Ghost - Fertilization Question??

[garfieldtracy]

Ghost,
I have a question about fertilization. The first 2 cycles we did ICSI since we only had 6 eggs and 4 eggs. The 3rd cycle we got 10 eggs so the RE did a split with ICSI and insemination. The results were equal 3 fertilized from each method - but the insemination was 3 out of 4 (there was 1 bad egg) and the ICSI was 3 out of 5. This time we got 7 eggs and the RE asked what we wanted to do - we told him to make the decision. He went the insemination route and today we found out that only 2 of the 7 "look" like they are fertilizing (they are at the step before fertilization). They are doing ICSI on the 5 today. The RE can not "explain" this since DH swimmers were "excellent/awesome" and my eggs looked "great".

Here are my questions:
1.) Any ideas why this might have happened or is this just one of those unknowns?
2.) Is there a potential problem with the 2 that are "look" like they are fertilizing - or are they just slow growers?
3.) Is it OK to do ICSI a day later?
4.) If we do a 3-day transfer - how do they know the grading of the ICSI eggs? I only know what they should be on day 3 not day 2? Do you know what they should be on day 2?
5.) Would it be better to do a 3-day transfer or a 4-day transfer?

Ghost, as always your help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tracy

[Ghost]

Ghost,
I have a question about fertilization. The first 2 cycles we did ICSI since we only had 6 eggs and 4 eggs. The 3rd cycle we got 10 eggs so the RE did a split with ICSI and insemination. The results were equal 3 fertilized from each method - but the insemination was 3 out of 4 (there was 1 bad egg) and the ICSI was 3 out of 5. This time we got 7 eggs and the RE asked what we wanted to do - we told him to make the decision. He went the insemination route and today we found out that only 2 of the 7 "look" like they are fertilizing (they are at the step before fertilization). They are doing ICSI on the 5 today. The RE can not "explain" this since DH swimmers were "excellent/awesome" and my eggs looked "great".

Here are my questions:
1.) Any ideas why this might have happened or is this just one of those unknowns?

No way to know, especially from so few data.

2.) Is there a potential problem with the 2 that are "look" like they are fertilizing - or are they just slow growers?

I see no reason to conclude that from your post. Were they well past the usual time? I tend to doubt it, given they are now doing rescue ICSI on the others. But maybe...

3.) Is it OK to do ICSI a day later?

It's okay, and saves some cycles, but it's not a good sign. Would have been better to get the fertilization in the first place.

4.) If we do a 3-day transfer - how do they know the grading of the ICSI eggs? I only know what they should be on day 3 not day 2? Do you know what they should be on day 2?

I suppose they should consider the developmental delay. Cleavage stage embryos are graded pretty much the same way, number of cells and fragmentation. It's not difficult to grade a day 2 along with some day 3s. They would need to culture them separately (that's easy) so they know which are expected to be behind.

5.) Would it be better to do a 3-day transfer or a 4-day transfer?

I don't care for 4-day transfer in general, but you refer to the delayed embryos, which might be reaching typical day 3 stage on day 4.

I don't see the need. They can grade on day 2 just as well as day 3.

[garfieldtracy]

Thanks Ghost - now it is just a looooong wait till tomorrow morning.
Tracy