Male infertility has increased dramatically during the last few years. Male factor is detected in approximately 40-45 percent of all cases of infertility, and male infertility has increased from 45 percent in previous years to nearly 66 percent in 2016. MACS procedure (Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting) is a sperm preparation technology that separates healthy sperm from those on the verge of dying (apoptosis). This improves the rate of fertilisation, early embryo dissociation, implantation, and conception.
The MACS IVF method employs biodegradable magnetic particles that have Protein annexin- a kind of antibody. The antibody binds to sperm with a lot of DNA fragmentation, which is more prone to apoptosis (programmed cell death). The sperm sample is subsequently transported through a column surrounded by weak magnetic fields. Healthy sperms travel through the channel while apoptotic sperms are attracted to the walls.
MACS IVF is recommended when sperm have a high DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), a low fertilisation rate in a prior IVF-ICSI cycle, or a history of miscarriage. Smoking, illness, varicocele, depression, and other factors have been linked to a greater level of apoptotic spermatozoa in the ejaculate. MACS is also recommended for individuals who have had more than two failed IVF cycles, as well as those who have had a higher DFI.
MACS procedure is a well-known therapy for treating male infertility, and it comes as a big relief to many couples and fertility experts. Given the consistent rise in the number of infertility cases reported in India, sophisticated ART procedures like MACS can be a lifesaver for many infertile couples.
By removing the non-viable sperm from the semen sample and selecting the greatest quality sperm, artificial reproductive procedures of MACS IVF have a higher success rate. It has been shown in studies to enhance the pregnancy rate by 10-15%. In the long run, this may be less expensive because couples are less likely to require multiple cycles of IUI or IVF therapy.
Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), also called immunomagnetic cell separation, is a technique that uses magnetic beads to separate apoptotic sperm cells from normal sperm.
MACS is recommended when there is a need to select high-quality sperm and embryos.
MACS technology enables us to minimize risk to embryos during selection, reduce genetic abnormalities, improve the selection of sperm and embryos, and improve success rates in IVF.
Magnetic-activated cell sorting can be useful for:
There are a few disadvantages of using MACS. It is still in the experimental phase, and it is expensive because of the equipment needed. It is also not useful with TESA samples and may even cause damage to delicate sperm cells.
Magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) removes weak sperm from the semen sample and helps select the best quality sperm. Due to this, MACS IVF has a higher success rate and can increase the rate of pregnancy by 10-15%.