ICSI - have been googling and now worried :-(

[Bunnygirlie]

Have been told that ICSI is the best option for us and we are waiting for our first ivf appointment.

Have Ben googling and now freaking out about the increased risk of birth anomalies.

Any advices/anybody going through the same thing?

[Roshbegosh]

Where have you read about increased risk of anomalies with ICSI? Is it similar to IVF and linked with their being more multiple births? Older mothers?

[YoniMitchell]

ICSI is just a variant of IVF, and one they usually just default to in many clinics in Europe due to the (relative) success rates.

Where did you read about anomalies? These can occur for any number of reasons, not necessarily due to the process.

We've had ICSI (currently 28wks pg after 2 years of treatment ) and were not at all concerned about this - even after a lot of research and discussion about our fertility issues, options, success rates etc. with our consultant.

Don't rely on Dr Google!

[KC11]

Well done and Good luck YoniMitchell!!
Husband and I am are on our fifth ICSI (but this time is the first time with Donor Eggs). I'm in my two week wait and the tension is starting to build now.

I think there are no greater risks with ICSI than with IVF or natural conception to be honest. Anything can happen.

The clinic will guide you honestly and fairly. ICSI is there to help the ones who need it.

Bunnygirl where are you based? London?

[galwaygirl]

I have two icsi pixies and both born just perfect
Try to stay away from google - you can find anything on the internet really. Best of luck with it xx

[KC11]

Ahhh! ICSI pixies! I love that expression. I am waiting and waiting and in a split second I can think "yes, its worked this time" to "no, surely not this time". It is a roller coaster. I am trying to spare my DH. I make small talk and try not to mention the outcome. Inside I am dreaming away and imagining choosing our child's name. I am mental. I am hopeful. Only a few more days to wait for my blood test at the clinic. I am not going to test at home. I'd rather the clinic tell me.

Galway were your two DD carried at the same time/twins?

[Bunnygirlie]

I know I know Dr Google is bad!

And I shouldn't believe everything I read, especially articles on the a daily fail website. It was something about with normal ivf the strongest sperm still finds its way to the egg but with ICSI they could choose a bad sperm that they put in if you know what I mean.

Congrats Yoni how exciting!

Good luck KC. We are in the south west.

galway ICSI pixie is a fab phrase! I really hope I get an ICSI pixie

[Roshbegosh]

The strongest swimmers don't necessarily have the best DNA

[YoniMitchell]

Good luck KC!

Bunnygirlie, the Daily Fail?! That's worse than Dr Google! Stay away and speak to your consultant, who will have a more informed and balanced view!

Where are you going for treatment?

[Bunnygirlie]

Sorry yoni lol

I will speak to my consultant when we get an appt!

Local fertility unit near us, linked to main Oxford clinic

[Timpani]

Mine's an icsi pixie! He's perfect! He is developing normally. He has allergies but so do other kiddies (and his dad does!).

I got scared too but honestly, I think that they're probably just over cautious x

[TheFabulousIdiot]

With Icsi and IVF the best sperm is chosen anyway, isn't it? I know my DH's was 'spun'.

DS was born with only one testicle though and we had 'hatching' - I have wondered sometimes of it was the assisted hatching but who could ever tell.

[Bunnygirlie]

Thanks ladies x

[UpYaKilt]

We have an ICSI pixie and were told at the time that the risk of minor birth anomalies like cleft palate etc was slightly higher due to the sperm reasons above, but the risk of major genetic anomalies was no more than for a normally conceived pregnancy.

[humphryscorner]

I had ICSI ! You normally have to pay extra for it! My DGM upset me terribly by saying I could have a baby with deformities as it's not natures natural choice!

My ICSI baby is now sitting in her jumperoo (6m) getting cross because she can't reach the parrot! She is beyond perfect!!

You will be fine! Good luck !!

[galwaygirl]

KC one of my pixies is DS They were born two years apart but from the same batch, DS is a frostie.
ICSI worked incredibly well for us, we are so lucky. Wishing you the same luck! X

OP hope you're feeling better about it now. I haven't looked into the stats of the things saying ICSI causes more birth defects but there could be lots of issues with the research like just not enough cases (I've not been asked about birth defects for my two) or other factors on common that are the real cause.
If there were a real, proven risk clinics would be warning us xx

[Timpani]

I have wondered that too as obv with icsi there are sperm issues otherwise we wouldn't be having it.

Having said that, my DH's dad had (apparently) fertility issues long before icsi but then conceived his children. So a lot of it might be genetic anyway, which you can't help if you want a genetic child. Having said that, we have also gone on to conceive a natural baby too despite shitty sperm!!

Plus, in 30 years' time when our DSs want children, the techniques will be so much more advanced :)

[Ilikeyoursleeves]

I have two icsi babies too and they are absolutely fine and dandy! Don't worry!!!

[Bunnygirlie]

Loving reading the success stories x makes me feel better about it all

Thank you

[Peanut1980]

I’m currently looking into ICSI. I know a woman who has had 3 pregnancies from ICSI and all 4 children are perfect (she had a set of twins with one of the pregnancies).

Good luck to everyone trying and a healthy pregnancy to those already pregnant x

[EarlGreyT]

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