Forum Medical

ICSI

97 replies · page 1 of 5

Ellie Guest ·
Hi everyone,
In November, after 1.5 years of trying, we found out that our big wish unfortunately won't come true naturally.
This means we'll be going for an ICSI project.
I just finished taking the pill for 3 weeks, and starting this weekend I'll begin with the injections. I'm really quite nervous about that. Also, the fact that it might not work out... no matter how positive we are.
Are any of you able to share tips? Or is anyone here currently going through ICSI?

Replies

Page 1 of 5

  1. Anonymous #2

    Not dealing with it right now, but I did undergo ICSI myself. For me, it helped to not look too far ahead. Just focusing on each part, step by step. You don't really have any control over any of it anyway. I found those two waiting weeks the hardest of all. Of course, there's a chance it won't work out, but the chance that it will work out is now many times greater than if you were trying naturally. Those thoughts also helped me a lot to stay positive. Our chances have never been greater , and it turned out that way too because we got a wonderful, healthy daughter through the first ICSI attempt (via the transfer of a "fresh" embryo) first try was a hit that can happen of course the transfer of our cryo last October unfortunately didn't work out, so no second child for us yet. Who knows what the future holds lots of strength with the process. I hope it comes true for you if you have questions or just want to share something...

  2. liesje193 #3

    Hi Ellie,

    I’m in the same boat—I’ve also started with ICSI. After being on the pill for 2 weeks, I gave myself the first Decapeptyl injection yesterday. I found it super scary, but it turned out to be okay in the end.

    It gives me more peace of mind now that the chances are much higher since an embryo is being transferred, meaning fertilization has already taken place. And it feels like we can finally really get started.

    We’ve known since September 2016 that my husband’s sperm count was very low. I was fed up with all the tests and the waiting—it sometimes felt unnecessarily long to me, even though it wasn’t. But now that real steps are being taken and the process has begun, I have good hope again.

    Best,
    Lisette

  3. Anonymous #4

    Wishing you lots of luck and success too, dear

  4. C81 Guest #5

    Hi ladies, I'm not quite there yet but I'll just read along if you don't mind. I'm getting my 2nd IUI in 2 weeks. But with the first one, my partner also had too few motile sperm and they already said that if it's the same for the 2nd attempt, IVF or ICSI will be recommended. Ellie, how was the first round of injections? Liesje, can I ask how many sperm your partner had? Chantie, what a beautiful positive story! Enjoy your daughter! Are you still trying for a little brother?

  5. Ellie Guest #6

    Thanks for your nice replies.
    It actually puts me more at ease that strangers with experience are so positive, rather than people I know who have no experience.
    Chantieee, it’s so exciting that you’re trying for your second baby now. Are there any more cryopreserved embryos left in the freezer? Or are you allowed to start a new cycle?
    And you’re absolutely right—you know fertilization will happen, so those two extra weeks feel even more nerve-wracking. Honestly, they’re the most stressful part. Did you take it easy during those two extra weeks? Or did you not really think about it too much?
    Liesje, what a coincidence! We’re almost on the same schedule. I’m injecting for the first time tonight. But it’s really nice that it went well. I don’t find the injections that scary, but I’m curious what the hormones will do to me (I’m quite sensitive to hormones).
    My partner also has reduced fertility. That’s why we’re going through this process. My partner had 600,000 sperm cells (sounds like a lot, right?)—which also answers c81’s question.
    It’s tough that you had to wait so long before starting your cycle, Liesje. We found out in December and were able to start almost immediately.
    I did take the pill for 3 weeks though. It’s nice that you’re so positive too. And you’re right, I do share that feeling—I’m glad we can finally start.
    I hope we both succeed!!
    Love, Ellie

  6. C81 #7

    Hi! Ellie, my friend also had 600,000 sperm cells last time. Earlier he was right on the edge, just against the million. I can totally imagine that it's all very stressful. It's really nice that you can start right away.
    Liesje, that sounds like a long wait too. Did they want to rule out other things first?

  7. Anonymous #8

    According to WHO standards, the following is considered normal: About 2ml with at least 20 billion sperm cells per ml. At least 50% of these should have good mobility and more than 30% should have a normal shape. And the acidity of the sperm is also important. My husband also had way too few sperm and they barely moved, so in our case, they really picked the best sperm in the lab. Unfortunately, we only had 5 fertilizations. One became my daughter. Two didn't survive the freezing process, and the other two were frozen together on one straw, so they also thawed together during our cryo attempt. Unfortunately, our cryo attempt didn't yield any results. And the freezer is empty. We don't know yet if we want to go through the whole process again. For now (maybe against better judgment....) we're trying naturally for a few more months
    By the way, after the embryo transfer, I didn't exactly take it easy. I scheduled as much as possible so I had little time to worry
    C81 I hope you'll be enough with IUI!!

