Are ICSI babies more likely to have birth defects?
Despite widespread use and acceptance, ICSI is still a relatively new procedure. Currently there are no reports of increased birth defects or congenital abnormalities in babies born through ICSI. Children born as the result of ICSI are very young and have not yet reached an age to reproduce. ICSI bypasses the natural selection process at the egg surface that may prevent “undesirable” sperm from fertilizing the egg. This may permit the transfer of certain male infertility conditions that have a genetic basis. Where a genetic basis to male infertility is suspected or known, the couple can consult with a genetic counselor before choosing to use ICSI. A cycle of ICSI and IVF costs $10,000 or more, depending on where you live and what extra options are involved, and it may take more than one cycle to achieve a pregnancy. ICSI costs about $1200 to $1500 as a stand alone procedure. ICSI Risks Most studies show that there is no increase in birth defects and other problems with babies born from
