Reply to IVF/ICSI/ART kids and side effects

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm doing IVF (with ICSI) and I keep seeing all these things about children conceived through ART or with ICSI as being at[b] higher risk for genetic syndromes[/b], some of which sound really scary (higher risks of childhood cancer!??!)

Did any of you see/hear about this? Anyone's RE talk to them about this? Or do you know any children conceived through ART that do have a syndrome related to ART? I'm trying to figure out what is real and what is hype. Thanks![/quote]

I looked into this pretty extensively myself.  There does seem to be a slight increased incidence of problems (more so in boys).  Its not a huge incidence though.  The main thing is, they don't necessarily think its the ART, ICSI, etc, but that[b] they are using sperm that never would have been able to fertilize an egg if not for these procedures[/b].  So its likely due to use of sub-par sperm.  No one has been able to prove this yet; just a theory.  Personally, I don't think the risk is all that great, and its the difference between having or not having a child.  [/quote]

OP, syndromes happen in nature with or without intervention. It's a genetic coin toss. If this is the only way you can conceive a child, do not let obscure musings derail your efforts.

PP, that is a gross generalization. Sub-par sperm won't fertilize an egg. Besides, sperm issues may be related to count rather than morphology or motility.[/quote]

Its not a gross generalization.  I've read the scientific articles.  Its part of the "discussion" section, though you probably don't know what that is.

Bottom line, there's a small increased chance of a few problems (such as infertility-which may not be a surprise-hypospadia, etc).  Can't pinpoint why there is a slightly higher rate, but its not a whole lot higher than non-ART children.  If you don't have a strong science background, then make an appointment with your RE to discuss the facts.  [/quote]

There are studies indicating that when ICSI is used due to lower sperm quality, yes, there is an increased chance of certain health problems.  When it's used with normal sperm (e.g. for IVF+PGS cycle) there is no such correlation.  [/quote]

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