How many blastocysts to implant in IVF/ICSI first attempt

Question

My husband was recently diagnosed as having male factor infertility...6-8 percent motility, with between 0-1 percent of straight swimmers.

We are presently considering IVF with ICSI. We reside in Italy where, by law, doctors may only legally implant 2 blastocysts at a time. Many here have consulted us to go abroad...say, in Spain, where laws do not restrict the number of blastocysts implanted. I am 32 and my husband is 39. From what I've read on numerous forums, many doctors only implant 2 blastocysts neverthleless...so do you think it is necessary for us to go abroad on our first IVF/ICSI attempt? On first attempts at IVF/ ICSI with male factor infertility, how many blastocysts are normally implanted?

Thanks so much for your help!

mhv · Accepted Answer

Most docs in the US will only put back 2 blasts also. There are some that will do more, but usually, 2. I guess if your ok with triplets or quads you could do more, but blast embryos are pretty dang healthy and strong. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Heather5 · Answer

I agree with the others. Go for two. I had two blastocysts transferred when I did my IVF almost two years ago (no ICSI, though), and I now have a beautiful 1-year old baby girl! Plus, three fully-paid cycles is a BIG plus! Best of luck with everything!

hopeitworks · Answer

Good Luck!!!! Cant wait to hear you announce your BFP!!

ALLIMENTF · Answer

Thank you so much for these very helpful responses. This has helped us come to the conclusion that we will stay in Italy for the procedure (seeing that 2 is the norm for most US doctors). We also just recently discovered that the Italian state will pay entirely for up to 3 IVF/ICSI attempts...so this has has definitely helped us make up our minds. We'll be going in for a consultation next week.

Thanks once again!

ButterBuns · Answer

Well when considering the number being implanted you have to consider how many children you would be okay with having at once and how safe it would be for your health and the health of the babies if you were to potentially carry more than two. Then the odds of the eggs splitting is there too. Also you select to have some removed if you end up with more babies than you want. I'm sure you could find a doctor that would implant more I mean here in the states we have the octomom you know but always consider your health and the babies when deciding this. Its up to you and if I were in your shoes I would want to do anything to make it happen one bc wanting children and two the procedure is extremely expensive, but make sure you consider the most important thing and it's your health and your baby's. Wishing you the best BB

hopeitworks · Answer

Its dependant upon your age and the fertility factor. Im leaning towards them only doing 2 since the factor in your case is male and the ICSI takes care of that. If your embies get to the blast stage thats great, and 2 would be wonderful!!!
Best of luck!!