FertilityTies posts tagged with icsi

Does ICSI act as Assisted Hatching?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:16:10 -0600

Is it true that ICSI acts like Assisted Hatching?? Meaning the needle from ICSI already causes a weakened hole in the embryo. So if ICSI is done, is Assisted Hatching neccessary?

elaine miller

Bad sperm Morphology..i need some support here!

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:35:39 -0600

Hi Dr Q. All this time, I have been on here asking about problems that I think are wrong with me, meanwhile my dh's s/a just came back and he said the dr told him that 90% are Abnormal. His count was at 120 million which the dr said was good, but 90% of these are bad. Is there any hope for us?? WOuld IVF even be an option for us?? I am so devasted. I am hoping there is some type of hope for us!! Pls help.

CLM

My first IVF/ICSI Cycle...

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:58:36 -0500

Hi ladies,

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. I've been busy gearing up for my first IVF cycle (gosh, I still can't believe that's what we're doing). I plan to pick up all of my meds this weekend, but I've been reading all of the materials my nurse gave me and just sort of trying to prepare for it all mentally. I'm getting more nervous as I get closer to the injections. Am I *really* going to be able to do it?? My husband and I did sign up for the class that Shady my RE offers, but I just know I'm going to freak out the first time or two. My husband is very supportive (thankfully) and has offered to do whatever he can to help, which is good.

I started my birth control pills this morning. I'm supposed to take them for 21 days, but I'll also begun Lupron on Day 18, I think (don't have my protocol in front of me).

You'll laugh, but I've never taken birth control pills before (never felt comfortable messing with my hormones unnecessarily), so I freaked out a little this morning after I swallowed my pill. Silly, I know. I'm generally anxious about taking meds, so this isn't unusual for me. Now I know that BCPs won't kill me! Now, if I could only think that way for my Gonal-F and Follistim shots...

I just have to keep telling myself that we have a decent shot at this working for us, and that if I'm lucky, I won't ever have to take all these meds again! Wish me luck.

OK, that's the latest. If all goes well, I'm looking at an embryo transfer on Dec. 9, which happens to be my birthday. :)

I hope everyone is doing well.

Thanks for reading,

Christine

Christine

Gearing up for IVF/ICSI with some questions...

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:37:10 -0500

Hi Doctor,

My husband and I are gearing up for ICSI this cycle, due to male factor (low count, motility and morph.). All of my tests have come back normal, so there's no known issue with me. FYI:

Day 3 labs: 7.2 FSH, 32.5 Estradiol

Normal HSG

Antral follicle count: 10 (in June), 17 (in Sept) -- we're not sure why so different

I'm almost 36 years old, healthy, very regular cycles, positive OPK every month.

We tried 4 natural IUIs with 3M or fewer sperm. All failed.

Our RE gives us a 40-44% chance of success per ICSI cycle. Does that sound right to you? Also, does the fact that I have no issues help increase our chance for success? I'm carrying an extra 20lbs, but healthy otherwise. Just wondering if we have a decent shot...

Please advise. Any reassurance you can provide would be great! Thanks :)

Christine

How to tell family about fertility treatments?

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:48:09 -0500

Hi all,

I'm struggling with whether to tell my mom that DH and I are about to do IVF/ICSI. I have a decent relationship with my mom, but she can be judgemental and critical at times. However, I feel a bit guilty about not telling her. One of the reasons I'm reluctant to share the news is because I'm fairly certain that my mom might make me worry unnecessarily. And, she's very close to her friends and sister, and I know she'll probably tell them, too.

Another reason is that we're doing ICSI due to male factor, and I don't want her to know that about my husband.

Did you tell anyone? If so, who? If you didn't why not?

Is this the sort of issues that should stay between couples?

Your responses will help me a lot. Thanks in advance.

Christine

Birth control pills?

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:26:09 -0500

Hi doctor,

I'm about to begin my first IVF/ICSI cycle, and I'm supposed to begin BCPs for 21 days. I've never taken BCPS, so I want to know if there are any common side effects? I read all of the scary side effects written on the prescription, but I'm not sure how concerned I should be. I'm almost 36 years old and I don't smoke (never have) and have no known health conditions. Am I at risk for anything while on these pills?

Thanks so much!

Christine

The latest here

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:44:39 -0500

Hi everyone,

I've been so busy that I haven't had much time to be on the boards much. Thanks to everyone who's been checking up on me.

Last Tuesday, we had our 4th and final IUI before moving on to IVF/ICSI. We only had 1.5M motile sperm, so it looks like IVF is more likely. So, I've been busy planning for IVF -- figuring out my insurance coverage, ordering meds, etc.

