Application of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in assisted reproductive technologies

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) entails the mechanical insertion of a chosen spermatozoon directly into the cytoplasm of an oocyte. Due to the consistent fertilization and pregnancy outcome, ICSI is routinely used to treat azoospermic patients where spermatozoa are retrieved by epididymal aspiration or testicular biopsy. Since male subfertility has been associated with a higher incidence of genomic defects, ranging from numerical chromosomal abnormalities to Yq microdeletions, concerns have been raised as to the risk of transmitting genetic defects to the offspring. Screening for such defects can provide invaluable information for appropriate counselling prior to ICSI treatment. In order to address these concerns, a follow-up of the children born after ICSI treatment was conducted.