

PICSI: Only mature sperm can fertilise an egg
The PICSI method is an improvement of the ICSI procedure. Only specifically selected sperm are used for fertilisation and these are injected directly into the egg. PICSI increases the chances of pregnancy and reduces the risk of miscarriage.
Book a consultationWhen is PICSI indicated?
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Repeated unsuccessful IVF or even ICSI
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Poor embryo quality
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Repeated miscarriages
Hyaluronan indicates quality sperm
The PICSI method is based on the ability of quality sperm, capable of fertilisation, to bind to hyaluronan, which is placed in a culture dish. Bonded sperm are then used for ICSI. The selection of quality sperm is vital for better embryo development. Clinical studies show that the PICSI method demonstrates the best results in terms of the number of blastocysts compared with ICSI and the classic (conventional) IVF cycle. The use of hyaluronan also increases the number of early embryos with 2 primary nuclei, which is a necessary process for egg fertilisation.
Using this method, the embryologist can be certain the sperm has completed its development and can recognise and bind to hyaluronan. This process has a positive effect on the later formation of the blastocyst. In the past, it was found that sperm affects embryogenesis in two phases. Therefore, in the first early phase, poor sperm selection can affect fertilisation, the fusion of germ cells (i.e. the egg and sperm). In the second phase, sperm also affects the genetic material of the embryo. If the genetic material in the sperm is damaged and subject to fragmentation, this can lead to a reduction in the number of cultured blastocysts, a reduced level of implantation, or to miscarriage. Hence embryos after PICSI show fewer chromosomal abnormalities (Casillas et al.).
In general, cycles using PICSI demonstrate a higher number of pregnant patients and lower chance of miscarriage.
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Other laboratory methods
ICSI
ICSI is the injection of sperm directly into an egg. This significantly increases the chance of fertilisation.
More informationEmbryoScope
We can increase the chances of pregnancy by selecting only the best quality embryos for transfer. We can identify these through continuous monitoring in EmbryoScope.
More informationPESA/MESA/TESE
In the absence of live sperm in the ejaculate, there is the possibility of obtaining sperm surgically from the epididymis (PESA or MESA) or testis (TESE).
More informationAssisted hatching
This method is used to disrupt the protective envelope (outer shell) of the embryo in order to make it easier to implant (nest) in the uterus.
More informationPGT
Testing the genetic makeup of embryos before transfer to the uterus reduces the risk of birth defects.
More informationMethods of infertility treatment
IVF using donor eggs
If a woman cannot conceive and her partner's sperm are healthy, we use donor eggs fertilised with the partner's sperm.
More informationIVF using donor embryos
Donated eggs and donated sperm are used for in vitro fertilisation.
More informationIVF using donor sperm
For couples who cannot conceive naturally and the woman's eggs are healthy, we can use donor sperm from a suitable anonymous donor to fertilise the eggs.
More informationIVF using own eggs
We recommend IVF if the couple cannot conceive naturally.
More information