has anyone had or going through IVF with ICSI?

Hey Jodie. We've got male factor issues in the form of no sperm. Just had ivf with icsi using donor sperm as that was what the specialist recommended. I'll get the embryo put back in next month.
What would you like to know? Ask away and I or someone else will try to help out.

Who do you see in Wellington? We see mark stegman.
From what I've read they're doing more icsi now days due to the ability pick and choose the sperm they use.

Treatment is exactly the same as a regular ivf. I was on a short cycle which meant I did about 10 days of injections (which were fine by the way) then they collected the eggs. I responded super well and got 26 eggs but meant it was too risky to put any back hence why I'm waiting. Of the 26 they injected 16 with sperm and 8 fertilised. By freezing day I had two left for freezing so quite a few dropped off! And from what they tell me that's pretty normal.

Egg collection was quite sore but only because I had so many. Otherwise it wasn't anywhere as hard as I thought.

As for chances that's a bit out of anyone's control once it's back in the body it's up to nature. But at least you know they've done everything they can to make it work.

Hi Jodie
I went through the long cycle and the reason I was on the long cycle is because I don't react to drugs that well. I had done 4 rounds of IUI and only had one cycle with 2 eggs and all the others were just one
For my IVF round I was one the pill (this wipes your system so to speak)and then started the injections in the hope they would have more of a reaction with me. I had 5 eggs and 4 fertilised (DH has good sperm and we didn't need to do ICSI), had one transfered on day 3 after egg collection (they do try and wait until day 5 but because I didn't have many and so many drop off they didn't want to risk losing them before the day 5 mark)
And I am very happy to sat that the little embie decided to make itself at home and I am 11 weeks and 3 days pregnant
I have my 12 week scan tomorrow, and can't wait to tell people

Hi Jodie010

I am not going through ICSI so can't really comment on that procedure, but we are currently in the midst of our first IVF cycle. So far everything has been pretty good. The 3 injections a day are becoming a bit of a chore but they really aren't that bad. I haven't had any side effects either which has been good. Basically I don't feel any different which did make me worry a little that things were not working as they should. I had my first scan yesterday though and we have about 8 follicles and all my blood levels are bang on track. Another scan and blood tomorrow and then possibly EC on Monday or Tuesday. Everything is going to plan according to my FS.

I have to admit I was very apprehensive about going down the IVF track, but I am so pleased that we have done it because it hasn't been that bad at all. Sure I haven't had EC yet which I hear can be quite painful for some, but at this stage I really haven't felt any different and things have all run very smoothly.

Our approach to this journey has been to keep our life as normal as possible and just carry on as usual. I think this has helped me stay relaxed and not let everything become so overwhelming which I know for some it can be.

Mrs Impatient - congratulations and thank you for sharing your journey. It is so encouraging to hear that your IVF cycle has been so successful especially with it being your first. certainly has given me that extra hope.

Good luck with everything ladies :-)

Mellow - I felt like nothing was happening until day of egg collection when my ovaries were very full and I could barely stand straight.

Jodie I waited 6mths to get to the top of the donor list then started treatment straight away (iui) when those didn't work I could've gone straight to ivf but due to my review appt being rescheduled and then my work then Xmas I decided to ivf in January when I wasn't so busy. You might be surprised and the wait may be shorter. Advice I was given was any testing (bloods, vag swabs etc) that they need done before you start get them done ASAP so you're ready to go.

Jodie010 - your not alone, I hate needles too. That is why my husband has to do the injections for me because I just can't do it myself. I think it's worse for him because he hates the thought of hurting me, but he does such a good job that it really doesn't hurt that much - just a little prick. I'm with FA Hamilton and had to wait 12 months for public funding. It has seemed like a long wait but it actually went pretty fast and I am so grateful for it as we would never have been able to do this without it.

Babycrazy - thanks for sharing your experiences so far. I'm sorry to hear that after 26 eggs you only had 2 to freeze in the end. I have my fingers crossed for you transfer. I am starting to feel a bit crampy and very bloated so I guess that's the follicles growing. I expect come EG day I will be in a little discomfort. Thanks for the heads up.

Hi Jodie

I've had IVF with ICSI, we got four eggs, two fertilised and they transferred one which ended in a chemical and the other was no good for freezing so we're back at square one in May. I probably can't add a lot to what the others have said but ask if you do have any questions!

Hi everyone,

I have just failed our 1st ICSI. I am blaming myself not taking the drugs on time and was being too comfortable during the whole process, stay up too late and didn't eat well. So definitely when you start yours make sure you do exactly what the doctor says and spot on timing. Choose good diet and sleep well is very important! I heard many successful stories of couples try acupuncture along the way. Hope this could help you.    

Hi poppy101,
I did it with Repromed, private. they collected 16 eggs, 9 were fertalising, only one made it further enough to transfer, the others were no good to freeze. I heard that other clinics provide reports showing the grade of the eggs or embyos, my doctor didn't. I really think I need a clearer understanding of what happened during what stage after all this. I am gonna meet my doctor next week to discuss about our last treatment, maybe we are planning to do another treatment but considering the cost, it makes the whole thing daunting and stressful. Like you, we can not wait for public funded treatment so we gave up our travel plans for the treatment. My hubby is very supportive all the way and told me not to worry about the money, but still...lots of emtions going down.
I think what you doing now is great, ask a lot of questions so when you want to start a private one at least you are all prepared, and having the public one as the last back up plan. And definately stop drinking or eating anything cold (room tempreture OK)ASAP, as it will affect the blood circulation in the uterus.

Hope all our little beans stick!

Hi Popy101,

I am in Auckland. My mum always told me not to touch anything cold when I was little(I'm Chinese,Chinese think there are ying and yang energies in human's body). I never believed my mum! After going through infertility and failed my first ICSI, I started researching a little bit, came out a more logical explanation is that cold drinks slow down the blood circulation in your uterus,and embryos are picky, they only look for fertile uterus to grow on.Since my body isn't working already so I might as well listen to the old man quit eating cold stuff.       One private ICSI won't break the bank