Spouses with low sperm count.

[PinkPeony]

Yeah I don't think he has to be so extreme about it. I think he'll have a drink now and then but lately he just hasn't. He's kinda all or nothing sometimes.

 

[ikmju4]

It's on 25th it's my second appointment had all tests done now and discussed assisted briefly at first appointment so will get much more into it at this one, sure there will be a waiting list. Ivf is 18 months I think

 

[LB25]

Going back to the abstinence thing...our 1st SA was done after 6 days (AF) - and had wondered whether this was too long and that was why it was so low...

Probably just hoping in vain, as the hospital knew that when he did the test. Surely they would've said if that would have an effect...? Shall question them at our 1st appt nxt week.

Has anyone recently had a 1st consultation in the UK on the NHS? Would like a heads up as to what to expect...am a bit stressed and don't want them springing any horrid tests on us without any warning! Thanks x

 

[dreaminghopin]

Hi lb we have our first appointment in nov. From what I have heard it's mostly just taking a history and tell you about waiting times. I would imagine if you need any other tests before treatment then they will advise. Good luck xx

 

[Em4owen]

Hi guys, can I join in the thread? My hubby and I have been TTC for about 18 months. We've been to the hospital infertility treatment and I've had a scan which was all positive but my hubby had his sperm analysis yesterday and it came back as 11 million sperm count, with a mobility of 44%. We were told 15 million is normal so it's just below but feel upset because I assumed it was me with the problems as I often spot and have short luteal phases (and prior to TTC was on the pill for 9 years). Anyways, I know we're getting the help we need but my hubby is so upset about it. I've told him I still love him and you know, it doesn't matter, we'll find a way, but I know he's taking it to heart. How do you deal with something like this?

 

[LB25]

Hi lb we have our first appointment in nov. From what I have heard it's mostly just taking a history and tell you about waiting times. I would imagine if you need any other tests before treatment then they will advise. Good luck xx

Well...went to the appt earlier today and was rather taken aback at the outcome!

Literally was measured and weighed, asked about whether hubby had had an SA (which despite it being done just 2 floors above where we were sat, they couldn't find) and then saw Dr....who took our word for the sperm count being 3million per ml and told us he would put us straight on waiting list for ICSI...which is 3-4months (I thought it was going to be years!!!)

All I have to do now is get bloods done on day 3, hubby has had bloods to make sure he has no chromosomal abnormalities or cystic fibrosis and another SA...and we see Dr again just after Christmas.

Very confused - he didn't explain anything in relation to why I had to have blood tests or what the next appt would be for - just gave us some leaflets and sent us on our way after telling me I would have to inject myself with drugs every day and then have an operation to remove eggs under general anaesthetic, which would then be fertilised and put back.

I asked whether there was any possibility of trying IUI - to which he replied "you want a baby don't you? No." And that was the end of it.

I appreciate that they're busy, but thought we may have a bit more time to discuss our options. Feel quite underwhelmed...although am pleased waiting list isn't too long.

Does anyone have any info about the drugs...panicking about being stuffed full of hormones and having to inject myself...how bad is it?? xx

xx

 

[Briss]

LB25, it's great that you got your referral straight away. I had to go through a number of tests and procedures over the course of one year after which I was told that my FSH is too high for IVF and my hubby's sperm is too low (just below 3 million) for IUI. But we are trying now to improve our numbers to qualify for NHS funding. I guess your doc did not consider IUI cos of your hubby's sperm count. I was told that with our numbers which are similar to yours IUI is not technically possible.

IVF is really invasive and I am very scared to go that route but we have exhausted everything else

 

[LB25]

Briss, so sorry to hear that - i didnt know there were any criteria re women's hormone levels for IVF - had just thought they fixed it all with drugs...but am rather new to this rollercoaster!

I've done some more googling and found that my next blood test (day 3 of cycle) is for checking FSH levels, so am not out of those woods yet either...

Having read up on it, I suspected that they'd say that about IUI, but it was more the way he said it that shocked me. I don't mind matter of fact, but we'd gone from "pleased to meet you" to "your only option is ICSI" within 2 minutes of getting through the door!

We are also trying to improve hubby's numbers - he's on fertilaid, countboost and maca root...have never spent so much time in Holland and Barrett!

 

[dreaminghopin]

Hi ladies just wanted to let you know that I have just got my bfp. Af due today so hoping she stays away.
Hubby has been on vits for 9 months and there has been lots of improvement in motility. We also abstained (against docs orders) for 5 days before ovulation to increase count.
Since feb hubbys numbers have gone from

Count: 14 mil, 43 mil, 23 mil
Motility: 17% to 40%
morph: 2%, 10%, 1%, 6%

We also used preseed. Praying that this one sticks but just wanted to post to say that I think vitamins and cutting out caffeine / alcohol etc can really help.

Xxx

 

[Briss]

dreaming, thank you that's great to know and congratulations on your BFP!! I put my hubby on a list of vitamins but his numbers went from 12 mil to less than 3, this is probably due to his alcohol intake which he is trying to reduce (not very successfully)

 

[ikmju4]

congrats, dreaming. what vits were u taking? gettng oh on horny goats weed asap and he takes vit c and zinc

 

[dreaminghopin]

He was taking wellman, zinc, vit c, macca and a multi vit too. Xc

 

[ikmju4]

Think I'm gunna get him selenium too and more wellman, worried he's feeling the pressure though as his sex drive is suffering, hence the horny goats weed hee hee

 

[LB25]

Hi ladies just wanted to let you know that I have just got my bfp. Af due today so hoping she stays away.
Hubby has been on vits for 9 months and there has been lots of improvement in motility. We also abstained (against docs orders) for 5 days before ovulation to increase count.
Since feb hubbys numbers have gone from

Count: 14 mil, 43 mil, 23 mil
Motility: 17% to 40%
morph: 2%, 10%, 1%, 6%

We also used preseed. Praying that this one sticks but just wanted to post to say that I think vitamins and cutting out caffeine / alcohol etc can really help.

Xxx

Congratulations! That is such wonderful news - and a great advert for vitamins! Best of luck, hope you have a healthy happy nine months! x

 

[Briss]

My hubby has been on horny goats and maca for a while now but it does not seem to be doing anything to his sex drive it's still non existent

 

[ikmju4]

He's not that bad but I would just like it more often haha

 

[Maddy40]

GregsPrincess & Scerena, thanks for your reassurances above (post 943), I've just been slack in responding
That improvement in DH's numbers is amazing Scerena
My DH has been doing similar, and we are waiting to see if the FS will ask him to do another SA (last one was 12 months ago).
FX for good results for all of us soon

DH did his new SA test this morning....results should be here later in the week. He's been doing everything right. FX!

 

[ikmju4]

Good luck got my next re appointment next thurs to find out about clomid

 

[PinkPeony]

DH and I are back to the FS on Thurs to discuss next steps. I think she might suggest IUI.... Have any of u ladies tried that or have you done any research? I kinda feel like there might be no point. As a reminder - we're dealing with poor motility and not the greatest count. What do you guys think?

 

[Maddy40]

PinkP we are actually seeing our FS next Monday - not yet sure what they will recommend but yes, i've been reading... Probably too much, now my mind is swimming with possibilities!