Dealing with azoospermia?

[HopeWhispers]

Hi,

It's been a while since I last stopped by. I am the one whose OH lost both testicles due to injury and then cancer. We are not TTC, so there's no update to share really. I just like to pop in every now and again to read how you are all getting on. I suppose it's kind of preparation for my turn, when/if that ever comes.

Glad to see some of you have had good news since I was last here, but saddened for those who have had more tough times.

Step Mummy - how are things now? Sorry to hear how bad things have been. My OH was turfed out of the hospital the same day his testicle had been poked and prodded and biopsied (for cancer and sperm retrieval), then removed an replaced with a prosthetic, with a small bag of paracetamol and ibuprofen. When we realised we marched back in (well, we walked very slowly and very carefully) and it turned out that they had forgotten to give him his full prescription, which should have included tramadol!! It also turned out weeks later that he should have had a strong anti-inflammatory which they never gave him and that resulted in weeks of unnecessary pain.

I'd still be interested to hear from anyone who has used donor sperm in the UK about how the process works. Through all of our ordeal we never once got to speak to any kind of fertility doctor, so we have absolutely no information about the options available to us. We have figured out that with no sperm stored and no possibility of making new sperm, we will never have our own children (although if I'm being totally honest I do fantasise that by the time we want to start a family there will be a new treatment that makes it possible to have his baby - setting myself up for a fall there). We think our options are adoption or sperm donor, but as I say, we really don't know how either process works.

Wishing and hoping for you all.

 

[Flake-y]

Hey hopewhispers,

Glad to see you back!

We are using a sperm donor, we got the sperm from the european sperm bank, which is in denmark, but will supply the UK. You can check out the website which is pretty good.

As for new technology, I've heard that they are researching into swapping the DNA of the donor, with the DNA of the azoospermic man, making him the biological father, rather than the donor. Don't know how long it'll be before this is widely available though, but it's still interesting to know that it will probably be possible to have biological kids even if you have no sperm!

 

[loobylou_01]

Hi hopewhispers,

We used donor sperm last year for our IVF cycle and as you can see from my ticker it was successful! Our clinic sourced our sperm which is UK based i think. And it's all been really straight forward, lots of forms to fill, a compulsary counselling session and that's it!

Our SSR did actually retrieve sperm but it was ? poor quality and had to make decision there and then as i'd just had my eggs retrieved, they couldn't really advise us whether or not DH's sperm would work or not, therefore DH decided that we should go with the donor as he wanted it to work. Therefore i also harbour hopes that one day we will be able to use some of DH's sperm, who knows! we have 2 frozen embryo's in the freezer too. We have been very lucky. I think that anyone who has experienced azoospermia etc harbours some hope for the future.

xxx

 

[MissAma]

Speaking of hoping against hope how many people keep TTCing despite the azoospermia diagnostic? Or am l the only weirdo?

 

[waitingginger]

Your not alone MissAma!! i know its not going to happen but everytime is see that i am ovulating its like right its time just in case! ha ha think i would learn after 2.5 years of nothing!

My OH has a quite a few physical exams now they just have a general feel around! for texture and size and things! and he had an ultrasound too!
He has had the chromosone blood test came back as normal. Full hormones put the results on earlier, normal testosterone and low FSH and LH. Now we are seeing an endrochronolgist which is a brain specalist to see why his hormones arent being released properly. they think it could be an issue with his paturity gland which could then be fixed with injections.

I feel so grateful that we are able to explore every option. they have said though that there is no point in doing an SSR now its impossible to find anything and only if sperm is eveient after injections would we have an SSR. so injections are our only option really!!

Keeping my fingers crossed next appointment with the brain man on 17th March. couldnt come quickly enough! is it just me or is everyone pregnant at the moment? x

 

[Deb111]

Hi,


Glad to see some of you have had good news since I was last here, but saddened for those who have had more tough times.

Nice to see you Hope. Hope things are good with you xx

Hey hopewhispers,

As for new technology, I've heard that they are researching into swapping the DNA of the donor, with the DNA of the azoospermic man, making him the biological father, rather than the donor. Don't know how long it'll be before this is widely available though, but it's still interesting to know that it will probably be possible to have biological kids even if you have no sperm!

I will have to google this!! That would be amazing!!!

