Authors: Annemiek W. Nap¹; Ron J.T. Van Golde¹; Joep H.A.M. Tuerlings²; Paul De Sutter³; Math H.E.C. Pieters⁴; Jacques C. Giltay⁵; Peter M.M. Kastrop⁶; Didi D.M. Braat¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 14, Number 8, August 1999 , pp. 2166-2169(4)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Couples dealing with microdeletions of the Y chromosome have to make decisions about their reproductive future. Do they opt for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), artificial insemination with donor insemination (AID) or no treatment? We analysed this decision in 28 couples and investigated the role of the counsellor and the counselling process on the final decision of the couple. Ten counsellors from six fertility clinics in The Netherlands and Belgium were interviewed about their genetic counselling of couples dealing with microdeletions. The answers to the questionnaire were converted to 11 dichotomous variables. Of the 1627 tested men in the six centres, 37 (2.3%) had a microdeletion in the AZFc region, a subregion of the AZF region on the Y chromosome important for normal spermatogenesis. The decisions of 28 of them could be analysed. Most couples chose ICSI (79%). The remaining couples chose donor insemination (7%) or refrained from treatment (14%). Several variables, including the counselling procedure, the counsellor and the available treatments in the fertility centre, influenced the decision of the couple. In conclusion, most couples dealing with microdeletions in the AZF region choose ICSI. Several aspects of the process of genetic counselling appear to be related to the final decision.

Keywords: assisted reproduction; genetic counselling; ICSI; male infertility; microdeletions

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2: Department of Human Genetics, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands, 3: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gent, Belgium, 4: Laboratory of In vitro Fertilisation, University Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, 5: Clinical Genetics Centre, Utrecht and 6: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands

Publication date: 1999-08-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Annemiek W. Nap ;  Ron J.T. Van Golde ;  Joep H.A.M. Tuerlings ;  Paul De Sutter ;  Math H.E.C. Pieters ;  Jacques C. Giltay ;  Peter M.M. Kastrop ;  Didi D.M. Braat

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