Male infertility and ICSI

Male infertility is common. The majority of cases are idiopathic in origin and medical treatment has limited, if any, value. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility and allowed couples whose only prior options were donor insemination or adoption to procreate using their own gametes. The success rate of ICSI in male factor infertility is similar to that of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in non-male factor cases. Because of its ability to circumvent natural barriers to conception, there are concerns about the safety of ICSI, including its potential to transmit genetic aberrations to the next generation. In addition, the long-term consequences of ICSI on later development are yet to be uncovered. Couples needing ICSI should be informed about and properly counselled regarding these issues. Further research into the causes and specific treatment of idiopathic male factor infertility is needed.