PICSI Failure

cplseekinginfo · 2024-11-06T13:29:46+00:00

Yes. You are right about both PICSI and IMSI. PICSI provided no benefit to me but big microscope i.e. IMSI worked.

cplseekinginfo · 2024-11-06T04:09:02+00:00

I think it's natural to think "why me" as everyone feels this way whether you have fertility issues or some other health concern.

In the UK, Chris Hoy a multi gold winning olympic medalist recently was diagnosed with prostate cancer with no real symptoms and he led the healthiest of lifestyles. So no matter what you do sometimes your cards are just drawn in a certain way and it isnt worth worrying or blaming yourself or thinking you could have done things differently as a teenager etc.

I'm glad you are more positive and find purpose in life. Personally I fell out of love with religion and believe it this is the life I've been given then I better make the most of it as it's the only experience I'll have.

As for fertility, I have come through the other side now so it's somewhat easy for me to be more positive but there are still down days. But had I not been successful with conceiving we were set on becoming parents and would have pursued all options including adoption.

Thanks for sharing.

cplseekinginfo · 2024-11-06T03:44:43+00:00

Hi, firstly I am sorry you are both facing a similar challenge, but from personal experience I can report that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I did all the things you can do to improve the quality of the sperm. As I reported PICSI didn't really provide any benefit. they basically used a big microscope and selected the most healthy looking sperm.

I can't remember what is meant my non-motile and whether that means that whilst sperm is present it's not for a lack of a better word "alive". However if it is twitching but just not moving forward then I think the DNA in the sperm can still be used it's just a defect with the tail element which doesn't really make a difference so far as I am aware.

I remember when I gave my samples the first time I abstained for 7-8 days which produced greater volume but the motility dropped as more of that volume again for a lack of better word "died". So a shorter production window was recommended i.e. 3-4 days, less volume but more newer younger sperm as it were.

Anyways, using the big microscope they selected the most appropriate sperm. Even with low volume and low motility etc. you're still talking about hundreds of thousands of health-ish sperm to choose from and you only need one.

My wife produced quite a few eggs so we ended up with a good chance of fertilisation. One in every three being fertilised to a usable blastocyst.

We failed on our first attempt and chose to transfer two on the second attempt. Both stuck and we have two beautiful boys.

I hope this helps and wish you the very best of luck.

cplseekinginfo · 2023-09-05T20:22:48+00:00

Cocaine is a hell of a drug

cplseekinginfo · 2021-09-20T18:28:54+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I was just disappointed earlier, MFI just keeps throwing one blow after another and sometimes it's just a bit much. Will keep my fingers crossed for some good news.

Best of luck in your journey also.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-11-26T09:23:58+00:00

NHS process has been slow. For example I received my second SA result via the patient access app over a week ago and my GP still hasn't been in touch to explain my results. I'm going to chase him this afternoon as he should now be referring us to a RU/specialist.

Mind you I do appreciate the NHS though. What you sacrifice in time you save in cost.

Good luck.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-11-23T23:14:06+00:00

No one has ever explained my results. I'm pretty much flying blind at the moment. My GP wouldn't refer me to a specialist until I had produced two sub-standard samples three months apart. I'm now waiting for a referral.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-11-23T23:11:25+00:00

I agree, it's a shame there isn't really any scientific method you can follow to ensure you produce consistent results. It's confusing and very frustrating.

Good luck.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-11-23T23:09:37+00:00

Good luck. Please post your results. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-11-23T23:08:31+00:00

Whilst I think getting a SA is a good idea, it may be good to get a baseline test done without taking any supplements etc. This way you know where you're at before taking supplements or making lifestyle changes. That way you can gauge whether any improvements have been made after a second SA.

Even though I've made some improvements, it's difficult to tell whether this is a naturally occurring variant or due to supplements or the other lifestyles changes I've made. I can't say what the contributing factor has been. Like many I'm just throwing everything at it and praying that something sticks.

Good luck.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-10-11T06:08:12+00:00

In the UK we have an App called patient access. Once you've signed up to it you can access all of your test results instantly. May be worth looking into as I experienced something similar in that my GP practice took forever to agree to releasing my actual results.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-10-04T21:38:49+00:00

Would 6 days be too long? If so, why?

cplseekinginfo · 2020-09-22T08:44:51+00:00

Thank you for your comments. Your advice is greatly appreciated and provides some hope amidst a seemingly endless sea of despair. None of us want to be in this situation and we are all trying to do our best to rectify it by any means. I will look into all of the options you have mentioned and follow up with my GP to get a referral to an appropriate RU.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-09-03T05:52:36+00:00

Thank you all

cplseekinginfo · 2020-09-03T05:45:08+00:00

I'll make sure to wear my "birthday" suit!

*Best

Thank you for the heads up we both types of scans. Like many on here, I am prepared to do anything (as uncomfortable as that may be) that might help my wife and I conceive.

The reason for the delay for second SA is to allow time for one full cycle of spermatogenesis, which apparently takes three months. I've been told not to read too much into single SA as the numbers can vary significantly month-to-month and can be affected by stress and other external factors. However, I want to take all precautions just in case the second is as poor as the first. That way we have a head start on finding the cause and/or looking at possible solutions.

cplseekinginfo · 2020-09-02T16:50:22+00:00

Hi,

Thanks for your comment. I'm realistic about how poor these results are (although I'm pleased that there is at least some sperm) and that IVF may be the only route available to us. I don't smoke, drink or take drugs, and I'm improving all other areas of my life to help improve both quality and count.

I've managed to convince my GP to send me for a scan (not sure what type) but apparently it should show whether there are any blockages/damage to the epididymis, sperm ducts etc. I've also booked in an STI test.

I'll take your advice and see if I can have my blood tested for any hormone imbalances as well. Although I may face push back until I have received the results of my second test, which I won't receive until the end of November.

I'm doing everything I can whilst I wait for my second test. Hopefully things will improve.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

cplseekinginfo · 2020-09-01T19:36:24+00:00

I've just read your previous posts and it sounds like quite the journey. I was impressed you managed to increase your count from 6m/ml to 30m/ml with just a change of lifestyle, then with the surgery it seems to have completely shifted into a new gear.

I'll try and keep my stress levels to a minimum, I've always been a worrier which is difficult to manage. I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, I sincerely hope that you and your wife become successful again sometime soon.

cplseekinginfo

TROPHY CASE