Varicocele - explains the unexplained?

[babymaybe]

Hi Girls

I wondered if there was anyone out there who has had their infertitility put down to a varicocele?

My DH has had one for about 15 years which doesn't bother him but I'm now wondering whether it could be a contributing factor in our unexplained infertitlity, or maybe the cause. I'm also wondering why no one has asked about it in all the 3 years of appointments, tests and procedures we've had!

We're awaiting our first appointment for IUI referral in May but I'm concerned that this too will be a waste of precious time if the varicocele is the problem. The research I've done is two sided; some think it's a common and easy to fix problem and others say it's not conclusive that dealing with it helps.

So I wondered if there was anyone who had experience of this and could give me some advice?

Thanks for reading

 

[tickledpink]

My DH never knew he had a problem (left varicocele) until we started TTC... he had an op two years ago and the doc said he was fine without any follow ups to check.... ?????? We're now going private and DH's SC is worse than ever. Not sure if the op had anything to do with it but we're now about to start ICSI.

 

[Deb111]

Hi Girls

I wondered if there was anyone out there who has had their infertitility put down to a varicocele?

My DH has had one for about 15 years which doesn't bother him but I'm now wondering whether it could be a contributing factor in our unexplained infertitlity, or maybe the cause. I'm also wondering why no one has asked about it in all the 3 years of appointments, tests and procedures we've had!

We're awaiting our first appointment for IUI referral in May but I'm concerned that this too will be a waste of precious time if the varicocele is the problem. The research I've done is two sided; some think it's a common and easy to fix problem and others say it's not conclusive that dealing with it helps.

So I wondered if there was anyone who had experience of this and could give me some advice?

Thanks for reading

Don't know much about it but you must mention it to your specialist if you haven't already. We have just been told that my hubby had no sperm at all in his SA and although we have not had any further info about this yet, in the research I've been doing, I've read that a varicocele can be one of the causes of this.

I'm not trying to overly concern you and I'm guessing he's had SA's done, and I'm pretty sure that it does not always cause such a problem, but definitely one to check out because if it is causing the problem, there's so much they can do these days and you don't want to be wasting time

Good luck hun xx

 

[babymaybe]

Thanks so much Deb111 & Tickled pink for your responses. We will definitely mention is to the FS at our appointment.

Can I ask, Tickledpink, was the op recommended to try and improve chances of conceiving or was it for other reasons?

Deb111 - DH's SA was fine but morphology was quite low. We were told it wasn't a factor by the NHS FS but I wasn't impressed with him at all.

Good luck to you both

 

[tickledpink]

The op was suggested to try and improve our chances... they said it was 'probably' causing the blood to pool and making the testes too hot and then damaging the sperm. DH had to chase up the Dr to see about getting another SC but he kept saying it was fine, it wasn't nececcsary. It wasn't until we saw a different consultant at the hospital, 7 months later, that we found out it had got worse. So we have no idea if it was due to the op or just one of those things... good luck to you both!

 

[babymaybe]

Thanks again tickled pink. It was interesting to hear of someone who'd had it factored into their fertility investigations. Best of luck for your journey.

Well, we'll wait and see what the clinic appointment brings......

Still interested in any other varicocele stories out there

Thanks girls

 

[dan-o]

My OH has a large left sided varicocele (can see it through the skin)
Unfortunately it's been causing some pain for him & recently a right one has also started to develop
We are going to seek some medical advice shortly, hopefully in the next fortnight (need to change doctors first)

TTC-wise, we are both 33 and have been trying almost 2 years. We conceived once in that time (Dec 2008) but that was sadly a molar pregnancy. We haven't sought any medical advice for our infertility yet, as we wanted to give it a year of trying naturally after I got the all clear from the molar. Maybe a bit nieve looking back on it. Oh well, it's done now.

I'll update on what happens after our appt, we are both fairly sure it's the main cause of our problems xx

 

[babymaybe]

Hi Dan-o

Thanks for replying. Best of luck for your appointment. It will be interesting to hear what they say. My DH has never had any problems with his fortunately.

I will let you know what the FS says at the clinic - we have an appointment the week after next.

xx

 

[moxie08]

My DH has had one for almost 10 years now and no one has ever mentioned it being a problem. His first SA showed half the count and a higher pH but otherwise normal characteristics and levels. I'll bring it up with the fertility consultant next time we meet with him. He's having another SA this month as well.

 

[babymaybe]

Thanks for your reply Moxie - I would be really interested to hear the consultant's comments. My DH has only ever had one SA and everything was fine except morphology which was 4%. This seems low but our FS at the time said nothing to worry about as it's a bit subjective.

Good luck

 

[babymaybe]

Hi

Just thought I'd update following the visit to the FC. The consultant said that they don't recommend ops on varicoceles any more and that it wouldn't be the cause of dh's slightly lower then normal morphology.

Not sure I entirely believe her but she's the expert!

Any way - on to IVF for us.

xx

 

[DillyC]

Hi Babymaybe....

My OH also has varicocele...L side, also undecended testicle and inguinal hernia repair on same side as a baby..

Saw Urologist last week and he didn't seem to think op will make a huge difference but was keen to try, but suggested we get onto ICSI waiting list first and then he will put OH on list for varicocele treatment, apparently 10 month waiting list for ICSI and 2m wait for varicocele treatrment...so have time to see if it will make a difference.

Have you been referred for IVF or ICSI??

 

[babymaybe]

Hi Dilly

It's IVF but they may convert to ICSI if the morphology isn't good. I'm at the end of the TWW and in limbo at the moment where I'm pretty sure AF's on her way and will need to call the FC to start the protocol soon, but still keeping hold of the glimmer of hope that this month may have been the one......!!

Good luck for you and hope the wait for treatment goes quick. Keep trying though and keep up the PMA

xxx