ESTABLISHING AN INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION (ICSI) PROGRAMME FOR THE TREATMENT OF MALE FACTOR INFERTILITY IN IRELAND

This paper chronicles the introduction and initial experiences of Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) as a treatment for severe male factor infertility in Ireland. Following initial development of the technique using a bovine model, therapy was offered clinically from September 1995. Up to March 1996 a total of 60 couples underwent the procedure. Fertilisation and embryo transfers were achieved in 50 of these (83.3 per cent). Fourteen (23 per cent) became clinically pregnant per cycle commenced, 28 per cent per embryo transfer. Despite a drop in the total number of oocytes available, fertilisation rates rose over the 6 months of the study from 22 per cent to 54 per cent. There were 2 miscarriages (14.2 per cent) and the multiple pregnancy rate was 28.5 per cent. Eight singletons, 2 twins and 2 triplet sets have been successfully delivered. Provided there is proper patient selection, ICSI should prove a valuable addition to treatment options available to infertile couples in Ireland.