Failed ICSI after successful fertilisation with IVF

[Libsie3103]

I had my first egg collection in September 2018 and they collected 19 eggs. 9 were mature and fertilised by IVF and 3 went onto become 5 day blastocysts. We did a FET in November with 2 embryos which failed. As I'm 42 in March we decided to do another egg collection before using our last embryo. Our egg collection was Friday and they collected 19 eggs again, 7 were mature and we used ICSI but only 1 fertilised and that is now showing as abnormal and they doubt it'll make it to Day 5.

I'm devastated. I'd got my head round the fact that not all transfers result in pregnancy but I'd never considered that we'd have nothing to show for this egg collection (except pain & exhaustion) after success last time.

We opted to use ICSI, even though the clinic said it wasn't essential as my husband is having chemo so we're using frozen sperm. He has 2 children and when he was tested a year ago had really positive results. I've never been pregnant but the clinic has said my eggs look good. They can't explain the lack of fertilisation and why it's so far off their published figures of 75% fertilisation.

Does anyone have experience of a successful ICSI after a failed first attempt? I'm trying to work out if I have the emotional strength and finances to go again...

[Hidden]

Oh lovely I am so sorry to read this, jeez will someone cut you two a break?? I am afraid I can’t help really except to say in our latest follow up my consultant did say sometimes it just doesn’t come together and there is no reason why and nothing you can do about it and doesn’t mean it won’t work next time. But I do also understand your concerns about a) finances and b) having the energy to even think about starting again. Hope OH is doing ok with chemo and you two can find some postivity soon xx

Ps not sure where 75% fertilisation comes from - we’ve done two round of icsi and managed 33% and 45% and been told they were good results for my age (41) xx

[Libsie3103 in reply to Hidden]

Hey hun, I'm hoping for a break soon (not just in relation to the IVF...) It's been a rough old few months! I'm seeing my Consultant tomorrow and hoping for some constructive feedback. If we hadn't had such good results with the IVF I don't think I'd have been as confused. I know they didn't defrtost all of Andy's sample, even though it was only for this round, so I'm wondering if they had if they'd have been able to pick better sperm from the bigger sample? I doubt they'd admit to that! The fertilisation rates came from them! I had 47% with IVF but 5% with ICSI!!! Hope all's good with you? xx

[Kari55]

Sorry about your failed cycle. The fertilisation during our 1st cycle was only 50% but in the 2nd 100% so each cycle can be very different. Some clinics can offer calcium ionophore to improve fertilisation. It might be worth of trying a different clinic where can apply a different approach. I hope your husband is doing well. All the best xx

[Libsie3103 in reply to Kari55]

Thanks for this - I have thought about trying a different clinic. I have my follow up tomorrow so we'll see what they have to say and go from there. Appreciate yo sharing your story as it gives me encouragement that it could be OK next time ;-)! xx