Indeed, slightly higher rate of genetic defects in children conceived by in vitro fertilization has been reported; however, this results primarily from the fact that infertility as a disease in itself is a risk factor. According to the most recent studies, the risk of genetic disorders is the same in the case of infertile couples which have achieved pregnancy naturally as in the case of patients using in vitro fertilization. The situation is similar in the case of ICSI micromanipulation – a potentially increased risk results from the cause of the problem (significantly lower semen parameters) and not from the technique itself.
In conclusion – it can’t be stated that in vitro as a technique increases the risk of genetic defects. Slightly higher ratios – by ca. 1% – may result from the character of problems with getting pregnant.