Our IVF has been changed to ICSI

[TrixieLox]

Hiya,

Just had our downreg scan and all going fab, start stimms on Wednesday but embryologist called today to say they recommend we have ICSI... and yet I've always read ICSI is only really used when there's problems with the man's sperm but hubby's sperm is above average!

She said they're increasingly finding the biggest issue for unexplained infertility couples in IVF is fertilisation, where the sperm can't penetrate the egg. ICSI pretty much guarantees penetration so it'll increase our chances.

Really surprised cos didn't think it was advised for couples where male has no problems, anyone else been changed to ICSI? It's £900 more but I guess we have to go with what the clinic advises.

x

 

[tansey]

It's a tough one hun because £900 is a lot of money that you might not need to pay out but if you stick to IVF and they don't fertilise for some reason you will be blaming yourselves for not paying £900.
Everyone always tells me to go with what the experts say but I have had more than one go now and have an idea of what suits us so would probably argue some points.

 

[JaniceT]

I agree with Tansey. You'll need to discuss with your OH if it's worth spending the extra cash. Your clinic has a point too, that chances are increased through ICSI. Personally, I was recommended ICSI as it gave us the best chance of ever having a BFP.

 

[TrixieLox]

Thanks girls. It's true, if we didn't do it then we'd regret it if our eggs didn't fertilise, I guess I just need to read up on the 'consequences' - eg. increase in birth abnormalities. But experts seem divided on this. I guess, at this stage, we need to take the clinic's advice. For me, money isn't an issue, I'd re-mortgage the house for this but hubby is just so worried we won't have enough savings to provide whatever child we do have with what it needs. But as I keep trying to explain to him, at least we have the savings to pay for this and money doesn't a good childhood make! x

 

[ald]

You have to do whatever you and your dh feel is best, but if this is your first go at ivf then I would take the experts opinion xxx

 

[MillieMoo]

That's a really tough one! At least with ICSI you are guaranteed that the sperm will meet the egg and get in! But it's going to cost you! I hope you manage to decide without too much stress!

 

[FBbaby]

Some clinics now only do icsi regardless of sperm, but from what I've read, they do one price that is not that much more than IVF.

When we saw the consultant after the first SA result, he said that we would need to go for icsi (even though the results were in line with the new WHO normal results). When the results were much better 3 months later (definitely within the normal range of new guidelines), the consultant said that we wouldn't need icsi any longer and recommended IVF or IUI (since besides my age, no problems has been identified with me).

My understanding also is that you can decide whether to do ivf or icsi at the last minute depending on the SA results they do on the day.

Personally, I wouldn't jump for it unless there really is an issue, ie. count might be very good but motility or morphology a bit on the low side.

 

[mrssunshine78]

i was told at our last appt that they sometimes do icsi if the womans eggs aren't as good as they expect, so although we might go for ivf they might have to do icsi if my eggs are a poor quality

hth

 

[TrixieLox]

Yeah, my egg's aren't great quality so that might be why too. I've done loads of research now and it is increasingly being used for 'unexplained infertility' (which we're still classed as despite my low follicle count) too with better results so we're gonna go for it as will might regret it if we don't.

 

[BizyBee]

Hi Trix, my FS recommended it too, even though there are no sperm problems. At this point, they are doing it with all patients who consent. Although hubby was concerned about natural selection, complications, etc., the dr. eased our minds and we went with it. 6 out of 7 eggs fertilized, so we're happy!