Long-term outcomes of ICSI: Health assessment of children conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (A literature review)

Authors

  • S. Ilmuratova Persona
  • V. Lokshin
  • L. Manzhuova
  • Zh. Nurgaliyeva
  • D.I. Marapov
  • G. Mukhambetova
  • A.Y. Kalidinova

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.3.2025.568

Keywords:

ART, ICSI, male infertility, offspring health, reproductive health, endocrine disorders

Abstract

Relevance: The widespread use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) as part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) requires a comprehensive assessment of its impact on children's health. Despite existing research, data on the health of ICSI-conceived offspring remain controversial.

The study aimed to analyze current data on the health of children born after ICSI to identify potential features of their general somatic, physical, and pubertal development, and assess the risks of endocrine system disorders and congenital malformations.

Methods: We conducted a literature search in databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) using key terms. Studies in English and Russian meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed.

Results: Over 30 years of ICSI application, data have been accumulated showing normal physical and cognitive development in children. However, potential risks were identified: metabolic disorders (obesity, insulin resistance), changes in reproductive parameters (FSH and inhibin B levels), and increased frequency of urogenital anomalies. Additionally, differences were observed in total sperm count, motility, and morphology. The conducted review allows us to conclude that existing studies do not fully explore the relationship between the etiology of paternal infertility and the health status of offspring after ICSI. This knowledge gap complicates the assessment of the risks of inheriting reproductive pathologies.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of ICSI, particularly regarding the reproductive and endocrine health of offspring.

References

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Published

30.09.2025

How to Cite

Ilmuratova , S., Lokshin , V., Manzhuova , L., Nurgaliyeva , Z., Marapov , D., Mukhambetova , G., & Kalidinova , A. (2025). Long-term outcomes of ICSI: Health assessment of children conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (A literature review). Reproductive Medicine (Central Asia), (3), 37–44. https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.3.2025.568

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