Intro and MFI Questions

AlmostLoCo · December 2010

Hello ladies, I have been posting on TTC 35+ for a bit but it looks like it's time for me to make the move over here. My DH and I have been TTC since we got married in April. Because of my age (37), we started seeing an RE at the 6 month mark and have been undergoing tests for the past couple months. All of my tests came back okay except for some borderline thyroid results that are being managed with a low dose of Synthroid.

Unfortunately, DH's results weren't so good. He's had two SAs done and both showed low motility and very poor recovery after processing; I understand about motility but am still a little unclear about the poor recovery, I need to get more info on that. It looks like we'll be jumping right into IVF/ICSI, which is a bummer because I was hoping that IUI would work for us.

Our next step is for DH to have a consult with a urologist, and this is where I have questions. If any of you have been through this - what typically happens during this consult? My DH is sooo private when it comes to anything sexually related that I'm concerned about how he's going to handle this appointment, although I'm planning to go with him for support. Also, are there any treatments that improve motility? My RE doesn't seem to think there is much to be done to help this, but I have to wonder.

Anyway, I look forward to chatting with all of you, although I think that it's a shame that any of us have to be here!

amy1004 · December 2010

DH's first uro appt was just a physical exam and tell me your history type of appt. The uro office won't let me be in the room with DH during exams or ultrasounds so you may or may not get to join him.

YH will need bloodwork to determine if this is hormonal. He can also go on vitamins or Clomid. DH has azoo and he is on Clomid to raise his testosterone. Clomid sometime improves the amount and quality of sperm but isn't a garauntee (just as vitamins can't be a sure bet).

It takes 3 months to develop new sperm so any treatment will take some time. I understand time may not be your friend but the sperm quality maybe fine for IVF w/ICSI.

I am disapointed that your RE isn't optimistic. My RE is optimistic and DH doesn't have sperm! Make sure the uro speacializes in Infertility, it will make a world of difference. I think you guys have a great chance. IVF success rates are much higher than IUI but is sooooo much more expensive.

Good luck!

99luftballoons · December 2010

Welcome Sorry you have to be here.

Not sure about what "recovery" is either- maybe it's the liquification?

MH wasn't thrilled about his urology appts, but the first one isn't bad. Just a physical exam and questions. The second one was the prostate scan (I think that's what it's called?), which as you might imagine is not so fun. Then again, my dates with the dildo cam haven't exactly been my idea of a good time, so I of course reminded him of that lol

Is there anything he can do about motility? Maybe. Some people have improvements with vitamins/supplements and lifestyle changes, but many don't. For us, it was worth at least trying. So- quitting smoking and drinking, limiting caffeine, switching to boxers, no hot tubs/baths, no heated seats, etc. As for vitamins and supplements, different ones help with different things and you can poke around online to find specific studies for motility. MH doesn't have a motility issue, but he takes: Fertility Blend for Men, extra Vitamin C, COQ10, Pycnogenol and Maca Extract (liquid). It hasn't been quite 3 mths since he's been taking them so I don't know if it has helped, but it can't hurt.

Oh and he went to the acupuncturist 2 days before my IUI. If it doesn't happen this time, I think he'll keep going. The more blood flow the better, right? GL!

steff13914 · December 2010

Hi there! We're dealing with low motility as well. My husband was prescribed ConceptionXR for motility by his uro. Everything I've read on this supplement says it has great results. It's definitely something you should ask about, but it does take a few months to see the improvement, and it's expensive.

As for the actual appt with the uro, I didnt go with DH. He wanted to do it alone, which I understand, since it's so personal. He had a physical and they discussed his SA results and history. Dh asked lots of questions about things that could be contributing to the IF. And the Dr. ordered an ultrasound to check for a varicocele. That was it. The next appt. they discussed his u/s results, and 2nd SA results and ordered bloodwork to test hormones.

I hope you guys get a great plan going. It's sounds like y'all are on the right track. Good luck to you!

ETA: I also don't know about the poor recovery term. Did you try googling it?

AlmostLoCo · December 2010

Hmm, I just did a little research on the poor recovery and I'm pretty sure she's talking about recovery after sperm washing. We were planning to do IUI soon so it makes sense that they would test that. That also backs up her rec to move right to IVF since she doesn't think IUI would work for us.

My RE said that urologists are usually not able to improve motility issues much, but I guess we'll see what the uro says.

Thanks for the info ladies!

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