This is according to figures released at the 21st annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.  A report that monitors assisted reproduction in Europe, has shown that ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) overtook conventional IVF techniques as the most commonly used assisted reproductive technology in Europe in 2002. According to figures released from 24 European countries in 2002, there were more than 122, 000 ICSI cycles and nearly 113, 000 IVF cycles.  Figures are similar in the USA. ICSI is used when sperm quality is sub-optimal.  If the sperm is not able to penetrate the egg when left to its own devices, it is injected into an egg by a fertility doctor. For many years it was thought that if a couple were having difficulties conceiving, it must be because of problems with the woman.  We now know that male factor infertility is extremely common. Luckily, in the majority of cases male infertility is easier and faster to remedy than female infertility. Most cases of infertility are caused by problems with sperm manufacture.  Sperm are incredibly sensitive to a man's diet and environment, and we can modify those in order to boost the production of healthy sperm.  A man's health is just as important as a woman's health when preparing to conceive a child, as 50 percent of the DNA that makes up the child is contributed by the sperm. For more information see the book Infertility: The Hidden Causes. How to overcome them naturally. Reference: European Society For Human Reproduction And Embryology: June 2005