Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: What Are the Risks?

CHIEF EDITOR’S NOTE:Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a relatively new technique used at the time of in vitro fertilization to fertilize human oocytes, has provided couples with very severe male factor infertility the ability to conceive their own biologic children. Many men with severe oligospermia or azoospermia can now pass their genes on to their progeny, an event that might not have been possible for them just a few years ago. Recent studies now suggest that there may be genetic and developmental differences in some children conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It is likely that genetic testing and counseling will be recommended for all couples with male factor infertility in the near future. TARGET AUDIENCEObstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians LEARNING OBJECTIVESAfter completion of this article, the reader will be able to describe the various indications for the use of ICSI in the treatment of infertility, to identify the potential long-term risks associated with the use of ICSI, and to estimate the rate of chromosomal abnormalities in this population of infertile patients.