilize and grow. If all goes well, the doctor will place the embryo in the uterus. You may need to rest and follow your doctor’s advice during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions About PICSI

Is PICSI better than ICSI? PICSI may help in some cases, especially with sperm quality issues. However, it is not always better for everyone.

Does PICSI increase pregnancy rates? Studies show PICSI can help some couples, but results vary. Your doctor can explain your chances.

Is PICSI safe? Yes, PICSI is considered safe. Side effects are rare.

How much does PICSI cost? Costs vary by clinic and location. It is often an extra fee on top of IVF or ICSI.

If you are considering PICSI or have more questions, consult a fertility specialist at Dr. Hemanth Parigala for personalized advice about PICSI.