Speaking of hoping against hope how many people keep TTCing despite the azoospermia diagnostic? Or am l the only weirdo?

I would if I had the chance! There's certainly no harm in it! But, I have a hubby with extremely low testosterone levels and no sex drive, and it didn't help when the specialist said there was no point in TTC naturally! I could have smacked him one! So although hubby has dealt with it all very well in many ways, I'm embarassed to say we've only 'd twice since his diagnosis 10 months ago!

Now we are seeing an endrochronolgist which is a brain specalist to see why his hormones arent being released properly. they think it could be an issue with his paturity gland which could then be fixed with injections.

Keeping everything crossed for you that this is something that's fixable xx

 

[MissAma]

Oh sadly l know all about low sex drive! If it were after him we'd do it twice a year! I never thought l'd envy women who complain their men pester them for a shag!

 

[Deb111]

Hey hopewhispers,

As for new technology, I've heard that they are researching into swapping the DNA of the donor, with the DNA of the azoospermic man, making him the biological father, rather than the donor. Don't know how long it'll be before this is widely available though, but it's still interesting to know that it will probably be possible to have biological kids even if you have no sperm!

Has anyone got a link to anything about this?? I'd be interested in having a read but can't find anything anywhere

Oh sadly l know all about low sex drive! If it were after him we'd do it twice a year! I never thought l'd envy women who complain their men pester them for a shag!

It's nice to know I'm not alone

 

[Flake-y]

I can't remember where I heard it Deb, it was on here somewhere though, maybe on this thread or one of the other girl's journals?

 

[Deb111]

Hhhmmm I think I know where I may have seen it now you mention it ... but I don't seem to be able to find ANYTHING on google! Strange ...

 

[Pink Lolly]

Speaking of hoping against hope how many people keep TTCing despite the azoospermia diagnostic? Or am l the only weirdo?

Miss Ama and Ginger - you are not mad for hoping!!

I had completely given up hope and hadnt even been TTC....but when I went for my internal scan last week the nurse said 'It looks like you will ovulate at the weekend so you should start trying from Thursday'

And I actually looked at her and thought 'Trying what??!!' lol!! Then I caught on, but she must have realised because she said never give up hope, you only need one!!

We didnt bother though because I hate that disappointed feeling that we all know so well! xx

 

[Deb111]

Well we have our appointment with Dr Ramsay on Saturday and I'm starting to really worry. Of course I'm desperate for a baby but starting all over again just feels like we are setting ourselves up for more disappointment. I'm scared of what we will be told, but I guess we will never know if we don't try.

My IBS has been dreadful every evening this week and I'm sure it's because I'm worried about the appt. I wish we had the time to back off and take a bit of a break from it all but I'm 37 and Terry is 44 so we don't have that luxury.

Anyway, I've kind of got out of practise of working out what we need to ask so here's what I've come up with so far ... any other ideas gratefully received!

- what does his procedure involve and how does it compare with what Dr Schlegel and Dr Turek do / mTESE / sperm mapping?

- would he put Terry on clomid leading up to the op? (Dr Turek said it is important that he's on it beforehand so we want to know his opinion on it)

- will they freeze anything they find in SA's?

- will they co-ordinate so that I can do a fresh cycle if they find sperm?

- will we be able to co-ordinate that with a clinic here so I don't have to travel down to windsor for the whole process - just EC / ET?

- need to ask about his prolactin levels in case hyperprolactinemia is an issue

- need to ask about kidney function test

- costs involved?

Am I missing anything obvious?? xx

 

[loobylou_01]

Gosh Deb you seem to have covered loads there, i can't think of anything at the moment but i will post if i do think of something else. Good questions. Really hope it goes well xx

 

[Pink Lolly]

Oh Deb - try not to worry and think you are taking a positive step closer.

I am not really up on it all but your list looks good - I will post again if I think of anything xxx

 

[Flake-y]

That's great your appointment is Saturday, don't worry, it's the next step forward to getting your baby!

Think you've got all the bases covered with your questions, make sure you write them all down so you don't forget at the time!

 

[MissAma]

PinkLolly - I am doing more than hoping, I confess I gave up any trace of rationality and actively TTCed this cycle. What can I say, I'm a proper masochist.

