First ICSI failed :(

[Amy1122]

I have finally gotten my head around my first cycle failing. I had 12 eggs collected, 4 were mature, none fertilised. Devastated is not the word however I am positive to try again! Has anyone else had this and have had success stories on a new cycle? They basically said my egg didn’t activate...

[Libsie3103]

I’m so sorry to hear this... It’s so tough. I think we can prepare ourselves for embryos not implanting but we never expect this. We had the same thing on our 2nd egg collection - 19 eggs and zero fertilisation. We’ve had 2 egg collections since and on the 1st we had 3 day 5 blastocysts and on the 2nd 4. From what I have researched protocol can have an impact on egg quality so it’s worth asking your clinic about it. Always happy to chat if you want to PM me. Look after yourself Hun and give yourself time to grieve and process what’s happened xx

[Amy1122 in reply to Libsie3103]

I said the same to my husband, I said that if it didn’t implant I would feel better than I do now! I am going to see what they say about my protocol, I hope they do make some changes! I think I need to be a bit forceful with them.

I am also here to chat whenever if you need anything. Thank you so much x x

[BandL]

Hi Amy, sorry to hear about your first cycle - it is devastating. On our first round I was told to expect about 15 eggs however on the day they only collected 6 eggs, only 2 were mature and none fertilised. Round 2 my clinic changed protocol to short with a double trigger, there is hope I am currently 38 weeks pregnant from that cycle with 2 frosties. Stay hopeful, make sure you ask lots of questions at your follow up appointment xx

[Amy1122 in reply to BandL]

Hi BandL! Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing this, it’s given me hope now! Thank you xxx

[Megandmog]

Hey hun. Unfortunately I’m unable to give you a success story but just wanted to let you know I’m here if you wanna talk. I got the devastating news on Wednesday that my one fertilised egg hadn’t fertilised properly so transfer had been cancelled (that was also my first ICSI cycle).

Sending you hugs. Look after yourself 😘 xx

[Amy1122 in reply to Megandmog]

Hi Megandmog, thank you so much. I am also so sorry to hear that. I am also here for you if you need to talk. Xxx

[FrancyItaly]

So sorry to hear this Amy 💕

[strong-girl]

Hi Hun on my first ivf cycle I got 17 eggs and 0 fertilised it was a shocker then we did icsi 7 eggs one fertilised and she is currently sleeping in her cot my little angel monster lol 18 month old stay strong I never thought it would happen but god knows best x

[Amy1122 in reply to strong-girl]

Oh thank you so much! 17 eggs and 0 fertilised that must have been so difficult! But thank you because you have reassured me.

Congratulations on your little angel xxx

[leo1980]

Hi Amy1122 so sorry about your news. This is such a devastating process...i have had two cycles and going on my third, each cycle is different so don’t lose hope. Your next round with a few tweaks to your protocol might be yield completely different outcome. You dont specify age or reasons for infertility eg sperm issues but on our second round we used AOA - its a sort of calcium used in the fertilisation process. Ask the clinic if that’s an option for you? Also what drugs where you on? Maybe swapping them for something else cold help. Sending you lots of hugs and Postive vibes!

[Amy1122 in reply to leo1980]

Hi Leo, thank you so much.

I am 26 - my husband has low motility and sperm count and I had high prolactin which I now manage through medication.

Yes they have recommended egg activation!

We were on a short protocol, 150UI menopur for 10 days. They said they might up it to 185UI.

Did you pay privately? Or nhs?

Xxx

[leo1980 in reply to Amy1122]

Good! That should help. My hubby only has 1% normal sperm. We have just done the DNA fragmentation test. Results should be available end of next week. So will take it from there. Might be worth checking that too before next cycle. The good news is that you are still quite young so at least your eggs are healthy/normal :). Are you both on supplements? Yes, we are in London and I just turned 40 so doubt I would be a candidate on the NHS. We had to go private. It’s just a trial and error journey isn’t it. And we are all so different so what works for one might not work for another. But this forum is great fir support and information sharing! If only we could use our combined knowledge and create a formula that works for us all! Don’t beat yourself up, I know it’s hard but you are still at the beginning of your journey and with still some things to try. Pick yourself up and soldier on fellow warrior...you have an army behind you...

