Dealing with azoospermia?

[Deb111]

I guess he's saying, if your dh isn't producing sperm, clomid wont change that - but we know that already! We were basically told that, yes Terry has azoo obviously, but technically, he has a ridiculously low sperm count. We now know he's making some, but when mTESE was done and they only found 30 ish - that's just crazy! An average man produces thousands with every heartbeat! He has no way of knowing if that's the same for your dh.

I can only imagine how frustrated you must be feeling right now - personally, I would beg, plead, cry - do whatever it takes to at least give it a try - afterall - it's not going to cause any harm. If you want some info about what they did with Terry what his results were to show him and put your case forward, let me know.

Remind me, what were your dh's LH and FSH levels? Normal? High? xx

 

[CanadianMaple]

They were high. Let me look back and see...

I would love the info. I may try to call him next week once we digest all of this a bit. It would even be great if we could boost his testosterone that way even if it doesn't affect his sperm.

He just seemed to think I wanted him on clomid for his sex drive. He said that would be the only reason why he would be prescribed testosterone was for that, and for effects long term like bone density. Only after I threw that out there. So he pretty much said that he would have issues once/if he does horomone therapy but would also have problems if not and should get bone density testing.

 

[CanadianMaple]

Here they are:
FSH: 21.4 (1-15)
LH: 14 High (1.24-7.8)
Testosterone: 4.2 Low (9-38)

 

[rdleela]

Becky, so sorry to hear you got this news! I can understand how devestated you must be

We LOVE our male infertility specialist, he's in Prince George, BC; this is who were are getting to do my DH's surgery. He'll do a phone consultation with you! Here is his website: https://www.cassidyurology.ca/
Would be worth a second opinion!

 

[deafgal01]

Canadian, I would try to push the dr to try the clomid treatment first. It is one of the cheaper (if not the cheapest) alternatives out there. Who is the dr to say that the hormone treatment won't help your DH? It might, or it might not, How will you guys know unless he lets you two try? So frustrating when the dr seems to be in it for money rather than what is in best interest of you two.

 

[Stinas]

Canadian - Im sorry!!! I agree with the other ladies...a second opinion or just be a bitch and demand the clomid.

 

[tigerlily1975]

It would be SO nice if everywhere was like the UK, where they actually help ppl with infertility treatments!!!!

Unfortunately you'd be pushing your luck to get NHS treatment with an azoo diagnosis as they're not prepared to deal with small numbers, or, in our experience, doing a synchronised cycle. They wrote us off

Hi SND

As Deb said, the treatment on the NHS is really hit and miss. There are rules as to who gets treated based on age, weight and whether you even have children! I'm thankful that we're getting at least one go with the NHS (although the government outlined that couples get THREE cycles, only some hospital trusts are honouring this - I will definitely be chasing this up if we don't get lucky first time!), after that, our hospital will charge around £5000 per ICSI cycle.

It's annoying to think someone could have child after child with free treatment on the state, yet for any of us who have conditions stopping us from conceiving naturally, there's very limited support.

Damn, if I could just win the Euromillions, I'd be sending you all big fat cheques so we can have our babies!



C xx

 

[tigerlily1975]

Hey CM,

First and secondly, I think everyone has already given really good advice. Would you be able to discuss the Clomid option with the Dr and if you still get no joy, try and seek a second opinion?

I hope you get some feedback which helps you come to a decision that you're both comfortable with.



C xx

 

[Deb111]

Becky - give me a day or 2 to dig out hubby's old notes and find some figures - I've filed them since the but will have a look over the weekend xx

EDIT - info on our first appt with Mr Ramsay is on p39 if you want to have a look x

 

[silverbell]

Thanks silverbell. That's exactly it, I am so disappointed and could cry at the drop of a hat (pretty much like that since azoo confirmed anyway ha) but in the other hand at least I know meds work and if we ever need ivf at least i know i can produce follicles. The plan is next cycle to do no meds, but without meds I might only have one or even none!?! So it could be another disappointing month. I just have to wait and see. The waiting and seeing is what kills me. Ha
How are you doing silverbell?
How

Ironically, Wanbmum, I found out exactly how you felt when your cycle was abandoned ... as my third was abandoned on Wednesday. I was over-stimulated, even though I was on the same dose as the previous cycle. I was even offered to convert to IVF as I had enough eggs for this, but we declined. I would quite like to try an unmedicated cycle as I never had any problems with a short luteal phase or any of this rubbish before all these drugs, but I don't get a choice as my clinic insist.

