• Registered: 10th-Dec-2009
  • Posts: 6

Topic: ICSI hope or $ for FS?

My partner had lymphoma as a child and we have been together 3 years.
Since we met we have discussed having children together knowing we would probably need to seek donor sperm. Our GP referred us to a fertility specialist assuming a sperm test would make us eligable for a donor.
We saw the fertility specialist at the beginning of this year for a sperm sample result. The only option was ICSI due to very poor  sperm count. We were pleasantly surprised by this as tests my partner has had over the years suggested ther was no hope of conceiving. FS sent us away with a request form for another sample mid year (we are saving up for IVF). We had the test done mid year, the results went to the FS and we heard nothing. I had an appointment a few weeks ago ready to start IVF in January and the FS told me my partners sperm was 10 times 'poorer' than the sample at the beginning of the year. He said there were very few viable sperm. We are puzzled why we were not contacted in August after this poor result.
I'm worried we are being 'sucked in' to paying for IVF (more specifically ICSI) as I have recently had my coordinator appointment and been given the price list hmm
We are more than happy to use a donor is it means we get the baby we have been wanting for 3 years. We are aware of the issues around donor conception (most importantly for the child) and are prepared to go down this path.
Are we stewing over nothing or should we speak to someone about it?

2 Reply by iolanda (edited by iolanda 11th-Dec-2009 21:57:55)

  • Registered: 9th-Oct-2009
  • Posts: 64

Re: ICSI hope or $ for FS?

Hello claire73

ICSI is a technqiue which was developed in the 1990s and revolutionized male infertility - it allowed men with problematic sperm parameters (as can be found in men following serious illness) the possiblity of conceiving their biological child with their partner. It is a standard treatment option and would be suggested before donor sperm. 

Whether or not ICSI is the best option in your specific case would be dependent on your husband's sperm  parameters. Since you have indicated that you plan to go to Concept Fertily Centre I suggest you speak to their excellent Scientific Director,  Dr. Peter Burton, who could explain sperm quality, why/how it changes and whether ICSI is a viable and cost effective treatment option for you. Dr. Burton also manages the sperm donation programme and could also provide information on this option.

Dr. Peter Burton can be contacted on (08) 9382 2388. I have been informed that scheduling an information session with Dr. Burton  does not incur any additional costs.

Best of luck

Iolanda

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  • From: Perth
  • Registered: 27th-Dec-2009
  • Posts: 1

Re: ICSI hope or $ for FS?

Claire, my husband has severe male factor infertility (virtually no motility and significant DNA damage). We tried ICSI and have been through 10 rounds of IVM/IVF/FETs with only one miscarriage to show. We are just moving to donor sperm now.

It is a personal decision whether to go with ICSI or move to donor sperm. We absolutely wanted to try with my husbands gametes first but are at the point where we are ready to move on. It is definitely possible to fall pregnant with ICSI with very poor sperm - several of my friends have which is positive.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

  • Registered: 10th-Dec-2009
  • Posts: 6

Re: ICSI hope or $ for FS?

Thanks for your reply BecD.
We have been saving like mad for this treatment and really want the best chance to have our own biological child. We have decided to cycle up and take it from there. We are hoping  things progress well.
All the best with your progress too!
Claire.

  • Registered: 10th-Dec-2009
  • Posts: 6

Re: ICSI hope or $ for FS?

I just wanted to add a little to this initial post.
We went with the ICSI after I got 3 eggs from pick-up good enough for fertilisation.
Two embryos made it to day 5 (hatching blast to use my new found lingo!), now we are 4 days post embryo transfer and have our fingers crossed in the dreaded 2 week wait. We also have 1 day 5 embryo to freeze.
The glass id definately half full.
Claire.
P.S. We haven't got the bill yet wink