October ICSI/IVF

[NS05]

Hi all,

I have never written a post on here but thought it may be nice to get a thread going for anyone about to start ICSI/IVF. I am 28 and have been ttc for almost a year and have recently found out my husband has a very low sperm count (2 million) and ICSI is our only option. I was sure for so long something must be wrong with me so to find out it was him was a complete shock and I think we are both still adjusting. Fortunately we are able to go private and have my appointment to get the ball rolling on Wednesday. I have had a (all clear) and all of the bloods already so hoping we can get cracking next month so I am eager to get started. Everything is apparently fine with me apart from very mild pcos which I have been told shouldn’t effect my chances! I am still very anxious about the whole situation and just praying that the process will be successful.

If anyone has any tips or is in the same boat feel free to join!

[Anaesthetist83]

@NS05 welcome! From your history, you have a really good chance of success, so fingers crossed for you! It’s very exciting to finally be getting going.

We are hoping to do a frozen transfer Oct/Nov after OHSS prevented a fresh transfer in August

[NS05]

Ah that's exciting! So sorry to hear about your OHSS! Have you been trying for a while- how has the process been for you so far? Xx

[JoJoTheresNoLimit]

Hiya - we had our initial consultation last week and once all the initial viral tests etc and results sent across from other clinics, we should have injection teach start of October and start meds a few weeks later.

We've been TTC 2.5 years (I'm 32) and I've been given all clear (apart from a polyp removed last summer) but OH has reduced motility and mobility so we're told it will happen but just could take time. I'm fed up of waiting to see now so going down IVF route and will likely be ICSI but they'll decide on the day

[NS05]

@JoJoTheresNoLimit ah that's exciting! It's so nice to have people to talk to about all of this as I haven't really told many people. My only friend going through fertility issues got pregnant after 2.5 years of trying and told me today- obviously am so happy for her but she was my only person to talk to about all of this. In a weird way I cannot wait to start- I am so ready to get pregnant. Just trying to get as healthy as possible before it all starts!

[Anaesthetist83]

@NS05 a couple of years, but I’m also 36 with other health issues.

[NS05]

@Anaesthetist83 well I wish you the best of luck! So many of my sisters friends have had a lot of different issues and have all been successful one way or another! I guess you just have to be positive and hopeful and I think most importantly have a great doctor that cares!

[jemimafuddleduck]

Hi all
I'm having a transfer on 7th October. It'll be our 4th transfer, never had a bfp. We had one cycle in the uk on nhs and the rest over in Spain.
Fingers crossed this is the one!

[NS05]

Hi @jemimafuddleduck aw that's exciting fingers crossed this is the one!!

[Mrsg2109]

We found out today that my husband has a sperm count of zero so waiting to get blood results back to see if they can identify the cause. Total shock that the issue lies with him.
He's being a man and not talking about it which I'm struggling with a bit

[NS05]

@Mrsg2109 I know the feeling it's so hard when they get so upset and shut themselves off! We only found out a few weeks ago and are trying to be positive but it's hard. Since then he's cut out alcohol, caffeine and is taking the fertilaid vitamins as apparently they are really great. I almost feel happy we finally have a reason though and apparently ICSI is incredible whatever the situation. Once you find out the cause I am sure they will be able to retrieve some sperm to make ICSI work. Really hope it all works out for you!

[Mrsg2109]

@NS05 I spend all day telling men it's ok to talk (mental health worker) but when it's a family member it's so hard.
Might give fertilad a go - at least feel like we are doing something that way.
None of our family or friends have been through anything like this so having somewhere like here is a saviour for me

[NS05]

@Mrsg2109 me too! I've only told my best friend, my mum and sister as we don't want anyone knowing but it's hard when no ones been through it. I have my appointment with the fertility clinic tomorrow so hoping to just start ivf ASAP as I'm so ready to just get going now!

[jemimafuddleduck]

@NS05 how did your appointment go? Have you had your timeline?

I start meds tomorrow, and all being well, transfer will be 3 weeks today!

[NS05]

Hi @jemimafuddleduck yes all went really well and he was super positive! Going back tomorrow to have a couple more bloods and then we will start on my next period (should be 3rd Oct)! Super nervous but excited to get going- decided against telling my boss and just said I had gynae issues as I really don't want her to know! I bet you must be super excited to get going again?

[Nats19]

Hey @NS05 good luck with the cycle! We kick off cycle 3 end of October. Been taking a break and lots of supplements.

[NS05]

Thanks @Nats19 good luck to you too! Had another appointment today to do all the forms etc what date are you due to be starting?

[Nats19]

On day 1 of my next cycle- straight to injections. Likely around October 29- so I will be a few weeks behind you!

[NS05]

@Nats19 ah so exiting hope it all goes well for you!!

[Pigeon84]

Hi all

Can i join?

Im about to do my 6th (jeez) cycle of ICSI.
I already have a 4 year old DS from cycle number 4 and we decided we would try for a sibling.

Im currently just about to ovulate (getting the flashy smiley face on OPK) then i will start stimming on my next period at the start of October.

I had an awful cycle last November (my 5th) where i only got 2 mature eggs and non fertilised. This was because the wrong dose of drugs were given at the start of stimming.
So, with this slightly in the back of my mind, im still optimistic for a better cycle this time smile

[NS05]

Hi @Pigeon84 gosh that must've been so stressful! At least you know it's worked before and I'm sure it will work again! I just got all my meds really hoping my dosage is all correct. Just trying to not think about it too much and take each day as it comes- only two more weeks until I can start. Did you do anything differently the fourth time that you think made it work?

[siananigans]

Hi 🙋
I've been down regulating for the past few weeks and start stims tomorrow!
This is our first round of IVF after 3 years trying. Found out at the beginning of this year I have PCOS and lazy tubes.
It'll be nice to have people in the same boat to chat to! Good luck everyone 🍀

[Pigeon84]

@NS05 yeah it was super stressful. We ended up putting a complaint into the clinic as i really believe it was their fault. They also know this but will not admit it. Im cycling at the same clinic (i still believe they can make me a baby, they have before) and funnily enough, all my meds have been amended to what i suggested they should have been on the failed cycle i complained about.

Dont worry about your meds and dosage. I have PCOS so its always hard to manage.
Is this your first cycle?

For the one that worked for my son, all that was different was my mindset. I forced the attitude of 'what will be will be' and already started to think about ways of saving for the next cycle.
I was egg sharing that time and produced 38 eggs so obviously that helped!

I also had lost a little more weight than my previous cycles.

[NS05]

@Pigeon84 I also have pcos but very mild- I ovulate regularly every month but have lots of follicles so they said they will keep a close eye! Yes first cycle so I am quite nervous - my husband has a low sperm count which we only discovered a few weeks ago but everything is moving very quickly now and I'm so happy to finally have a reason as to why it hasn't been working! I'm just trying to stay calm but as I'm still quite young the clinic have said we should have a good chance so fingers crossed!

[Pigeon84]

Honestly, just try and enjoy it. I know its nerve racking, im the same. But ive come to realise its a beautiful process and even more beautiful if you get that baby at the end of it.
Having PCOS is a good thing also, means you shouldnt have any problem in getting any eggies xx

[NS05]

@Pigeon84 thanks so much! I only just turned 28 so all of my friends that have had babies have all fallen pregnant in one or two months! That's why I literally don't like speaking to any of them! So nice to have others going through the process! X