Couples undergoing what is a relatively new procedure are naturally concerned to know about all of the risks involved. Certain risks are common to in vitro fertilisation and ICSI; namely, the chance of developing Ovarian HyperStimulation Syndrome and the chance of multiple pregnancy. However, while there have been nearly two million babies born following standard in vitro fertilisation treatment, the number of babies born following ICSI is probably a few hundred thousand. From assessment of these babies following ICSI, the following represents the current state of our knowledge about the …

In certain cases, manipulation of the embryo can enhance implantation and subsequent pregnancy. Common practice is to use acidified Tyrode’s solution (pH 2.35) to thin the zona pellucida. An increase in implantation from 18 % to 25 % is achievable for oocytes with poor prognosis with this intervention, refeffed to as assisted hatching. Assisted hatching is not applicable only for male factor infertility, in fact, it is a treatment for specific defects in embryo development or oocyte abnormalities. However, it is a micromanipulation technique that is routinely performed during IVF …

The bypass of natural barriers to fertilization, possible genetic defects in men with severe male infertility, and the use of severely abnormal sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection has engendered concern over the impact of ICSI on the genetic complement of the offspring . Previous studies have suggested no increase in birth defect rates when IV-F alone was used to induce conception. Van Steirteghem reported no increase in the congenital malformation rate in their center after ICSI when compared with the general population. Of 877 children born after ICSI procedures, 23 …

Risks of IVF-ICSI include general risks of IVF as well as the specific risks related to the micromanipulation procedure of ICSI. One of the most significant risks associated with stimulation of the ovaries is the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This can manifest as massive ovarian enlargement, peritoneal irritation due to follicular rupture or hemorrhage, ovarian torsion, ascites, pleural effusion, oliguria, electrolyte imbalance, hypercoagulability3l I and sometimes death36 . The syndrome occurs in a moderate form for 3-4% percent of initiated cycles, and in a severe form for 0. 1-0.2 % …

One of the largest series reporting results using IVF/ICSI was from Van Steirteghem et al. at The Brussels Free University in Brussels, Belgium. In their preliminary report on 150 couples who underwent 150 consecutive treatment cycles, 1409 oocytes were injected and 830 were successfully fertilized for a fertilization rate of 59 percent. A total clinical pregnancy rate of 35 percent was achieved. The fertilization rate in this study was not influenced by the standard semen characteristics of concentration, motility, and strict criteria morphology. In another largest case serie on ICSI …