ICSI Worries Called "Overstated"

Techinique is not everything.

Fears that the controversial fertility treatment Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) could cause a high level of abnormalities among babies are largely unfounded, according to a new study by Swedish fertility experts. The study in the journal Human Reproduction focused on over 1,000 babies born after ICSI treatment.

Researchers did find an increased risk of abnormalities compared with babies born without the use of any fertility treatments. But the researchers attributed this mainly to conditions generally associated with multiple or premature births, not ICSI technique. More than a third of the ICSI babies in the study were multiple births.

The researchers said one condition did appear to be directly linked to ICSI: hypospadias, a malformation of the penis.

ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into a woman's egg and has been used since 1991.

Some have worried the technique could lead to abnormalities because of its nature and the quality of the sperm. Studies to date have shown conflicting results.

- - - - -

Examine the natural benefits of Sex-Enhancing Herbs and Supplements.