The Genetics of Male Infertility

Abstract

Transmission of genetic defects through assisted reproductive techniques can have serious long-term implications. Assisted reproductive techniques should not be initiated in men with a possible or known genetic cause of infertility without prior genetic counseling and risk assessment. Clinicians and researchers involved in reproductive medicine must recognize that, although these techniques have revolutionalized the treatment of male infertility, they have the risk of passing genetic abnormalities to the progeny. Therefore, researchers must proceed cautiously with development and application of assisted reproductive technologies to avoid creating future generations of genetically abnormal individuals. The first step in accomplishing this goal is through an increased understanding of the genetic basis of male reproductive failure.