Sperm Binding and ICSI

[anz07]

I will be starting my second IVF cycle (long protocol from scratch) in October. My first cycle was disappointing as only 3 of my 12 mature eggs fertilised, with only 1 embryo left of the batch which unfortunately resulted in a chemical pregnancy.

After waiting a month for my follow-up, I was surprised to hear that the 'problem' was with the sperm binding to my eggs. The sperm is (supposedly) of good quality as I am using donor sperm which obviously has high motility (or else it would not be donatable). The consultant has suggested we use ICSI on our next round, alongside a higher dose of progesterone for me too.

I just wondered what your experiences have been - has anyone used ICSI on a second (or later) attempt and had their numbers improve?

I'm really hoping that I can get another good quality embryo to transfer next time around, alongside one or two to freeze. Having none to freeze from my first cycle was really upsetting - I am dreading having to start my extra long cycle all over again!

[ChloeDE]

Hi

My partner has low motility and morphology. We used ICSI on both of my own egg cycles and fertilisation rate was high (though we didn't reach blastocyst due to my eggs).

We have now had two rounds of donor egg IVF and again fertilisation rate has been really high using ICSI. I think on average out of the four rounds, around 6/7 mature eggs have fertilised.