New Here, Seeking Advice

tporter44

Hi all! I have been a part of the bump for a couple years, but I haven't really posted. I would like to talk about my infertility issues and maybe get some support and advice. 

I have a laundry list of infertility problems that seem ever growing. Prior to my DH and I TTC I was diagnosed with PCOS, a prolactinoma, and endometriosis. I have had surgery for the endo, and take regular meds for PCOS and the prolactinoma. We have now been trying for 2 years and have completed 3 rounds of Fermara with my OB. I used OPKs for 2 of the 3 rounds with all negatives.

My OB then sent us to a Reproductive Endo. We had our first consultation in which he mentioned doing Clomid for 4 months and then moving on to the shots if they don't work. First he wanted to check my tubes to make sure they weren't blocked. During the HSG he found I had either a uterine septum or a partial bicornuate uterus. Neither of which he said we would operate on unless it became more of an issue once I got pregnant.

Yesterday we received my husband's sperm analysis back. We waited 3 weeks to get the results and we had to call even though they were supposed to email them. They told him he had 0 sperm and even asked if he had a vasectomy. We can't get into a urologist to see what's going on until January, so now we just have to wait.

I am trying to remain positive, but it seems like the odds keep stacking against us. We are both getting frustrated and this year has already been hard enough on my DH who lost both of his parents recently and found out he had a different biological father than the one he had been raised by. I am not usually one to post woe is me, but am feeling a little lost at this point. Our family and friends have been great to talk to, but none of them have experience infertility. It would be nice to talk to people who understand the struggle of it. Any advice would be so helpful.

Thanks!

tnh0413

Welcome and I’m so sorry that you and your husband are going through this! IF sucks! This forum is a great place to get info and reach out to others who are going through something similar. While I can’t speak to the issues you mentioned regarding the endo and PCOS, my DH also has severe MFI. It wasn’t quite zero, but close to it. We did see urology and he had a varicocele which may/may not have caused the issue. The urologist recommended surgery,  but there was no guarantee this would increase his sperm counts at all and in fact our RE said even if we did the surgery and he had some
sort of miraculous Sperm count, it basically wouldn’t have taken us out of the IVF criteria. 

So, long story short we decided no need to put hubby through an unnecessary surgery if IVF was going to be the route regardless. We finished our first round of IVF about 2 months ago.

i know everything sounds overwhelming and scary right now, but have hope there are options and I wish nothing but the best for you both! This forum has wonderful ladies all willing to share their experiences. 

ndz2018

@tporter44 Welcome and sorry you have to be here. My SO(significant other) and I just recently went to our first RE app this past fri where she said I either have a septate or bicornuate uterus as well but won’t be able to tell till we run more test waiting for AF to come so we can get started. I do know that my RE said if she finds one thing wrong with SO , like low sperm count, or with me it’s straight to IVF! I like her agressiveness. I wish I had more advice to give. She may have said that Bc of our ages.. I just turned 37 a few weeks ago and he is 42. I do know my cousin has a bicornuate uterus and TW both her children were premiers due to it END TW Sorry you guys can’t get into the urologist till Jan. That sucks, maybe you can find another urologist that has a appointment sooner? Call around. Again I’m not too familiar with this so I have no idea why it would be zero.

ndz2018

Hugs!

tporter44

@tnh0413 Thank you for the reply! That's what I've seen from research. I've also tried to not diagnose him based on google though because you know how that goes... ha! We just have to wait patiently until we go to the urologist, I guess. 

Good luck with the IVF!

I appreciate the warm welcome.

tporter44

@ndz2018 Yes, I guess it's one of those things they can't tell for sure unless they do surgery. It's crazy how even though they are so similar in looks from the HSG they mean very different things. It's kind of nerve wracking not knowing what it is. My doc is just like we'll see what happens when you get pregnant! Hopefully he changes his tune with the new information from my DH.

We go back to the fertility doc next week so I'm hoping he'll be able to give us some answers to make the waiting  a little easier.

cseley321

Welcome! I have no specific advice since I do not have any of those conditions, however I wanted to say even though it seems so daunting, your doctor will be able to form a plan for you guys. Don't lose hope, keep your head up, and welcome to the board.

Irisheyes81

Welcome! So sorry you have to be here but I hope this is a place of support for you as it has been for many other people (including me!).  I know this is a long shot but is your husband taking testosterone? I remember the embryologist at our IVF class said that testosterone can cause a zero count.  I also have PCOS and am over 35 so I can relate to the multiple issues category. It is all very frustrating and daunting but there is so much amazing technology now.  Good luck and welcome!! 

safire3

Welcome and sorry you find yourself here. I don’t have any experience with your specific issues but my DH also has severe MFI. Many things can cause azoospermia (0 sperm count) including genetic issues, obstruction, infection, exposure to toxins etc. It will be the reproductive urologist’s job to try to find a cause. If you have to wait a while to see the urologist and it takes a while to get test results back I would ask the RE to order a repeat SA while you wait. My DH had a count of 0 on his first sample and 9mil on his second. If azoospermia is confirmed then depending on the cause, it is possible to retrieve sperm directly from the testicle or the tubes around it and use that for IVF. 
I would also ask your RE for more information about the uterine septum/ bicornate uterus. Ask what the effect of each one would be on pregnancy and if anything can be done beforehand. I feel like waiting to see if it becomes an issue when you are pregnant is a big risk. Once again though I don’t have any personal experience with this. Hopefully others who do will chime in and give you some more good advice!
Good luck to you and sorry for such a difficult journey so far.

tporter44

@safire3 Thanks for the welcome! That is a really good idea to get a retest. We wondered if it was possible to get 0 on the first and a different result on the second. 

Yeah I was kind of confused on how nonchalant he was about the septum/bicorunate. I'm hoping he's able to give us more information next week. I think I just need to let him know we would like to be a little more aggressive.

kerryann124

Hi and welcome! IF really sucks, but it is nice to have a forum where people understand what you are going through. My husband also has severe MFI. His first SA had a count of 6 sperm, but then all subsequent SA had zero. He eventually had two TESE (one of which was a micro-TESE) surgeries where they go in and try to retrieve sperm directly from the tissue and both were unsuccessful. The urologist thinks his issue is due to a micro-deletion on his Y chromosome.

We moved on to using donor sperm for IUI  this summer, which hasn't worked yet for me (I'm in round 4 of IUIs), but FX we will get pregnant soon! I think my best advice is be patient. Its a long road even with a diagnosis and I've struggled with the waiting game. I'd also recommend you get a second SA, I think we did probably like 5 -10 total before giving up as its much cheaper than surgery! Also sometimes they prescribe Clomid for men if its just a hormone issue. It doesn't have really any side effects for men, so a lot of times its just worth a shot!