New with a couple questions...

murphysmom

Hi ladies - I've lurked for awhile, but wanted to ask a few questions. I hope you don't mind.  A little background. My DH and I have been TTC for baby #2 for about a year. I did some bloodwork that came back normal and also believe that I am ovulating regularly. My DH did his first SA a couple of weeks ago and the numbers did not come back good. He had 9 million in the count and 10% motility. My OB has asked for him to come take another test. My questions: What happens from here? I know that it only takes one good one, but is IUI or IVF the next option? Forgive my ignorance, I just don't know what to expect.

Thanks

jtorgersen

Welcome...although not the place we always want to be!  

The good news is that you'll have a plan soon...we do not have MFI issues but from what I understand of your situation, your doctor may recommend a medicated IUI cycle first (or a monitored IUI cycle with natural ovulation - especially if you ovulate regularly and didn't seem to have any issues on your end).  But that could also depend on your age...9 million doesn't sound like a bad number because even with 10% motility that seems to still have a large number of swimmers left over.  With the IUI that could probably be your best option as it will help wash out the other 90% that could get in the way of the good 10%.  And, as I always remind myself - it only takes one!  

With IVF, unless you are advanced maternal age, my guess is they won't start with that.  I know with me (I started seeing an RE when I was 36 back in April...I'm now 37 most of my levels are good but I have a low AMH level and my mom & grandma went thru menopause at a very young age...even with my issues we still started with 3  IUIs until going in for this last cycle where we went to IVF - but are waiting for a FET hopefully in January) 

 Good luck!  Keep us posted! 

hoping4more

Unless you are not willing to, they will likely start with clomid or femara and IUIs. From there they will likely move to either a combination of clomid/femara and injectables or straight injectables and IUI. IVF is the final step unless you decide to forgo the IUI attempts and head straight to IVF.

If you do IVF, they may recommend you do ICSI to maximize your chances. 

Can I ask if DH is a coffee or alcohol drinker? Does he currently have, or just got over a cold or any illness? I ask because DH was not a heavy alcohol drinker at all (but occasionally) and was a heavy coffee drinker. He gave up both and his SA has had a dramatic increase. No one knows if this helped or not, but maybe?

Also, have you had your HSG test? 

lillinzlou

First of all make sur DH is wearing boxers and get him some supplements. If you google"Supplements for improving sperm count"and you can get some good ideas.My DH had a count of 14the mil and did these 2 things and his count wentup by 10and mil! The dr. will probably recommend a medicated IUI cyclefirst. But, I would recommend doing these things for 3 months before you startthough. That's how long it takes to build up the count. Those are mysuggestions. We're starting IUI in January. Good luck!

lillinzlou

Previous post was from my phone and it looks awful! Sorry:(

murphysmom

hoping4more:

Unless you are not willing to, they will likely start with clomid or femara and IUIs. From there they will likely move to either a combination of clomid/femara and injectables or straight injectables and IUI. IVF is the final step unless you decide to forgo the IUI attempts and head straight to IVF.

If you do IVF, they may recommend you do ICSI to maximize your chances. 

Can I ask if DH is a coffee or alcohol drinker? Does he currently have, or just got over a cold or any illness? I ask because DH was not a heavy alcohol drinker at all (but occasionally) and was a heavy coffee drinker. He gave up both and his SA has had a dramatic increase. No one knows if this helped or not, but maybe?

Also, have you had your HSG test? 

Thanks for the response. Yes on coffee and alcohol. Coffee every day, alcohol maybe once a week. No illnesses when he gave the test. I have been considering giving up caffeine as well, maybe in an act of solidarity, we'll both do it. Like you said, it can't hurt, right?

I have not done the HSG yet. I think I was hoping to tackle each piece as it came. I know it's probably a good idea to get it scheduled. Thanks again for the suggestions.

murphysmom

jtorgersen:

Welcome...although not the place we always want to be!  

The good news is that you'll have a plan soon...we do not have MFI issues but from what I understand of your situation, your doctor may recommend a medicated IUI cycle first (or a monitored IUI cycle with natural ovulation - especially if you ovulate regularly and didn't seem to have any issues on your end).  But that could also depend on your age...9 million doesn't sound like a bad number because even with 10% motility that seems to still have a large number of swimmers left over.  With the IUI that could probably be your best option as it will help wash out the other 90% that could get in the way of the good 10%.  And, as I always remind myself - it only takes one!  

With IVF, unless you are advanced maternal age, my guess is they won't start with that.  I know with me (I started seeing an RE when I was 36 back in April...I'm now 37 most of my levels are good but I have a low AMH level and my mom & grandma went thru menopause at a very young age...even with my issues we still started with 3  IUIs until going in for this last cycle where we went to IVF - but are waiting for a FET hopefully in January) 

 Good luck!  Keep us posted! 

Thank you for your response! I really appreciate it. I will definitely keep you posted about any developments. 

Good luck to you : )

murphysmom

lillinzlou:

First of all make sur DH is wearing boxers and get him some supplements. If you google"Supplements for improving sperm count"and you can get some good ideas.My DH had a count of 14the mil and did these 2 things and his count wentup by 10and mil! The dr. will probably recommend a medicated IUI cyclefirst. But, I would recommend doing these things for 3 months before you startthough. That's how long it takes to build up the count. Those are mysuggestions. We're starting IUI in January. Good luck!

 

Looks like Santa will be bringing my DH boxers and supplements for Christmas! 

Thanks for the suggestions...and good luck on the IUI : )