Infertility Support Group

In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.

2,817 Members

29,973 Posts

0 Online

albgray 03/21/2010

We are in the process of IVF #3 (started stims today) and are considering doing ICSI, although we do not have any major male factor issues. Typically, my RE encourages it and we are scheduled to talk about it on Tuesday (will need to decide then).

Just wondering if it is worth the extra expense with hopes of higher fertilization rates (we had 4 out of 8 last time). I am leaning towards doing it, but I'd love to hear your opinions.

Thanks in advance.

deleted_user 03/21/2010

hi,we don't have male factor but did icsi because i have low egg reserve,this was our 4th ivf cycle and we only got five mature eggs and four fertilized and three made it to transfer two being good embryos and one excellent embryo,in my opinion it is worth doing it,the more embryos you get the higher your chances of getting pregnant, your RE will select only the best for transfer.good luck!

deleted_user 03/21/2010

We didn't have major male factor either (slight low motility but that improved after a few months of diet change so it wasn't an issue when we started IVF). We did the shared risk program at our clinic and ICSI is part of that if they think it's necessary so we left it in the embryologist's hands. They did end up using ICSI and 7 of the eggs sucessfully fertilized. Five made it to day 5. We transferred 2 and had 3 to freeze. I think because we had a good outcome we'd do it again but we've never tried IVF without it so...

Good luck!!

deleted_user 03/21/2010

Forgot to add that for us 7 of 13 fertilized so that's around 50% even with ICSI. My RE said 50% is generally the average.

deleted_user 03/21/2010

We also did ICSI (even though there is no male issue). The RE recom due to my age (39). Retrieved 8 and 5 fertilized, 4 ET (quality 1 B and 3 C's) so not the best bunch of embies. One took (which I think was the B grade) and now I'm 23 wks preggo.

deleted_user 03/22/2010

we did IVF w/ ICIS (unexplained infertility).
-16 eggs harvested/13 fertilized
-2 transferred
-pregnant w/a son who I had on Christmas

The fertilization rate even if you have ICIS depends on how mature your eggs are. I would go for it since you are spending so much money anyways. Plus, I am so glad that I have 'frozen tots-icles' (I hope that is not too crude) to use when we are ready for our next one. Good luck : )

EELC 03/22/2010

despite all the sperm analysis tests, they really don't know everything that makes a successful fertilization work. ICSI seems to improve the chances. Since you're alrrady spending lots of money, I'd say go for it if your RE thinks it will improve the chances of the cycle working.

Join the Conversation