Once I get my period (unless there's some miracle) on Oct. 28-29, I'll begin BCPs for 3 weeks, then begin low dose stims (Gonal F and FSH, 15 iu), with lots of monitoring in between, of course.

So, while I will take a hpt this weekend, I expect AF early next week. I'm a little nervous and excited about doing IVF/ICSI, especially since our RE has given us about a 45% chance of success per try.

Obviously, this isn't the most ideal situation, and it's sad that we'll have to spend money and endure the emotional rollercoaster of IVF and infertility, generally. On the other hand, I'm so thankful that treatment exists and is within reach for us. I know we'll have our baby very soon, and I hope you all do, too.

Christine

ICSI hyper stimulation and a big SNAFU

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:33:24 -0500

My wife has gone to bed after a major crying jag that I held her through tonight and felt like crying myself.

We went through a $20.000 ICSI process with “IGO” in San Diego.

She hyper-stimulated and they retrieved 46 eggs. They immediately bombed me in the waiting room with doctors and nurses to try to get me to relinquish 16 eggs for stem cell research. They told me that they could not transfer this month and that the next month’s costs would add thousands of dollars, and if I donated they might lower the costs... in retrospect, I think they were bullshitting me to get some eggs, but I agreed in the waiting room, in total confusion, waiting to just go see and hold my wife. They then had me pay with my credit card for an additional $500.00 of medication to hold down bloating because of complications due to the hyper-stimulation.

They then called that day to say that 23 eggs had fertilized and looked good… we were walking on air!

Today they called to say that NO eggs looked good and that only 5 were maybes……..

They said that the 5 were questionable and might not work.

We are signed up to do a PGD on the 23 "successful" eggs that they told us about.

Now we are in a position where tomorrow we will be told if the 5 have any chance, and do we want to do the PGD on those.

My wife is crying, I don't know what the hell anyone is talking about, and don't know what to do.

The bedside manner and support of IGO sucks. We are totally devastated...

My question is this: We think we should cancel the PGD and save the $5,000 for another procedure with another company.

If the 5 look like they have even a slight chance, should we just stick all five “B” grade embryos in and selectively reduce, if needed to get one.

Then, if we get a baby, use the savings from not doing PGD to try to save up for another try with a DIFFERENT company and go for the other sex we want.

The problem is, I don’t know what the hell to do, why she produced 45 eggs, which the doctor said was the most he ever removed, and if the same dam thing would happen again?

Excuse my passion, but the entire decision has to be made tomorrow morning.

They bombed me with the decision about donating eggs to stem cell research while slamming me with other decisions, and I don’t want to feel at such a loss tomorrow…

Any help you can give ASAP would be appreciated.

If we get the money back from not doing the PGD then our bank account will have at least $5.000 to start saving toward another ICSI in a year or two…

My sperm levels are REAL low but the Dr said that the egg quality was the factor.

Could you please give me a complete answer and not the short, quick, brief answer you usually give? We are down to the wire here and very depressed..

Thank you.

Rob

IVF +ICSI

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:59:19 -0500

I've read our IVF clinic manual, but typically what are the pregnancy rates with that in my age group? I'm 38. We're starting Nov. 4th and I think they will implant 3 embryos. I've checked out OK. My husband has low sperm count, motility and morphology. Thanks!

Lara

DR WHATS YOUR OPINION ON ICSI WITH IMSI

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:13:47 -0500

Hi Dr's

Since finding out we have a male factor issue I have been researching icsi. I have come across a new technique called imsi and I was wondering if it worth proceeding with as I've read with imsi you have the best chance of getting the best sperm. We will have to go to Greece for the treatment (we are from Ireland) so it is a big big decision. Any advice would be most welcome.

Thank you

Christine76

Just had IVF with ICSI?

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:21:39 -0500

I had egg retrieval on Friday and they collected 17 eggs out of 21 follicles. The embryologist called today to say they were able to ICSI 14 of them and that 9 had fertilised. Is this good? Will they all now survive until Monday? Thanks in advance

Joanne

My First IVF/ICSI journey

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:34:52 -0500

Hello,

Don't really know what to write I am new to all this. I'm 30 and my husband 42 and we've been ttc for over 7 years since the day we got married! After 4 failed IUI's we are now due to have IVF with ICSI. Went for a scan today and they counted 21 follicles (don't know if this is good or not). I'm due to have the HCG injection in 10 minutes and go in for egg collection on Friday morning. I hope you will follow my journey and we can all support each other. :-)

Joanne

New to IVF with questions, please

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:01:38 -0500

Hello doctors! I need some help, don't mind which doctor answers.

