PICSI (Physiological ICSI) - A Natural Way to Select the Healthiest Sperm

What Is PICSI?

PICSI, short for Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is an advanced sperm selection method used during IVF treatment. It helps embryologists choose the most mature and healthiest sperm — based on how well they bind to hyaluronan, a natural substance found around the egg in the body. This process mimics the body’s natural sperm selection mechanism, helping improve the chances of healthy fertilization and embryo development.

How PICSI Works

1. A special PICSI dish is coated with hyaluronan (a substance naturally found in the egg's outer layer).
2.  Sperm are added to the dish.
3.  Only mature, functionally competent sperm will bind to the hyaluronan.
4.  The bound sperm are then selected and injected into the egg during ICSI.
This extra step helps identify sperm that are less likely to have DNA damage or chromosomal abnormalities.

Who May Benefit from PICSI?

PICSI is especially helpful for couples experiencing:
Male factor infertility - poor sperm quality or motility
High sperm DNA fragmentation
Unexplained infertility
Recurrent miscarriage
Previous failed IVF/ICSI cycles

Potential Benefits of PICSI

Better sperm selection using natural biology
May lead to higher fertilization and embryo quality
May reduce miscarriage risk
Helps avoid using immature or damaged sperm