Treatments
IMSI in India
Quick answer
IMSI uses a very high-power microscope to look at sperm shape in fine detail before choosing one to inject into an egg during ICSI. It is promoted for severe male factor infertility. The UK regulator HFEA rates IMSI grey, meaning there is insufficient good evidence that it improves live birth rates.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
Standard ICSI selects sperm at about 200 to 400 times magnification. IMSI looks at over 6,000 times, so the embryologist can see small vacuoles (holes) in the sperm head. The theory is that sperm without these defects make healthier embryos.
The technique adds time and cost in the laboratory. Trials have not shown a consistent benefit in births over ordinary ICSI, which is why many specialists use it selectively or not at all.
How this approach differs
IMSI changes only the sperm selection step. HFEA's grey rating reflects limited quality evidence. If cost is a concern, ask whether the money would be better spent on an extra cycle or frozen transfer.
Who needs imsi
- Couples with severe abnormalities in sperm shape, after discussing evidence
- Couples with repeated poor embryo development linked to sperm factors
- Patients who, after counselling, still wish to try it
How it is done
- The female partner has stimulation and egg collection as for ICSI.
- A semen sample is prepared in the lab.
- Sperm are viewed under very high magnification.
- Those with the best-looking heads are selected.
- Each chosen sperm is injected into an egg.
- Embryos are cultured and transferred as usual.
Before you travel to India
- Two recent semen analyses including morphology (shape) assessment
- Previous ICSI reports with fertilisation and embryo development rates
- A sperm DNA fragmentation test if your doctor recommends it
- Both partners present for the egg collection day if fresh sperm is used
Recovery and flying home
- No extra recovery for either partner compared with ICSI.
- Female partner recovery follows standard egg collection aftercare.
- Pregnancy test about two weeks after transfer.
Risks
- Extra cost without clear benefit
- Longer time for eggs outside the incubator during selection
- Standard ICSI risks such as egg damage during injection
Alternatives
- Standard ICSI
- PICSI (rated black by HFEA, meaning evidence shows no effect)
- Donor sperm in very severe cases
Hospitals in India for imsi
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Continental HospitalsHyderabad
- Apollo Hospitals, Navi MumbaiMumbai
- Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research CentreMumbai
- Apollo Health City, Jubilee HillsHyderabad
- Lilavati Hospital and Research CentreMumbai
- Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight, Banjara Hills, HyderabadHyderabad
Specialists
- Dr Dakshayani DMGM Healthcare (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital)
- Dr Raman PatelZydus Hospital, Ahmedabad
Dr Reitu PatelZydus Hospital, Ahmedabad
Dr Thomas AliyattukudyLisie Hospital- Dr Manisha Rajpal SinghFortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road
Frequently asked questions
Is IMSI better than ICSI?
Not proven. Studies have not consistently shown more live births, and HFEA rates it grey.
Who decides whether IMSI is used?
You and your specialist decide together after looking at semen results and past cycles. You can ask for standard ICSI instead.
Does IMSI need a fresh sample on the day?
Usually yes, a fresh sample is prepared on egg collection day, though frozen sperm can also be assessed. Ask the lab what it prefers.
Sources
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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