After another (3rd) failed IUI, it has become painfully clear that my husband and I will have to do IVF/ICSI, likely in early November. However, I have some concerns about all of the meds necessary, and I'm probably more nervous than most women. Specifically, I'm afraid of getting OHSS, or some other medical complication (twisted ovaries, blood clots, etc.). I've shared my concerns with my RE, who told me that he'd put me on a lower dose -- 150 (not sure what the measurement is -- I think iu).

Will this lower does lower my chances of OHSS and/or complications? Will I still have a good shot at a successful pregnancy without ending up in the hospital? I'm 35 years old, checked out OK across the board. My DAy 3 labs are: FSH/7.2, Estradiol/32.5.

Please advise.

Thanks much!

Christine

success rate of ivf

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:44:23 -0500

What is the sucess rate ,im 29 partner is 32

nicole mcvey

Assisted Hatching

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:17:23 -0500

We're going to be doing IVF with ICSI this fall and I was wondering if we should pay extra for the assisted hatching? Will that improve our chances? I am 38 yrs. old and have checked out OK. DH has low sperm count, motility, and morphology. The ICSI will take care of the fertilization, but will the assisted hatching give the embryo a better chance to implant?

Lara

Took a test on 12dpiui...

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:00:56 -0500

...and it's negative! Not a good sign, obviously. We're trying to decide between trying one more IUI or doing IVF/ICSI immediately. The problem is, the lab at our fertility center isn't operational between mid-December and early January, so they don't schedule IVFs during that time (which means no monitoring, blood work, etc.). So, if we don't do ICSI now, we'd have to wait until January, which I'd rather not do. My husband, of course, wants to give IUI one more time, mostly because he's bothered by the cost of IVF. Understandable, but I think we're just delaying the inevitable and it's really frustrating. :(

I'm actually quite tired of the disappointment month after month...

Sigh...

Christine

IVF/ICSI first time feelings

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:21:28 -0500

Hello all,

I thought I would share my journey with you. I am due to have egg retrieval on Friday this week. Went to docs today and they say I have 17 follicles but three are only small. So nervous not sure what to expect

Joanne

ivf

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:46:41 -0500

just had my first ivf yesterday everything went great. i had two embryos but in on was 8 cell grade 4 the other was 10 cell grade 4 is that good what are my chances of pregnance.oh we did icsi.and how long does it take for them to inplant?

julie13

Dr. Q & Dr. Eva,Testing and suggestions

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:20:29 -0500

Hello Dr Q or Dr. Eva,

I posted the below information and question on a different post but I have another question after Dr.'s response so decided to re-post the background info.

TTC #1 for 16months 36yrs old

I took clomid 3 months, no monitoring-BFNs

follistim 75IU, 7 mature follies, HCG,BFN

Follistim 75IU, 5 mature follies,HCG,BFN

IVF- 150IU of follistim& 150IU of menopur, retrieved 16- 9 fertilized conventional day 3 transfer 3 embryos, 1 really good but not "perfect" and 2 others that were average- BFN

I have done all the basic fertility tests but nothing invasive such as LAP ect. I have always had a regular cycle and ovulate on my own. AF gives me bad cramps for a day or two and clots and then fine and lasts for about a week. My fertility specialist has suggested that I get a 2nd opinion from another doc in the practice. I have a fibroid that is "as big or as small as a golf ball" on my uterine lining but it doesn't appear to be in the uterus at all by looking at the SIS. Dr. doesn't want to put me through the surgery (admit to hospital for 2 days, due to location of fibroid can't go in through belly button) if it isn't necessary. I'm confused!! I asked my Dr. if my expectations that something should have worked by now are too high and that I just need to be more patient and she said that she is as frustrated as I and really would have thought I would be preggo by now. I don't want to do any unnecessary tests or surgeries but want to try what needs to be done. Is a LAP necessary what would that determine? If I have some endometriosis what would they do for it, is it treated? I know you can diagnose but can you say what you would recommend next? Sorry it is so long, wanted to give all the details. AS ALWAYS THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!!

Response from

Dr. Q

Saturday at 09:11AM

A lap would show little, and if mild endo, this hasn't truly been shown to help much either when treated...

You may simply need to try another round of IVF as it truly can take 2-3 attempts to finally get a success and talk to your doc further about other possible testing available other than lap

MY NEW QUESTION IS WHAT OTHER TESTS CAN BE DONE? THANKS SO MUCH!!!

jenstar

icsi v's ivf . . I'm so confused. .

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:02:01 -0500

Since we have gotten dh's sa results we have to decide on what to do and I am confused. RE has recommended a specialist centre in ICSI instead of ivf as dh has secondary infertility.

count 0.5 million / ml

motility 5%

volume 4.0 mls

Would you advise ICSI and are there more risks involved. Are we more likely to have a healthy baby with ivf. . .do we even have a chance with ivf or should we just go with RE recommendations?

thanks so much as always.

Christine76