Attitudes of Klinefelter men and their relatives towards TESE-ICSI

PURPOSE: At the start of the implementation of TESE-ICSI for Klinefelter men in the Netherlands, we aimed to evaluate their wish to father children and their attitudes towards this artificial reproduction technique. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to members of the Dutch Klinefelter Association (n = 365) and to Klinefelter cases known at our Department (n = 58). Questions addressed several aspects: socio-demographic characteristics, ascertainment of diagnosis, children and child wish, and TESE-ICSI. Data were characterized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 260 questionnaires (corresponding to 194 cases, 46%) were returned. A possible wish to father children was reported by 90% of Klinefelter men. 70% of Klinefelter men and 74% of their partners would (probably) opt for TESE-ICSI. CONCLUSION: The majority of Dutch Klinefelter men and their partners desire to have children and have a positive attitude towards TESE-ICSI. Concerns include the risk of congenital malformations/developmental delay of the child and the limited success rate of TESE-ICSI. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10815-011-9603-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.