During our last IVF, the hospital did ICSI by mistake -- but we got pregnant and were happy to pay for it. Now that we're considering IVF again, I'm wondering if we should do ICSI, in case it had anything to do with our success the last time. We have no male fertility issues, just tubal problems, and our doctor recommended IVF as our best chance at having children. Would ICSI improve our chances or worsen them?

Rebecca

I don't believe that present data would support the use of routine ICSI when semen is normal. In fact, any handling such as ICSI can be traumatic and can damage good eggs. For that reason, I would suggest against routine ICSI, even though you were successful with it last time.

Your husband's semen analysis will direct your doctors how to best advise you. Hopefully, you will again be lucky.