[Aquarius_hope]

Hello ladies!

Thank you so much for sharing these stories 😘

I met my partner late in life .. so we decided on just 3x IVF / ICSI cycles before I turned 45, using our own eggs & sperm. (His sperm count was low and he also had poor quality sperm too. They couldn’t find anything wrong with me so it’s probably just the age thing that’s working against me!).

However, no eggs fertilised on the 3rd cycle so I had no embryos to transfer. Devastation doesn’t even describe how I felt afterwards...

Since then it’s been a battle with my partner to have 1x more attempt. I feel like I was cheated and didn’t have a proper 3rd go... but my partner (who is now 52 & recently redundant & totally petrified of the Coronavirus!) is not keen at all, and doesn’t really understand (in his eyes we did 3x cycles as planned!!)

I am now 46... and I think our chances of success are about 1% (with our own bit & pieces!). I am more scared of genetic abnormalities... but my consultant has been amazing. She says the risks are higher... but still “low” overall! And she even tells me personal success stories to help reduce my worries (eg her 51 year old friend who got pregnant naturally and now has a beautiful healthy baby girl!!).

Any thoughts / advice ladies...?

I would love to squeeze in a final cycle before we have another lockdown (!!)... but need to convince my other half too!! 🙈

[leo1980 in reply to Aquarius_hope]

Hey there! Did you go any genetic testing on your previous rounds? That’s an option if you go for another. I know how devastating it is. We all hear stories of people who struggle for years and then. Get Pregnant later in life. I believe it is possible. Every cycle is different..why don’t you get a second opinion and see if that will help put his mind at rest? Maybe see a doctor who specifically treats older women? Wishing you best of luck

[Aquarius_hope in reply to leo1980]

Aww, thank you Leo 1980! 🤗

No we didn’t do any genetic testing.. but will ask our consultant again. (Last time we asked they said it wasn’t approved ie evidence was rated “amber”/ uncertain but now changed to “red”/ not recommended?!)

I am still living in hope 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[leo1980 in reply to Aquarius_hope]

I am not sure about the genetic testing either but it’s a small price to pay to know the embryos is genetically ok and should implantation fail. We can start further investigations with me. Immune testing, NK cells etc. What a bloody journey eh?

[Aquarius_hope in reply to leo1980]

Bless you!

Wishing you all the best on your journey too 🤗🤗

Hope there are lots of little miracles next year 🤞🏼🤞🏼😊😊

[Luna_79]

Hi Amy, did they offer you Icsi? We needed IVF due to hubby’s low count / motility . Our last round I was 40 so they were leaving nothing to chance as rightly predicted we wouldn’t get many eggs - my amh was 6.9 and I had short protocol and high dose 450 of menapur and gonal f (can’t remember the dose) anyway we got 4 eggs - 1 wasn’t mature enough to use - but out of the 3, 2 fertilized! I know this wouldn’t have happened without Icsi! From the 2 fertilized we got 2 x 5 day blastocysts , 1 good enough to freeze. Unfortunately neither implanted so we are back to square one but just wanted to give you an idea of how successful Icsi could be for you? Wishing you much success in your next round xxx

[Amy1122 in reply to Luna_79]

Hi Luna, yeah we did ICSI and still had no fertilisation xx

[Freckles80]

Hi Amy,

I feel for you and was in a similar situation a month ago.

We had ICSI 6 eggs collected, 3 mature and 1 fertilised but didn’t implant.

Whilst I had so many mixed emotions, I am at a place now where I can see the positives. More time for supplements to take effect, better understanding of our situation and how my body reacts.

If the embryo had implanted, I could have miscarried later down the line too. No matter what, it’s so difficult but hang in there. I’m happy to chat if you want to DM me.

Do ask your consultant whether you can take any supplements as mine has given me and my husband some to improve egg and sperm quality.

They will also review your case and possibly suggest an alternative plan-all once you’re ready to think about that again.

Take your time

xxx