PICSI vs ICSI

[Dreamin]

PICSI vs ICSI, what is the difference and what does everyone think of each option?

We were recommended ICSI but nobody mentioned PICSI to us. I am nervous about the selection process being left only up to a human (the embrolygist). Are there any other similar options I haven't heard of?

What if he or she comes in an didn't sleep well the night before or is having a bad day, or is hungry for lunch an speeds the process up and doesn't take their time studying them to pick one of the healthiest looking..

Does anyone else worry like this? Mistakes can sometimes be all too easy to make..

[PoppyLoppy]

We do PISCI as my DH has high DNA fragmentation. They put the semen on a petri dish with a gel that mimics the outer lining of the egg. They figure the sperm that can get through the gel are the healthiest so they then take those sperm and inject it into the egg.

It is still experimental but we got the best results we ever had using this method.

Poppy x

[hope77]

We also had PICSI, unexplained infertility but clearly fertilisation issues as none of my eggs fertilised first IVF. It only cost us an additional $100 from memory so relatively small in the scheme of things. Anything that will help I say! I'd ask your clinic if they can do it, seems most do now. Also called HA ICSI I think?

[Mom2TwoDSs]

Dreamin, I so understand about leaving the art of sperm selection and fertilisation to a human the embryologist, it takes a lot of trust from us patients.

For our first cycle only used ICSI but the fert rate was good 4 out of 5 fertilised.
For our 2nd and 3rd cycle we used PICSI but fert rate was 6 out of 11 and 4 out of 11, which wasnt fantastic.
For our last cycle we used PICSi again and had 3 out of 3 fertilised (didnt count two immature eggs as they werent used).

I am not exactly sure how PICSI can increase our chances based on our results. And DH's sperm condition seemed the worst for our last cycle in terms of count and morphology as he was ill days leading up to his contribution. I gathered that both egg and sperm quality (euploidy) are equally important.

Having said that, PICSI isnt very costly so I think it is good to use if you need to. Also PICSI is the same as HA ICSI.

[Rivergirl]

Hi ladies,

our clinic in Adelaide has never mentioned PICSI but I have read with interest about it.

Is it mainly designed for the sperm related issues or does it help with fertalisation rates due to egg problems.

Would be interested to hear as we have poor fertalisation due to my eggs.

cheers

[Dreamin]

This certainly sounds interesting, especially if its only another $100. As if its another test for the swimmers to pass before being left up to the scientist.

I will definitely bring it up with my FS next time.

Anyone else whose tried it?

[swad]

Hi,
I know this post was made years ago but I am also doing an ICSI cycle and am also nervous of the embryologist making the decision on a SINGLE sperm!! I have just found out about PICSI but am not sure if IVF Australia do it. Does anybody know if IVF Australia perform PICS or HA ICSI? I'm not getting a lot of eggs and not amazing fertilization. Using donor sperm and am sure he isn't flagged as having issues but just thought it could rule out human error.
Thanks in advance!!!

[Kalina]

Hi,
I know this post was made years ago but I am also doing an ICSI cycle and am also nervous of the embryologist making the decision on a SINGLE sperm!! I have just found out about PICSI but am not sure if IVF Australia do it. Does anybody know if IVF Australia perform PICS or HA ICSI? I'm not getting a lot of eggs and not amazing fertilization. Using donor sperm and am sure he isn't flagged as having issues but just thought it could rule out human error.
Thanks in advance!!!

If you're using donor sperm and the donor is young and healthy the best way to rule out human error is to use straight IVF instead of icsi - leave the eggs and sperm alone to do their thing. Icsi does improve fertilisation and pregnancy rates for older women, but it doesn't actually improve live birth rates.

[swad]

HI Kalina,
Thank you so much. That's very helpful. Due to the fact that the sperm is frozen, my clinic encourages ICSI, but I think SOME of the donors may be suitable for traditional IVF. Do you know if it's possible to use trad. IVF with frozen/thawed sperm?
Thank you.

[Kalina]

HI Kalina,
Thank you so much. That's very helpful. Due to the fact that the sperm is frozen, my clinic encourages ICSI, but I think SOME of the donors may be suitable for traditional IVF. Do you know if it's possible to use trad. IVF with frozen/thawed sperm?
Thank you.

I don't know what effect freezing and thawing have on sperm, sorry. Perhaps ask to speak to a senior embryologist at the clinic, they'd be best placed to answer that. Do you know the donor's age and that his semen analysis results are good?