Alright, I know I have some serious catching up to do with posts and I promise I will catch up... but I wanted to drop by real quick, and share my good news! I got the go ahead to trigger tonight and I have IUI's SATURDAY and SUNDAY! AHHHHHHH. Official blood test day will be 5/29/12! I am so excited

Lots of luck to you SunUp

I'd appreciate it if you'd send a little prayer over here for a family I know. Their 12 yr old daughter became really sick with meningitis and became deaf very quickly (it took about a day to figure it out and actually get it diagnosed after finding out she had meningitis). Scary time for the family so they've been really depending on me to be there- which I wouldn't have been able to do as well if I was stuck at home with kids/babies. I guess that's one part of the reason why I still haven't had a baby yet by now. Thankfully the girl will be ok. I have been going to visit her at the hospital everyday since Wednesday.

What a wonderful thing you're doing, deafgal

I'm out. I started spotting again yesterday afternoon and real bad this morning. So I tested and BFN.... I'm just numb and can't figure out what went wrong!

I'm so, so, so sorry snd Thinking very positive thoughts for you next time around. Second time lucky!

So all went smoothly, I have a brain like a sieve (it's the drugs!) so I can't remember the figures but I remember 3 out of 4 going in the right direction and we could see them swim towards the eggie.

So now in the dreaded TWW for the forth time.

Big FX for all of us in this time and those getting towards this stage. X

Good luck to you Step Mummy

Just thought I better up-date y'all on what happened at the urologist today. I hope you don't mind if I C & P from my journal? I'm exhausted today; emotionally & otherwise....

Oh, MJ, what a lot to take in and think about. As if it's not enough to deal with azoospermia as it is without all of this going on too. Thinking of you

Oh MJ I have so been there. DH had surgery as an infant that messed up his testicles. And while we could have gone the mTESE route, it would have been putting his health in jeapordy (long term) and I just could NOT do that. So we will never really know about if / where he has sperm. It was hard at first, DH thought DS was weird. But I told him that what I love about him has nothing to do with genetics. Of course, I wanted DS from someone with similar genetics, but I don't love him for his eye color or hair color. I love him for his humor, how he can always make me smile even when I am really down, how he knows EVERYTHING about being outside etc. These are things DH will still pass on to OUR children. He is the best thing that has happened to me and one day, our child(ren) will be the best thing that happen to US.
DS is not an easy choice, but remember, it is just that - a choice. But that child will completely be yours, and your hubbys, from the second it implants.
I do send you lots of hugs because I understand where you are at right now, but I promise you, you will not be down long! Even if I have to fly all the way over there and 'smack' a smile back on your face. LOL! (Annnnd you'd have to show me all around because where you live is my dream vaca!)

SunUp, what a beautiful post. Thank you so much. This is exactly how we feel and everything you say is true.

We're rather against biopsy at the moment, because it appears that the reason they don't swim is because the tails are structured in the way that it makes it impossible to begin with. Hens, I don't believe they'll find anything different in biopsy. Of course, if they say they'll do ICSI in we agree on biopsy, than it'll be a different story.

I could be wrong, but I thought with ICSI they cut the tails off anyway? I could be totally wrong here though???

Not good news.

$1500 for a needle and a 20% chance
$4000 for open surgery. 45% chance.

He wasn't interested in treating him with clomid to boost his T.
He said he would give him T if he doesn't want to do that until we are done with fertility stuff.

Those percentages are just for sperm. Ivf also only has a 50/50 chance.

I'm so frustrated that this all comes down to money. So frustrated he won't treat the low T with something. He says that rarely works.

