Dealing with azoospermia?

[awifey]

Congrats rdleela! I hope a baby is soon in your future!

 

[AuCa]

Hey, ladies, just a quick update for anyone following what's going on with our experience with azoos...DH has obstructive azoospermia, had surgery Sept.28th/12, and we just got another SA done today, and his count more than tripled in 2 months! Hoping we see more improvement in 2 months time...

Woooohhooooo!!!!
I am SOOOO excited for you guys!!!!

 

[Rainbow123]

Hi,

Ok I am new to both forums and just starting down the path of infertility and the treatment that comes with it and feel I know nothing! Been TTC for over a year, after six months they did initial tests on both me and hubby and said everything was fine - after a year we went back and on looking back on those first tests they realised that the somewhat incompetent first Doctor was wrong and actually hubby was azoospermic! (Don't ask me how the hell he managed to interpret that test result wrongly).

Anyway, after a consult on Monday the Urology guy said that he thought it was congenital and that there would be little chance of any sperm being there on biopsy. He won't do a biopsy though as he wants fertility clinic to do it as then they can freeze anything they do find there and then.

I'm awaiting tests to make sure all's working with me but so far so good.

Does this sound usual? We were somewhat taken aback that he could make such a certain diagnosis off examination, hormone levels and a sperm sample. Think we're both feeling completely lost at moment as have no idea what happens now and what, if anything is possible. Urology guy said it would have to be IVF with sperm donor or adoption - is that right?

Hi MadCatLady,
Our urologist was just as 'helpful' telling my husband pretty much what you described. I think they need some training in how not to be such a great big arse, as somehow they don't realise it's people's lives and dreams their messing with when they make such ridiculous statements.
I think they should definitely investigate properly. That's what we are going to do anyway! And if we're not convinced they've done all they can we are planning on getting a second opinion as we've already been advised by our GP to do with the urologist.
Sorry to hear that you have had such a negative time. It's hard enough receiving the diagnosis, we don't need insensitive health professionals too (who by the way, do not know everything imho)!
Hope you're ok.
XXX

 

[Mikihob]

Hi,

Ok I am new to both forums and just starting down the path of infertility and the treatment that comes with it and feel I know nothing! Been TTC for over a year, after six months they did initial tests on both me and hubby and said everything was fine - after a year we went back and on looking back on those first tests they realised that the somewhat incompetent first Doctor was wrong and actually hubby was azoospermic! (Don't ask me how the hell he managed to interpret that test result wrongly).

Anyway, after a consult on Monday the Urology guy said that he thought it was congenital and that there would be little chance of any sperm being there on biopsy. He won't do a biopsy though as he wants fertility clinic to do it as then they can freeze anything they do find there and then.

I'm awaiting tests to make sure all's working with me but so far so good.

Does this sound usual? We were somewhat taken aback that he could make such a certain diagnosis off examination, hormone levels and a sperm sample. Think we're both feeling completely lost at moment as have no idea what happens now and what, if anything is possible. Urology guy said it would have to be IVF with sperm donor or adoption - is that right?

Hi MadCatLady,
Our urologist was just as 'helpful' telling my husband pretty much what you described. I think they need some training in how not to be such a great big arse, as somehow they don't realise it's people's lives and dreams their messing with when they make such ridiculous statements.
I think they should definitely investigate properly. That's what we are going to do anyway! And if we're not convinced they've done all they can we are planning on getting a second opinion as we've already been advised by our GP to do with the urologist.
Sorry to hear that you have had such a negative time. It's hard enough receiving the diagnosis, we don't need insensitive health professionals too (who by the way, do not know everything imho)!
Hope you're ok.
XXX

Agreed. I can't believe that a urologist said that to you two ladies. How terrible. I wouldn't believe there was no sperm at all until a biopsy came back saying that. Even then. Aspirations are done in several different places where sperm is stored and developed. I wouldn't go to donor or adoption right away. Wait and have some blood work done, switch urologists asap, and then talk to your dh about the biopsy.

Hope your next urologist isn't such an "arse" (thanks Rainbow 123)

 

[MadCatLady]

Hi Rainbow123 & Mikihob,

Thanks for your replies - reassured me somewhat that maybe it isn't all over already! Mikihob - they said he might get a biopsy done at the fertility clinic, but we can't go there till I have my tests done (hopefully this month) so just waiting again - doesn't really help when a Dr has already told me that "I can't mess around at my age" which makes me panic all the more about months passing by (I'm 34 this month so I didn't actually think I was in the "old age" bracket yet!).

It is interesting to hear that you have had such a similar experience Rainbow123 - I think I will go back to my GP to discuss what the Urologist said as she seems quite sensible. You are definitely right though that they really don't know everything and I should bear that in mind more! Really hope your second opinion is much more constructive!

Thanks so much to you both for your replies - doesn't feel quite as lonely being able to talk on here!

 

[AuCa]

MadCatLady - your docs honestly seem to be complete jerks
Besides being so rude and insensitive about your husband's azoo diagnosis they're also telling you that you "can't mess around at your age"????
34yrs is still a great age for IVF!!! And you haven't even done your tests yet, so they have NO idea how well you'll respond.
I'll give you another reassurance (and I know that this depends on the woman, but just to put things into perspective) - I'm 33 1/2 yrs old, and my ovarian reserve is excellent. I actually need to be on a special protocol to suppress my ovaries because I'm at risk of producing too many eggs (and thus at risk for OHSS). If you haven't had your Day 3 levels/AFC or AHM done, they have no way of knowing. Don't panic

(PS - and no clinic or doc ever told me that "I can't mess around at my age")

 

[tulip11]

Hi
Yesterday we got a letter to book an appointment for ultrasound within 14 days from the date mentioned on this letter.so today we booked an appointment for ultrasound on 8th of may we ill, receive appointment letter very soon.

