Hi Baby, it's not totally true that ICSI is for sperm defect.. It is indeed that those with sperm that are sluggish or short-lived needed that.
My fertility specialist told me that at my age (37) there is a chance that the outer layer of the egg becomes tougher for sperm to penetrate and ICSI will be recommended. We had planned for a 50%:50% division of eggs for IVF And ICSI, but the embryologist told me that they did a 100% ICSI. That's where I suspect they must have taken the initiative to use ICSI on the other 50% after a certain time frame (better do that than to let the 50% eggs go to waste..)
My journey for IVF started because we tried for more than 2 years (although slightly more than 1 year is seriously and desperately trying) and my last pap smear result was unfavorable. My OBGYN wanted to do a Laprascopy, HCG (to check abnormality of the cells in the cervic due to the result of the pap smear) and biopsy...
Many friends incl doctor friends told me if I had tried for so long and hasn't conceive, I should not go for normal OBGYN but to see fertility specialist. Then I scan thru all the recommended doctors and decided on this one.
I spoke to her about the result of the PS and fertility issues. What I felt most comfortable about this doc is when she said, "if you are so ready for IVF, you need not go thru Laprascopy because you don't need the fillopian tube. SHe recommended a cheaper test (HSG) to check if the tubes are blocked.. I also did a PS with the hospital and result came back to be perfectly normal!!!
My poor hubby, he had gone thru SA with my previous OBGYN and the result was not detailed enough and had to do a second one.
Our doc always exercise patience with us as I have lots of questions for her (my friend with SGH even asked why I know so much, she said she didn't have os much time with the doc, sometimes it's the nurse that explain to her the test results)..
I am so happy the doc allowed me to take video of the untrasound (which I know some hospitals don't) when my hubby was unable to make the appointments.
I have other colleagues who when other pte hospitals for fertility treatment. One when Glen and spent S$100k in 3 IVFs (all the surgery on the varicos veins on his testes and surgery on her to remove her fibroid and lumps, 2 fresh cycles and a thaw cycle)
My doc did not require me to have my 3 fibroids removes as she said they have no implication on conception, but she did explained that if the fibroids grow alongside my foetus, I may experience false contractions at the later stage of pregnancy, and that the baby may have no room to turn and engage resulting a C-section.
I am sure some of us becomes abit embarrassed to tell some of our relatives/ friends of our IVF, one girlfriend of mine asked if the problem was me or my hubby... You know what, we are so unfortunate to be one of those couple who falls under the "unexplainable infertility" category.
I am sure if I had gone to the same doc my colleague used, both my hubby & I would have spent more than we did with this hospital.
So, my advice is to evaluate the doctor before you continue. If I had trusted my previous OBGYN, I would have spent unnecessary $$ and go thru something I need not and perhaps till today still trying to conceive naturally..
Here, I will say a prayer for you (please do not be offended by my good intention):
Heavenly Father, I come before you in prayer for supply to the need of those in this discussion group. Please continue to give them strength and patience until You turn their dream into reality. Thank you for keeping them safe in Your hands and bless them thru the hands of the medical personnel who are helping you deliver the bundle of joy to them. Father, like You place the seed of love in me and keep it safe, I pray to you to do likewise for these girls and their husband, allow them to glorify Your name thru this joy. In Jesus mighty name, Amen!