confused about icsi

I did 3 IUI without any pregnancy. Now I am going to try IVF and as I am 42 years of age my Dr has suggested ICSI with IVF (though semen analysis for my husband does not show any problems). I am very confused about ICSI and have concerns regarding genetic defects that might be transfered to the baby (though there is no apparent family history of anything like that), also I have concerns about birth defects. If someone had ICSI and had baby with that could they help me with that. what are the chances of birth defects with ICSI. After all they poke the egg with needle. Looking for help ASAP as i have already started taking injection (Menopur)
Thanks

[Heather5]

Hi Amo,

Unfortunately, I don't have any personal experience with ICSI, but I know others on here have had successful IVFs with ICSI. And I don't think the birth defect chances are any higher...as far as I know. It's actually fairly common to use ICSI, especially in women of advanced maternal age, since it helps increase the fertilization rate.

If you're really worried about it, though. you could always ask your RE if you can make the final decision once you see how many follicles develop. If the number's high, you could always take a chance on not doing ICSI, but if the number's low, ICSI is probably the best choice.

Best of luck with everything!

[KellyF42]

Hi Amo, I did IVF with ICSI and transferred two 3 day embryos 10 days ago. I asked my doctor all of your concerns and he was very reassuring that is was a wonderful option and the risks were very low. The way I look at it, there are risks with any pregnancy (natural and IVF).  Everyone hopes and prayers for a healthy baby but the truth is that doesn't happen. I think once I accepted that, the risks of ICSI went into the same bucket as every other risk. Good luck to you, I am wishing you all the best!