Is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection the Solution for all in Unexplained Infertility?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Infertility Treatment
• Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background:

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) initially addressed severe male factor infertility.
• Its application has broadened significantly, leading to widespread global use.
• ICSI is invasive, costly, and labor-intensive compared to conventional in vitro fertilization (c-IVF).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding indications and global prevalence of ICSI.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ICSI, including for unexplained infertility.
• To examine the short- and long-term safety of ICSI-conceived children.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of existing literature and clinical evidence.
• It synthesizes data on ICSI effectiveness across various infertility diagnoses.
• Safety data for children born following ICSI is also analyzed.

Main Results:

• ICSI demonstrates effectiveness in diverse infertility scenarios, including unexplained infertility.
• Concerns persist regarding procedure-related risks and overall safety.
• The cost-effectiveness of widespread ICSI use remains a subject of debate.

Conclusions:

• While ICSI is effective, its invasive nature and associated risks warrant careful consideration.
• The
• ICSI-for-all
• strategy requires further scrutiny regarding cost-effectiveness.
• Robust, randomized controlled trials are essential to establish consensus on ICSI versus c-IVF for different patient groups.