1. Preparation of Sperm:
- Sperm Collection and Preparation: Sperm is collected , processed and prepared in the lab to isolate the most viable sperm.
- Hyaluronan Binding Test: The sperm is incubated with a substance called hyaluronan. Hyaluronan is a component of the extracellular matrix found in the egg’s zona pellucida (outer layer). Sperm that binds to hyaluronan are thought to have better physiological and genetic quality, which could be indicative of their ability to fertilize an egg successfully.
2. Selection of Sperm:
- Identification of High-Quality Sperm: After incubation, sperm that have bound to the hyaluronan are selected. This binding is believed to correlate with sperm's ability to fertilize an egg and contribute to a successful pregnancy.
- Further Assessment: The selected sperm may undergo additional assessments to ensure their quality and suitability for fertilization.
Advantages of PICSI:
- Improved Sperm Selection: By choosing sperm that bind to hyaluronan, PICSI may enhance the chances of successful fertilization and reduce the risk of embryo quality issues.
- Better Outcomes for Male Infertility: PICSI can be particularly beneficial for men with low sperm quality or previous IVF failures, as it targets sperm with better developmental potential.
- Individual Suitability: The effectiveness of PICSI can vary based on individual factors, and it is typically used in specific cases where standard IVF or ICSI alone might be less effective.
Overall, PICSI is a valuable tool in ART, offering a refined approach to sperm selection that may enhance the likelihood of successful fertilization and a healthy pregnancy.