 

[MrsG30]

hiya ladies

having an awful day- had our family dog put to sleep a week ago and got his ashes today- if it wasnt upsetting enough my parents are talking about a new puppy and i know there holding off becase they know how much we want a baby and they are our childcare!!!!

totally frustrated xxx

 

[MadCatLady]

Hi AuCa - do you know how reassuring it is to hear the words "don't panic"?! Thank you! So I might chalk these dopey doctors up to being entirely rubbish then Everyone's stories are reassuring/helpful in learning more. And I will still class myself as 33 years young then

I have my tests this month! fingers crossed they go ok! I am still learning all the short hand terms for everything, is there anywhere on this site that let's you know what they all mean?!

MrsG30 - I'm new here but I just wanted to say my heart goes out to you losing your dog along with everything else, many hugs

 

[MrsG30]

Madcatlady

Thanks Hun and welcome.
its such a shitty thing to have to deal with but were all here to help where we can so ask away xxx

i think if you go to the front page of this forum there i a list to explain the short hand xx

Hi AuCa - do you know how reassuring it is to hear the words "don't panic"?! Thank you! So I might chalk these dopey doctors up to being entirely rubbish then Everyone's stories are reassuring/helpful in learning more. And I will still class myself as 33 years young then

I have my tests this month! fingers crossed they go ok! I am still learning all the short hand terms for everything, is there anywhere on this site that let's you know what they all mean?!

MrsG30 - I'm new here but I just wanted to say my heart goes out to you losing your dog along with everything else, many hugs

 

[Mikihob]

hiya ladies

having an awful day- had our family dog put to sleep a week ago and got his ashes today- if it wasnt upsetting enough my parents are talking about a new puppy and i know there holding off becase they know how much we want a baby and they are our childcare!!!!

totally frustrated xxx

My dog was put down two weeks ago. I cried so much. Monday I picked up the memorial paw print and cried in my car. It sucks having something like that happen while all of this ttc stuff is going on.

I feel your frustration.

 

[MrsG30]

so sorry to hear that- i feel your pain- there part of the family. I hope both our lucks change soon xxx

hiya ladies

having an awful day- had our family dog put to sleep a week ago and got his ashes today- if it wasnt upsetting enough my parents are talking about a new puppy and i know there holding off becase they know how much we want a baby and they are our childcare!!!!

totally frustrated xxx

My dog was put down two weeks ago. I cried so much. Monday I picked up the memorial paw print and cried in my car. It sucks having something like that happen while all of this ttc stuff is going on.

I feel your frustration.

 

[Briss]

Ladies, can anyone recommend a good urologist in London? my DH's SA is just getting from bad to worse and our FS has only one answer - IVF and I am still fighting to improve his sperm or at least understand what's wrong.

 

[Deb111]

Ladies, can anyone recommend a good urologist in London? my DH's SA is just getting from bad to worse and our FS has only one answer - IVF and I am still fighting to improve his sperm or at least understand what's wrong.

Jonathan Ramsey! He has clinics in windsor and hammersmith that i know of - just google him. He is fab and the reason i am a mum today! X

 

[Briss]

Deb, thank you so much for the recommendation! how did he help improve your DH's SA?

 

[Briss]

Deb, I did a bit of googling and Jonathan Ramsey has amazing reviews! I am so glad you recommended him, I beginning to feel hopeful again! cant thank you enough!!

 

[Hopeful Cat]

Hey ladies, just an update for anybody on this thread dealing with sertoli cell only syndrome. Our male fertility doctor has given us a 5-10% chance of finding sperm and he has been successful in 2 patients over his career. For our IVF they are going to do dh's mTESE the day before my egg retrieval to give the lab techs as much time as possible to search through the tissue.

I have my fingers crossed we are one of the lucky ones.

 

[MrsG30]

Hopeful
Thanks for this- its really imformative- we are at the urolgist on thurday. what is the reason for your hubbys Azoo? and how did the diagnose the sertoli cell only? my tests did they do?
Hope you dont mind sharing?

and can i ask if they cant find anything ill you have a back up i place?

thanks and good luck xxx

Hey ladies, just an update for anybody on this thread dealing with sertoli cell only syndrome. Our male fertility doctor has given us a 5-10% chance of finding sperm and he has been successful in 2 patients over his career. For our IVF they are going to do dh's mTESE the day before my egg retrieval to give the lab techs as much time as possible to search through the tissue.

I have my fingers crossed we are one of the lucky ones.

 

[Hopeful Cat]

Hey MrsG30 - no worries, I'm an open book A lot of the stuff is in my journal but the breakdown is:
- dh's undescended testicles not corrected until age 9
- 2 SA's with azoospermia diagnosis
- physical exam diagnosed small testicle size
- hormone testing but i don't remember results expect testosterone is fine
- fine needle aspiration found zero sperm and diagnosed sertoli cell only
- fresh cycle mTESE sheduled in with IVF ISCI

We don't have a donor sperm backup as yet. Our specialist doesn't want us to have to muddy the waters thinking about that yet. If we find sperm but ivf doesn't work then we try again, if they don't find sperm then we move to backup option.

 

[tulip11]

Hi
Tomorrow ill be my hubby ultrasound. So would we get any ans after ultrasound ?