I have to say I was amazed at your percentage chances and couldn't understand why you said it wasn't good news, as our chances were 5%. However, I can understand the money issue and it's a big concern on top of the chances, isn't it? I wish we all had endless amounts of money. It's sick that so many of us are struggling to get what so many others take completely for granted.

As for not treating the low T - when we saw our specialist - Mr Ramsay - last year we asked about treatment and he said in our case it wasn't necessary, yet I know he prescribed treatment for Deb's husband. My DH had lowish Testosterone (9) and very high FSH. It's weird how some will treat and some won't

 

[Deb111]

As for not treating the low T - when we saw our specialist - Mr Ramsay - last year we asked about treatment and he said in our case it wasn't necessary, yet I know he prescribed treatment for Deb's husband. My DH had lowish Testosterone (9) and very high FSH. It's weird how some will treat and some won't

Might be the combination of the 2 From memory, Terry's T was 4.3 and his FSH was only very slightly raised, meaning that his body hadn't done all it could yet and could be pushed higher. Hope you're doing ok SB xx

 

[silverbell]

That makes a lot of sense actually because now I remember him saying poor DH's FSH was so high it was clear his body was doing all it could to rectify the problem itself.

 

[CanadianMaple]

Silverbell- unfortunately, 20% is still very poor numbers. Thn if any are even useable, thy will freeze the and make him repeat the procedure again for a fresh cycle. Then with the 50% IVF success rate, it drops us down to a 10% pregnancy rate. . Sorry to sound defensive but it may not be 5% but it's still not good odds for the pain and money.

 

[silverbell]

Silverbell- unfortunately, 20% is still very poor numbers. Thn if any are even useable, thy will freeze the and make him repeat the procedure again for a fresh cycle. Then with the 50% IVF success rate, it drops us down to a 10% pregnancy rate. . Sorry to sound defensive but it may not be 5% but it's still not good odds for the pain and money.

Yes, sorry, I wasn't saying it's good odds and I did say obviously when you put the money into the equation it does change things.

 

[CanadianMaple]

I'm still thinking about calling the doctor about the clomid or trying something along those lines. DH has pretty much ruled out donor sperm. We're feeling like we're close to the end of the line on this journey.

 

[snd80]

CM!!!! I thought he was on board w/ DS if push came to shove?

My hubby said if we exhaust all our 2 vials of DS we have left, that is it, and it scares the crap outta me!!!! IDK how I will cope if/when it is finally "over", ya know?! It is liable to not be a good ending....

 

[Deb111]

CM - I'm really sorry I haven't got round to letting you have hubby's blood test results / info - things have been really busy. I haven't forgotten though xx

 

[Stinas]

CM - Im sorry! You never know...hopefully things will turn around. I would make the call for the clomid...you cant go wrong.

 

[CanadianMaple]

CM - I'm really sorry I haven't got round to letting you have hubby's blood test results / info - things have been really busy. I haven't forgotten though xx

No worries. It was the long weekend here and I am still trying to gather my thoughts. Do you know off hand how high one's LH and FSH can be pushed?

His father said something about donor sperm, like he isn't really on board with that idea. His mom is. He really looks up to his dad and I think that's part of the reason he's backed away from it all. I'm feeling so scared/sad/mad that he may take our plan B off the table but know he has to be 100% on board too. I just wish he could consider my feelings too. I feel like we're living two different lives through this part.

Chris thinks I should be happy with my little boy I already have. I am and appreciate him every single day. His father is a deadbeat and has gone MIA. I want to experience pregnancy and childbirth with a partner. If I had known those baby days were my only chance, I would have lived every moment in them. I don't want my little boy to be an only child if I can avoid it. He asked me today for a baby since he's the only kid without a sibling at his babysitter's.

What do you do if your spouse wants to give up and you don't? We're nearing our first wedding anniversary and it feels like this first year was a nightmare. Even his low T is killing our sex life.

I know it will be better tomorrow. I'll be busy and back to work. I just feel like I'm having a panic attack or something tonight. I haven't felt this claustrophobic about it all in months.

 

[Stinas]

CM - Im sorry you are feeling like this and I wish I could help! All I can suggest is communication. It really helps in our situations. Stupid as it sounds, it really does.