Donor 13503 motility/quality

krobinson81krobinson81 Posts: 41
in Ask California Cryobank
CCB Staff,

We recently did our 9th IUI attempt using donor 13503. The nurse/doctor checked the sample under the microscope and reported to us they did not see much going on. The report that came with the vial reported 57% motility and the doctor questioned that. They did not say the specimen was bad and we did proceed to use it (as we all know it only takes one) but suggested we not use this donor if there was a next time around. I'm not sure if this was an isolated situation with this particular vial or if this is the case for the entire group of samples from which they were collected. The vial shows a date of January 2013. Please advise on what to do? This has never happened to us and not something you want to hear after 8 unsuccessful IUI attempts.

Thank you,
Karen and Kelli

Comments

  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,547
    Hi K&K –

    I’m sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds like you received some vague information which doesn’t tell us much about the specimen. First, please keep in mind that the occurrence of “sub-standard” vials is extremely rare. Our lab has a strict quality control system in place and we have a standard protocol for freezing, thawing, and evaluating specimen.

    Outside of our facility, there are a number of variables that can come into play. Different labs may use different methods or equipment and there can even be a variance in different lab staff counts using the same methods and equipment. One of the most critical considerations in evaluating thawed samples is whether or not the supplied thawing instructions are followed. Thawing time, temperature, inadequate mixing, and even the type of counting chamber used can significantly impact the final outcome of the thawed specimen. For example, a detail like not pre-warming the counting chamber for our recommended amount of time can result in a motility percentage different from our report.

    I would encourage you to reach out to your physician for more detailed information. If your total motile sperm count for the IUI vial was under 10 million, you can have him/her complete a CCB specimen report form so that we can look into this further.

    As far as the future goes, it would be perfectly fine to use Donor 13503 again, but unfortunately this donor is completely sold out of vials. I’m not sure if by “next time” you mean doing another IUI, but I would definitely suggest consulting with a reproductive endocrinologist about IVF. Usually after 3-6 unsuccessful IUI attempts (depending on maternal age), our medical director recommends exploring IVF.

    Please don’t get discouraged. This process is not easy, but we do hope that we can help you become pregnant. Try to stay positive and we’ll keep our fingers crossed for you.

    Regards,

    Nicole
    CCB
  • kandtkandt Posts: 1
    I just recently used this donor as well and had about the same percentage motility, but it ended up being 26.5 million motile post wash. I am using a fertility clinic and purchased an ICI vial because they wash the sperm their. The doctor said that the % and the number motile was excellent post wash. So maybe y'all should ask what the actual number motile was like the admin suggested. Good luck to y'all!
  • krobinson81krobinson81 Posts: 41
    Thank you Nicole. I did speak to someone at CCB about filling out some paperwork. From what I understand it is possible the specimen was not fully thawed. We did have the hospital fill out the appropriate paperwork and at the very least CCB is aware of the circumstances and maybe this is an isolated incident. I have no doubt that the specimen is quite good. It does only take one :)

    Kandt- I would like to stay in touch and see if you have had success with this donor. My email is kboutwell@metrocast.net.

    Thank you,
    Karen
  • krobinson81krobinson81 Posts: 41
    This specimen worked after all for us and we are happy to report that we are 8 weeks pregnant with this donor and things are looking really good.

    Karen & Kelli
  • parisnyparisny Posts: 73
    Just happened to read this -- so happy for you Karen and Kelli. Best wishes for a smooth pregnancy and a happy and healthy little bundle of joy!!
  • krobinson81krobinson81 Posts: 41
    Parisny,

    Thank you! We have moved into 10 weeks and still going strong. Are you using this donor as well?

    K & K
  • herkellcorherkellcor Posts: 12
    My husband and I had our third try with donor 13503 this morning. This was our last vial, which saddens me; I get the feeling from pics and descriptions he looks a lot like my spouse! Our count has been around 25-27, motility 41% each try.

    It is great to hear about a success with him; congrats Karen and Kelli!

    I have done all unmedicated cycles; any tips for before, during and after? The trying is getting old...

    Cass
  • krobinson81krobinson81 Posts: 41
    Cass,

    Thank you! We are very excited and its been a long journey to get here. I don't know about any tips other than if this is something you really want don't give up!! It does get very frustrating and old. We were really set on one specific donor and each time that donor didn't work. It is possible you may consider switching donors if this time around doesn't work. Our doctor told us sometimes the chemistry of egg and sperm just don't mix.

    We went through 8 IUI cycles with no success having used 4 different donors before 13503. We also had 2 medicated cycles that both resulted in chemical pregnancies. We did find out that my partner had a blocked tube and required surgery to open it. From that point forward we got pregnant on the 3rd try after surgery.

    I do hope this donor works for you! Think positive thoughts and have faith your body will do the work! Please feel free to email me at kboutwell@metrocast.net. I would love to stay in touch and who knows...we could have halfsies ;)

    Karen & Kelli.
  • herkellcorherkellcor Posts: 12
    I am hoping for halfsies, K&K :)

    Thank you for the encouraging words! I did the HSG right before this previous cycle, and all looks clear, along with every ultrasound, etc... I'm not sure if there are any other factors I can eliminate? We're switching donors after this cycle.

    I know just 1 couple who have used donor IUI before, and they gave up after 8 cycles; it's so great to hear about people victorious in our scenario.

    Happy and Healthy pregnancy to you!

    Cass
  • krobinson81krobinson81 Posts: 41
    Cass,

    So you should know what's going on in another week correct? Maybe around the 7th of February? Very exciting and do hope it works for you!!! Keep us posted.

    K & K
  • krobinson81krobinson81 Posts: 41
    We are 10 weeks pregnant with this donor again and happy to report it only took one try! Looking for any other families using the same donor.

    K & K
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