2nd cycle - icsi instead of ivf - zona pellucida too thick?

[Moonbeam8511]

Hi! I've been reading a lot on this network over the past few months and thought it was time I posted I've found it really useful and reassuring so thanks to everyone who has helped with my journey so far, even if you've not known it!

I am just waiting for my 2nd cycle to start, should be towards the end of August. Our 1st cycle (mild stim IVF) sadly ended after egg collection - 6 eggs were collected but only 1 fertilised and failed to divide so we were left with nothing for transfer Heartbreaking. My clinic have advised we try icsi this time as the outer layer of my eggs were quite thick and there was no attempt for the sperm to bind with 5 of my 6 eggs. I'm also 36 so feel like time is ticking, and as time goes on it'll only get harder. No male factor issues we know of so feeling like everything is riding on me.

Although I have now quit both smoking and drinking, I have done both (quite indulgently) most of my adult life and can't help but being livid with myself for not taking better care of my body. I feel totally responsible for the position we're currently in and some days it's all I can think about, so frustrating.

Anyway, if you've read this far thank you for bearing with me!

I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue with the outer layer of the egg (zona pellucida) being too thick and subsequently had better success with icsi? I can't help thinking we're just doomed now and I've messed my body up too much with my previous lifestyle and habits

Any hope or encouragement anyone can give would mean the world!

Thanks for reading!

[Hidden]

I haven't had this problem but I don't see why you would be doomed. By using ICSI you completely remove the problem so you are back to having no problems if you see what I mean, i would look at it as a very positive step forward.

If its any consolation 36 is young these days from an IVF perspective, appreciate it might be 'old' in your mind for TTC but there are plenty of people on here (myself included) substantially older. As for hard living, I hear you I am the same but then I think about the drug addicts, alcoholics, chain smokers etc who all get pregnant seemingly with no problems and have healthy babies. I know people who have smoked and drunk (and I mean a bottle of wine every other night) throughout their pregnancy and been fine. So don't beat yourself up about it. I am all for trying to be healthier when you are throwing your money and your sanity into IVF but we had lives to live and we enjoyed living them before this all happened and thats really important too.

Masses of luck xx

[Moonbeam8511 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. It's so hard not to over analyse everything as part of this journey. I am trying to remain positive, something I know my DH really wants me to do as well. Thanks for giving me some perspective and wishing me luck 🙂

[Skittles11]

Hi, I was told I had a thick zona layer on the embryo after it has been fertilised. In this instance I was advised to use assisted hatching as the zona was thicker than average making it more difficult for it to hatch. A little different from your situation as this was the embryo rather than the egg- in our case we have had varying degrees of fertilisation. ICSI sounds like a suitable way forward for you and hopefully someone will be able to give some input more related to your circumstances. Good luck 👍 x

[Moonbeam8511 in reply to Skittles11]

Hey, thanks for your reply. I didn't even know what the zona pellucida was when the embryologist was explaining it all to me...thank the stars for Google! I guess I was expecting to get at least 1 embryo to transfer so was just devastated when we had none. Thanks again for your reply and well wishes, fingers crossed for this next cycle!! 🤞 X