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The Program in the Genetics of Infertility (PROGENI) was developed to better understand the genetic causes of infertility and to educate patients and doctors about these conditions.

As with many medical advances, there are benefits and risks associated with the currently available treatments for infertility, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This technology has allowed men who would otherwise have no chance for paternity the opportunity for biological fatherhood.

About 60 percent of IVF cases are performed with ICSI, and the majority of those are performed for male factor infertility. This highly technical approach currently has two genetic risks associated with it:

1. Increased chance of children conceived having an extra or missing sex chromosome compared to children conceived without ICSI (8/1000 compared to 2/1000, respectively)
2. Risk of passing on the genetic factors that contributed to the male factor infertility, such as chromosome abnormalities, Y chromosome microdeletions and cystic fibrosis.

The PROGENI program provides expert, timely and innovative care to patients with infertility who are undergoing testing and considering assisted reproductive technologies.

Program in the Genetics of Infertility
2330 Post St.
Sixth Floor
San Francisco, CA 904115

Dr. Thomas Walsh
Director of Male Reproductive Health