Deb - I really like your list and think it's rather complete. -And am envious that you get to see the great Ramsay- The only things I would add if I were to see such a great specialist are:

- Is thawed sperm less likely to succeed?
- Is it true that embryos from testicular sperm are far less likely to divide/ survive past day 3 and in that case isn't it logical that only Blastos should be transfered? What is the argument towards doing a 3DT transfer? Better chances in womb? By what percent?
- What is the proposed course of action stimulation wise? Is trying to get as many eggs as possible -to increase the chances for blasto- a good idea or is quantity diminishing quality?
- Does he do any Anepluidy and HSG testing?
- Is aggressive Progesterone therapy afterwards useful?`- E.g. Injectable instead of pills
- Would steroids after help? How do they affect the new embryo? Will it help an embryo failing to divide because it is from testicular sperm? Is it worth it in terms of throwing everything at it to make it succeed?
- Is PGD recommended in male issues?
- Would Assisted Hatching help the embryo in our case or do you not believe implantation is an issue?

 

[Deb111]

PinkLolly - I am doing more than hoping, I confess I gave up any trace of rationality and actively TTCed this cycle. What can I say, I'm a proper masochist.

Deb - I really like your list and think it's rather complete. -And am envious that you get to see the great Ramsay- The only things I would add if I were to see such a great specialist are:

- Is thawed sperm less likely to succeed?
- Is it true that embryos from testicular sperm are far less likely to divide/ survive past day 3 and in that case isn't it logical that only Blastos should be transfered? What is the argument towards doing a 3DT transfer? Better chances in womb? By what percent?
- What is the proposed course of action stimulation wise? Is trying to get as many eggs as possible -to increase the chances for blasto- a good idea or is quantity diminishing quality?
- Does he do any Anepluidy and HSG testing?
- Is aggressive Progesterone therapy afterwards useful?`- E.g. Injectable instead of pills
- Would steroids after help? How do they affect the new embryo? Will it help an embryo failing to divide because it is from testicular sperm? Is it worth it in terms of throwing everything at it to make it succeed?
- Is PGD recommended in male issues?
- Would Assisted Hatching help the embryo in our case or do you not believe implantation is an issue?

Wow! thanks for the suggestions - I thought I was pretty clued up on all this, but there's a few things there I'm off to google! xx

 

[waitingginger]

anyone else getting to a point where they are just soooooo tired of waiting!!! it will of been a year in April since we found out about the Azoospermia and it doesnt feel like a great deal has been accomplished! whilst around you loads people keep getting pregnant!
I was good to start with just waiting but now its really starting to get to me 2 1/2 years of trying and feels like another 2 1/2 to go!!
Sorry i am sounding so downbeat! its just all i can think about at the moment!
x

 

[Flake-y]

anyone else getting to a point where they are just soooooo tired of waiting!!! it will of been a year in April since we found out about the Azoospermia and it doesnt feel like a great deal has been accomplished! whilst around you loads people keep getting pregnant!
I was good to start with just waiting but now its really starting to get to me 2 1/2 years of trying and feels like another 2 1/2 to go!!
Sorry i am sounding so downbeat! its just all i can think about at the moment!
x

Yeah, it can seem like it's neverending, but once things get started, it all goes so quick, it won't seem like you've been waiting at all!!!

 

[Pink Lolly]

anyone else getting to a point where they are just soooooo tired of waiting!!! it will of been a year in April since we found out about the Azoospermia and it doesnt feel like a great deal has been accomplished! whilst around you loads people keep getting pregnant!
I was good to start with just waiting but now its really starting to get to me 2 1/2 years of trying and feels like another 2 1/2 to go!!
Sorry i am sounding so downbeat! its just all i can think about at the moment!
x

Ginger I know how you feel - I have been feeling a bit the same lately. So far quite a lot has happened for us since Christmas and things are moving and I was glad about that...but this week it has got on top of me again and I suddenly feel that it is all very unfair and have been feeling sorry for myself.

Youre right it does feel like everyone else is pregnant or already has a baby. Like today I was at Asda and it was like everywhere I looked I saw a tiny baby - I'm not sure if there really are loads or if its psychological and you just notice them more - do you know what I mean?

We only found out in November which has only been 3 and a bit months, so I really feel for you having waited so long. It is hard but we must try to stay positive - keep busy and the time will go fast. I have started doing exercise classes two evenings a week and that seems to make the time go too as it comes around so quickly and plan lots of nice things to keep you occupied.

xxx