ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

Background: We are unexplained. IVF #1 was a BFN and we had only 5 mature follicles. Since we had only 5 I asked RE right before my ER if we should do ICSI since we didn't have much to work with. He agreed that we should do it bc of the low number of eggs. All 5 mature eggs fertilized with ICSI.


This IVF I am on higher meds and responding way better. I have 12 follicles and I think about 10 of them will be mature. My ER is scheduled for Sunday. We are using a different lab (RSofNY) this time bc Dr. Zapantis only uses his own lab every other month but he is doing the procedures. Today RSofNY called and said I have GHI and I have to pay 25% and that ICSI is an additional $2500 and insurance won't cover it. So all together about 4500 for the ER and ET.

This morning before I found out the price I asked if we were doing ICSI again and RE said yes. So do I bring it up with him and ask if we really need it? We should have double the amount of mature eggs this time. We did have a great fert report with it last time though. I would like to have some to freeze this time bc we didn't have any last time. I'll totally pay the 2,500 if its worth it.

IDK, thoughts? What would you do? Any experience using it and it improved your results?

Thanks ladies. Hoping IVF #2 does the trick!

Message edited 10/4/2013 6:36:42 PM.

ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

I don't really have advice but I am sooooooo happy to hear you have 10! Bb

Re: ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

I would do it, to increase the fertilization success. Rate and have more extras leftover to freeze. You may have less embryos without iCSI, and what if they are not all grade A or b?

I did iCSI with IVF in July. Very high fertilization rate, and good quality embryos. Didn't get pregnant that cycle, but am pregnant now via FET.

ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

I have done iCSI with both IVFs but I'm also covered. But with ICSI the 6 eggs I produced on two cycles all 6 fertilized. On the other hand you have a lot more to work with.

Re: ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

I would do ICSI. 1st cycle 24 egg were retrieved and 2nd cycle 14 were. We are oop and even though icsi was an additional expense I felt it was very much worth it. We are unexplained. I now have a 22 m DD thanks to my last cycle. Good luck!

Re: ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

Do it. Give IVF the best odds you can. You may regret it if you don't, but you won't regret it if you do opt for ICSI.

Re: ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

Re: ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

I am chicken and would do it. I am not 100% certain but you might be ale to get GHI to cover the ICSI bc you already have a failed cycle under your belt.

Re: ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

I think its pretty standard now to do ICSI. Most doctors recommend it.......its included in my IVF at my new doctor bc they don't do it without.

Good luck!

ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

Thanks for the input ladies. I went in for BW only today. I spoke with the nurse. She said they usually do ICSI for sperm issues which we don't have. She said last time RE had listed as needed, but then we decided before ER to do it since we didn't have many eggs. She said RE checked off to do it again. So I'll prob just go with it. Whats $2500 at this point right? If it even increases my chances that 1 or 2 more fertilize it should be worth it.

ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

I agree with the above posters. I'm glad you decided yes.

ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)

GHI always covered ICSI, I'd check again!!

Re: ICSI Questions: To do or not to do (long)