What are the risks of ICSI?
ICSI is a relatively new treatment, the first children having been born in 1992. Although information to date suggests that it is safe, couples considering ICSI should be made aware of several issues including the possibility of unknown risks. Transmission of genetic defects There are a variety of chromosomal and genetic causes of male infertility, which may be transmitted to future generations by ICSI or by natural reproduction where this is possible. Some otherwise healthy men are thought to have a genetic cause for their poor sperm quality. The Y (male) chromosome is a particularly important site of genetic changes causing infertility. As boys inherit their Y chromosome from their father, they may have similar fertility problems later in life. Screening tests for some of these conditions are available. Are congenital abnormalities associated with the ICSI procedure? It is theoretically possible ICSI may cause specific problems through injury to the sperm or egg or injection of damag
