Help - Just been told I need IVF

[aflight84]

Hey Girls,

I went for my follow up gyne appointment yesterday and it seems that both hubby and I have problems now not just me so the consultant wants to referr me for IVF. I must say i was completely shocked at the time as i've not even had cd 21 tests to see if i'm ovulating or tried anything to help but they said hubby's sperm count and mobility was below average so there was no point.

I have to call the secretary this morning and take up their offer but i'm not sure what happens next I was a bit of an emotional wreck when i found out.

Can anyone out there tell me what to expect? What i can do to improve my chances?

Anna

 

[FJL]

Hun, it is an absolute shock when you're told that you need IVF to have a baby, I feel for you

Did they say if they want to do further testing on you to rule out other things such as endo or blocked tubes? If not, I would request it as you don't want to put yourselves through IVF if they need to clear up other problems and then have to go through treatment again.

Book the appointment and then just give yourselves time to try and absorb all of this. Unfortunatley with male factor (the same with us, we have severe MF problems) IVF is really the ONLY option so you just have to sit and talk and decide if this is a road that you want to take.

All the best hun and we're all here for you to support you and answer any questions.

 

[Beckic]

I dont really know much about IVF - but just wanted to say that I am sorry for your news - and that I really hope that this IVF is successful for you.

We are all here for you.

Bxx x

 

[Sinead]

Don't know about IVF, but wanted to wish you luck on your journey

 

[baby.love]

I am so sorry for your news hun, but dont give up as even if it is via IVF you will get that beautiful baby.

 

[wannabmum]

I understand completly how u feel huni , As Flj said with MF sometimes it only option try b sure to drink plenty of water as will help dh swimmers just know we here 4 u.

xxx

 

[aflight84]

Thanks girls,

i've had a lot of tests as my problems started because of the depo shot so had scans etc so no endo or pcos for me but no cycles either yet - i was hoping to get myself sorted but in the mean time the tested hubby and he has problems too.

 

[maz]

Hi aflight

I am currently waiting for IVF - I'm sure you know what the NHS is like, so we're expecting it to be March/April 2009 before we go, although we may go private after our holiday in September.

I had all the usual tests done - CD21 bloods, CD3 bloods, internals, smears, swabs, and HSG - everything came back normal. DH has had two SA done and he is normal (not so sure about that diagnosis but that's another story ). I was told by a specialist that if I have regular cycles then I ovulate so we have unexplained fertility which is very frustrating. I feel I could cope better if there was a reason for it - but on the other hand it's good to know we are both healthy.

I have a friend who has only had CD21 and CD3 bloods done, and smears, and scans. She hasn't had HSG or anything else done as she has regular cycles and her DH has a very low count. The specialist told them they could run more tests on her but it would be pointless and mean their treatment would be delayed until the tests were done. They have to go for ICSI.

I would go with what FJL said, and make sure everything is clear - possibly ask if there were be any harm in having a HSG done just to be sure.

Hope that helps. Let us know how things go when you talk to the hospital.

x

 

[Helen_26]

I'm afraid I haven't got any advice for you hun, but I wanted to pass on my best wishes to you.

 

[akcher]

I wanted to offer some How many times has your DH had his swimmers tested? How long did he abstain before the test? The doctor said my hubby's test was normal but I checked online and he is on the low end of normal. We are making sure he takes his multivitamins daily with zinc everyday. I read 15mg of zinc helps with sperm production.

VOLUME >2.0 ML
pH 7.2-7.8
CONCENTRATION >20x106/ML
MOTILITY >50%
MORPHOLOGY >30% WITH NORMAL MORPHOLOGY
WBC < 1x106/ML

 

[ashrxxx]

Hi hun
Has hubby done 2 or even 3 samples hun before they diagnosed him, i only ask because my hubby SA was on the slow side but large volumes(lazy like him), but we where told at my clinic they NEVER go by one sample, because the day that sample was done hubby could of been stressed, run down, ill anything, and they always do two samples to conclude a diagnosise hun, sometime even three if they are not sure....

Mayby if they only did one sample it would be worth doing another one to compare them, if not medical advances are AMAZING hun, and its not the end of the world, but a wee bump in the road to motherhood...

Its crazy we grow up being petrified of falling pregnant and when we "try" its VERY hard, anyway ALL the luck and positive vibes in the world, and keep us posted, and remember your hubby will be needing as much support through this as yourself, so give him a HUGE cuddle xxxxxx

 

[**angel**]

just wanted to say goodluck on your journey, and as someone said vits for ur hubby (wellmans vits) are amazing my hubby was low n took em for 3 months n they shot above average xxxxx

 

[porkpie1981]

Im not up to date with ivf but just wanted to wish u the best

 

[Loula]

OK ignore last post on your other thread, found this one!

Shocked even more that they are going for IVF without repeat tests for your OH in case it was a one off due to illness 3 months ago or because he didn't abstain long enough or too long?

I'd be getting a second opinion! IVF shouldn't be entered into lightly without ehausting other tests/treatments first!

 

[Helen]

I'd definitely question things as you go along. Make a list of what you want to know before your appointments and take it with you.

Start saving now. You may want the option of going private at some stage.

Take the opportunity of any counselling that's offered. It kept me sane (ish) during our treatment.

 

[bonfloss]

Not sure what advice to offer but just so you know you are not alone as we are all rooting for each other on here. xxx