MACS (Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting) for Male Infertility Treatment

Male infertility is a significant factor in many couples’ struggle to conceive. One of the most advanced techniques to enhance male fertility outcomes is MACS (Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting) — a cutting-edge sperm selection method that significantly improves the chances of successful IVF or ICSI.

What Is MACS in Fertility Treatment?

MACS is a sophisticated lab technique used to separate healthy, non-apoptotic (non-damaged) sperm from those undergoing cell death. This method uses magnetic nanoparticles to tag defective sperm, allowing only viable, DNA-intact sperm to be selected for use in assisted reproduction techniques like IVF or ICSI.

Why Is MACS Important in Fertility Treatment?

Traditional sperm selection methods focus on motility and shape. However, these don’t account for DNA integrity. MACS is especially useful in identifying and removing sperm with high DNA fragmentation, which may go undetected in conventional semen analysis but can impact fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy success.

Who Should Consider MACS?

MACS sperm sorting is recommended for:

• Couples with repeated ICSI/IVF failures
• Men with high sperm DNA fragmentation
• Unexplained infertility cases
• History of recurrent miscarriages
• Male partners with poor semen parameters

If you’re facing any of these challenges, MACS fertility treatment in Hyderabad can be a game-changer.

How MACS Works: Step-by-Step Process

1. Semen Sample Preparation
   
   The sample is collected and processed to isolate sperm.


2. Magnetic Labeling of Apoptotic Sperm
   
   Defective sperm with markers of early cell death are tagged using magnetic beads.


3. Use of Magnetic Field to Separate Healthy Sperm
   
   The sample is passed through a magnetic column that traps the defective sperm, allowing only healthy ones to pass through.


4. Selected Sperm Used for IVF/ICSI
   
   The high-quality sperm are then used for fertilization, enhancing success rates.

MACS vs Other Sperm Selection Methods

• MACS vs Swim-up: MACS offers better DNA-quality selection, especially in samples with high fragmentation.


• MACS vs Density Gradient: While density gradient separates based on motility and morphology, MACS focuses on sperm health at a molecular level.

Benefits of MACS include better embryo quality, reduced miscarriage risk, and improved pregnancy outcomes.

Cost of MACS Sperm Sorting in Hyderabad

The cost of MACS sperm sorting in Hyderabad varies depending on the fertility center and package inclusions. On average, it ranges between ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, and is often an add-on to ICSI or IVF treatments.