ICSI - so how does it work?

So this post is for those who want to know a bit more about what we will be doing this coming month.

What is ICSI?

1. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) that is used for the treatment of severe cases of male factor infertility. ICSI involves the injection of a single sperm directly into a mature egg.

ICSI is very similar to conventional IVF in that gametes (eggs and sperm) are collected from each partner. The difference between the two procedures is the method of achieving fertilisation. In conventional IVF, the eggs and sperm are mixed together in a dish and the sperm fertilises the egg ‘naturally’. However to have a chance that this will occur, large numbers of actively swimming normal sperm are required. For many couples, the number of suitable sperm available may be very limited or there may be other factors preventing fertilisation, so conventional IVF is not an option. ICSI has provided a hope for these couples. ICSI refers to the laboratory procedure where a single sperm is picked up with a fine glass needle and is injected directly into each egg. This is carried out in the laboratory by experienced embryologists using specialist equipment. Very few sperm are required and the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg is no longer important as this has been assisted by the ICSI technique. ICSI does not guarantee that fertilisation will occur as the normal cellular events of fertilisation still need to occur once the sperm has been placed in the egg.

Here are some videos:
http://youtu.be/vGbIL9QWSsM - 3D animation of ICSI procedure
http://youtu.be/gRqI3XThGrw - actual footage of ICSI procedure under microscope
IVF Patient Info - full info on IVF procedures

So what have we been up to?

27.01.15 - We had drug training at the Fertility Clinic. We went through what each of the drugs were, what they would do, how to assemble and dissemble the needles/pens and a schedule or days/times to administer them. Thought I was actually going to be able to practise jab myself with a needle today however I simulated it, that was good enough. Will be a different story when I do it for real in sure, i'm all "I got this" haha DH is not afraid to take over if necessary..

We were given our coolie bag along with a few other bits and pieces like progesterone pessaries (for after procedure), sharps/needle bin, alcohol swabs and of course the meds. They are now living in the fridge for the next 3 weeks while we wait to start our cycle.

 I will be doing what they call a Short Protocol IVF cycle, as I have previously responded well to previous Clomiphene cycles they are confident I should respond well to these.

I will be taking daily Puregon (FSH) injections from CD2-8, 175iu. This comes in a pen form and is super easy to administer. This will be taken in the evening. Same time every night.

On CD6 I start my daily Orgalutran injections. These come in preloaded syringes with the right dosage 0.25mg. Must be taken between 9-10pm. I'll continue those until clinic day.

CD8 - Blood Test and Scan day. We will find out what those pesky follicles are up to and find out if those drugs are working. Its apparently a low dosage but shes confident I will respond well.. shall wait and see! Ovarian stimulation is monitored by blood tests and ultrasound scans. Once the follicles have grown to the right size, a trigger injection of the hormone hCG causes the follicles and their eggs to undergo the final step in maturation.

Ovidrel or Buserelin which will be my Trigger injections (HSG). These will be given to me by the clinic when I go back to see them. Egg collection is then scheduled 36 hours after the trigger injection.

 So, in a nutshell, that is it. I will continue to chuck in some links so things make sense... and for me, its great having all the links in one place. I'm planning on DH videoing some injections so will post with my update when we start. Approx second week of Feb 2015 at this stage.

Eeek! Countdown is on. Better get reading, lots of information to absorb.