  8. C81 #9

    Thank you so much, Chantie I think you also mean catching up on treatments, right? Those 600,000 were indeed his best sperm that they extracted. I’m quite skeptical that the IUI will stick, but we’ll see. It’s a shame that the cryo didn’t lead to anything. Are you still considering it, or has it been put on the back burner?
    Ellie and Liesje, how’s the injection process going? And do you notice any hormonal effects?

  9. Ellie Guest #10

    I think the injection itself is manageable, but when the liquid comes out, it's a bit more unpleasant.
    As for side effects, I haven't noticed much yet. Just a bit less enthusiastic/lively than usual. But luckily, nothing else so far. I'm also curious about Liesje?
    I really hope IUI is enough for you!! Cheering you on!

  10. C81 #11

    Ellie, when do they start with the ultrasounds? Have you had one yet? That's great that the vomiting is going well for you In about 8 days or so, I expect the next IUI when my ovulation test is positive.

  11. liesje193 #12

    Sorry, I've been super busy these past days. I moved a couple of weeks ago and wanted to get some things done. Unfortunately, I'm really tired and have a lot of headaches. I often wake up at night from nausea.

    I notice I'm not as lively, it varies from day to day. But I notice I'm not feeling so good in my own skin. I noticed I was pushing my feelings about the injections away and brushing them off lightly to others, but that's not very nice. Luckily, I can talk about it well with my mom.

    The liquid in the injections is a unpleasant feeling and unfortunately I have a few bruises on my belly now. Luckily, the spots heal quickly.

    How are you doing Ellie and C81???

  12. C81 #13

    Liesje, that's so annoying with all the hormone complaints It's good that you can talk to someone about it. Have you started with the egg monitoring yet? Hopefully you'll end up with a nice number of eggs, girl xxx
    Ellie, how are you doing?
    I'm here waiting for a positive ovulation test for the 2nd IUI.

  13. liesje193 #14

    No, haven't started with the ultrasound yet; I have to do the first one on the 21st.
    On Friday I'll start using the Gronal F spray, hopefully that'll put an end to the symptoms.

  14. C81 #15

    Exciting news! Wishing you all the best! Keep us updated?

  15. Anonymous Guest #16

    Yikes, what a tough song that makes your emotions run so high. And what a heavy process, moving at the same time!
    I have to say that's very relatable for me. The fluid from the one injection was awful!! Luckily no bruises, but mostly a very bloated feeling. My emotions were quite intense too, I felt really down and irritable.
    Unfortunately, after 8 days of injections, I had an ultrasound and had too much fluid in my belly. So I had an overstimulation and had to stop my treatment. It was very emotional because the puncture didn't go through at the last minute. This affected me a lot after all the intense injections.
    Now luckily I can continue again with taking the pill for almost 4 weeks right away, and then start injections again. But it's really very sad and disappointing that we have to start all over again now.
    Luckily I can talk about it well with my partner. Also with the people close to us. But it remains difficult because everyone says; 'stay positive, it will be fine' but you don't know if it will be fine.. no matter how positive we are.. so it's nice to talk to people who are going through the same thing.
    Did you already have a positive ovulation test c81?

  16. C81 #17

    Hi! I had my second IUI a week ago. Unfortunately, again too few sperm, but a bit more than last time. I have an appointment with the gynecologist on May 18th. They'll probably discuss IVF/ICSI then. In the meantime, there's IUI 3 coming up. I've basically lost all faith in IUI because the chances are so incredibly small. So it feels like such a long wait right now.

    That sounds really tough! After having to inject so much and it still not working out! It's nice that you can talk things through with your partner though. That's really important. I can imagine it's hard to stay positive sometimes. I struggle with that too. Hopefully, you'll have a better attempt soon. Kisses xx

    Liesje, how are you doing? Did you have a puncture yet?

  17. Ellie Guest #18

    Hi,
    Sorry to hear that your IUI didn’t work out, C81.
    Hopefully, you’re feeling more confident about IVF/ICSI now.
    I find it such an intense process that really takes a toll on your emotions.
    I’ve started taking the pill again until the end of May and can start injections from early June. I’ll be getting a different injection for the triptorelin shots this time, so hopefully, I’ll be able to continue this time.
    I’m also really curious how things are going for Liesje??

  18. liesje193 #19

    Hi! I had the puncture yesterday. It went really well and the pain was manageable, not worse than a heavy period.
    I found the poking around in the ovaries, moving from one follicle to the next, quite unpleasant and it hurt quite a bit a few times. The puncture was over quickly, and after that, most of the pain was gone.
    They found 5 eggs, and I'll hear on Sunday if there's a transfer scheduled.

  19. liesje193 #20

    Wow Ellie, that's really tough to stop the treatment.
    The injections aren't fun at all, but I think it gets easier when you know what you're doing it for. Still, if you have to stop the treatment, I totally understand why you're feeling so emotional.
    C81, so sad that the IUI didn't work out and the sperm quality wasn't as expected. Hopefully, you'll get some clarity soon on whether you can proceed with ICSI/IVF.

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