So I had my egg collection this morning. They managed to get 18 eggs, which I’m pleased with. But the embryologists have said that my partners sperm sample this morning had low motility, and this means we need to have ICSI. Has this happened to anyone before? My partner was in bits when we were told. He changed everything his diet and lifestyle. He’s took proxeed, and it did improved massively. So we were really shocked to be told this. Would be really grateful for any information xx
Written by
Gem2410
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Tell him not to beat himself up, so many things can affect it, like having a cold in the last 3 months! ICSI will give you a much better chance of embryos if they are a bit slow. I know it’s hard but try not to stress and take it easy.
Fingers crossed you get a nice high fertilisation rate 🤞🏻
Hi. Thank you. Yes it was a massive shock, as when we had IUI, things had improved massively. But yes so true, and lucky to have this option. Yes he’s a little better now. That’s exactly it. He did everything he could, and it’s out of our hands now. Fingers crossed we get some good embryos 🤞 xx
We had ICSI too and I was surprised but just went with what the clinic advised and were really lucky as we had a great fertilisation rate, our 10 eggs ended up making 6 embryos. Wishing you all the best xxx
Honestly, don't worry about needing ICSI. Some clinics use ICSI as standard even when there is no male factor just because it gives the best odds. Good luck x
Thank you for replying. That’s good to hear. Everyone’s replies have really helped me, and feeling a bit better now. I think it was just the shock yesterday, as we really didn’t expect it. Thank you so much, and you too, wherever you are on your journey 😊 xx
That’s okay. I’m guessing every clinic is different, and they will advice you on what they think is best. We went in on our egg retrieval day yesterday, thinking we would be having IVF to be told we would need ICSI. ICSI is more expensive, but we were told that my partners motility wasn’t in the IVF bracket, and our best chances of success would be with ICSI. I’m not sure on my partners motility yesterday. Sorry I can’t be more help. This is our first round too. So learning as I go along. Lots of luck to you xx
I’m really not sure what the minimum requirements are for either. We were in so much shock yesterday we didn’t ask. Well he had low motility which improved to the normal range, and then was down again yesterday. But it was never extremely low. I can’t remember exactly but I think it was around the 29% mark. I would ask your clinic if you’re concerned about anything xx
Hi, great set of eggs!
If its any help we fluctuate between ICSI and normal IVF and sometimes half and half. Some rounds my OHs swimmers have been 'better than average' other times they are on the lazy side. Like others have said there doesnt seem to be any rhyme nor reason. I think its positive your clinic are being proactive and whilst we did end up MC for other reasons our one IVF BFP was an ICSI round.. good luck! x
Hi. Thank you for replying. Oh right. That’s interesting how it changes. Yes definitely. I feel like it was the right decision, and they know what they’re doing. I’m so sorry about your MC. Thank you so much. Good luck to you too xx
Awww yes I was worried at first then more and more ppl I spoke to they went through icsi too doesn’t make any difference just little more help my husbands sperm was fine all the way up until the day xxx
We've had two EC, one with ordinary IVF - got three frosties, but only two survivors to be transferred after all, and one with ICSI, that gave us the BFP on the last attempt out of four. I've actually been told the chance of a successful and healthy outcome is a bit greater with ICSI than with IVF as they actively choose the best sperm to fertilize the eggs, in stead of it being just by chance...
With that said I was a bit worried myself when I was to tell my husband about the change of plans (it was what you seem to call an "emergency" ICSI), but he was just so cool about it I've sometimes worried a bit if he keeps negative feelings about it for himself to not load me with more burdens than necessary 🙊 But he's not depressed, rather happy and full of faith, and now I'm 17w3d pregnant, so after all it was worth it all ❤
Thank you for replying. Wow! That’s so great to hear. Congratulations! That’s such amazing news. Yes I know what you mean. My partner was really upset when we found it. But I’ve tried to reassure him, and show him the lovely messages on this post. It most definitely was! Wish you all the best with your pregnancy 😊 xx
Yes. Despite sperm fragmentation being great and always being told sperm is fine, we had to do icsi on both egg collection days. I think the nerves get to them and stress
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
2nd ivf / icsi
Missed miscarriage after IVF (ICSI)
ICSI IVF, Follicle Growth. I'm In Need Of Advice.
IVF, Cancer & ICSI 
AMH Results & ICSI/IVF Timescales
