Each one of us is bom with either XX or XY chromosomes. Men have XY chromosomes and women have XX chromosomes. These chromosomes determine everything about us, - essentially who we are - and we cannot change tliis. no matter what For men the Y chromosome carries all the DNA that controls sperm production. If any of this DNA is missing, then sperm production will be affected. Sometimes it can result in a lower count or no spenn count at all. About one out of 10 men with very low counts, (less than 5 million sperm) or no sperm, will have this abnormality. A blood test can be done to check for this DNA problem. If you have this DNA problem you will pass it on to all male children you conceive through ICSI. As far as we know now there are no other birth defects that will be passed along with this DNA defect. Obviously any female children will not be affected because they don't have a Y chromosome.

Sometimes men can have an extra X chromosome. This is a very common chromosome defect. It can result in low sperm counts, small testicles, impotence, and other reproductive problems. This can also be checked with a simple blood test. If you have an extra chromosome there is nothing that can change this. It is who you are as a person. It is possible to still fattier children but you may need ICSI. There is also a risk of passing it on to your children.

Some men are carriers of DNA (chromosome) that causes Cystic Fibrosis. This is a life threatening disease that is not always obvious. Two parents may be carriers, and not have any symptoms. Yet when they produce a child the child will have the disease! This can be checked with a simple blood test too. If both parents are carriers there is a 25% chance their baby may have the full blown disease.