AW: Pituitary tumor (probably benign) for DH?

HeyMrsPotter · December 2013

I'm guessing this might be unusual, so maybe no one can relate, but does anyone have any reassuring experience with this isssue?

Because ED is one of our TTC challenges, our RE had DH meet with a urologist this month. He checked DH's hormone levels (prolactin, testosterone, estrogen) and was surprised to see that, while the testosterone and estrogen are normal, the prolactin was significantly elevated. Apparently, it's unusual to have just one out of whack and not the others. But this could explain some things, as elevated prolactin can indeed cause ED.

They tested the level again to be sure, and it's still elevated. So now they suspect he has what is the most common cause for this situation, which is a tumor on the pituitary gland -- in other words, in the brain. We are told these are typically benign and easily treatable with meds. But it's still a very scary thing to hear. What if it's some other kind of tumor? He has an MRI next week.

Any insights, words of reassurance, or just Ts&Ps would be much appreciated.

AnyMax · December 2013

I am so sorry you guys are facing this, it has to be so scary. I do not have any experience to share, but I will be keeping you both in my prayers. (((HUGS)))

Please keep us updated.

TVLily · December 2013

I don't have any experience with this but just want to send you and YH lots of hugs, prayers and positive thoughts. Sorry you both have to deal with this.

megrae12 · December 2013

Oh, hun, I am so sorry you have to deal with this! I do not have any experience with this, but I wanted to give you ((Hugs)). Y'all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated.

E&B0811 · December 2013

I don't have any experience with this but wanted to offer ((hugs)). It sounds like you guys have a good plan for the coming weeks. Keep us posted

buggirl72 · December 2013

(((hugs))) lady. I had a friend who had this. He and his wife struggled with IF for years when it was discovered that he had a pituitary tumor. The way it was discovered sounds very similar to how your H's - his hormones were out of whack. They treated it with meds which took care of it and, also, took care of his IF issues.

kr_ry · December 2013

During my repeat loss testing my prolactin level came back high so my doctor had me come in for an MRI to check for pituitary benign tumors. My MRI results just came back last week normal and I don't have a tumor. Since we are TTC my doctor put me on a prescription called Bromocriptine which is the same pill they use to treat the tumors because it inhibits the production of prolactin. I hope for good results on his MRI. My husband freaked out when I told him I needed the MRI. Keep us posted.

lincoln79 · December 2013

my friend and her husband had this exact situation. they only found it after going through 6 iuis. her husband took meds (bromocriptine I think) which took care of the tumor (which is benign, meaning not cancer, but still a tumor) and they just had a beautiful baby girl with no additional medical treatment necessary.

in short, it was easily taken care of but you will probably be benched for a while.

if you have additional questions, pm me and I would be happy to try to connect you with her via facebook. they are great people!

jap618 · December 2013

Oh hun ((((((hugs)))))) I have no advice or experience but I'm thinking of you & YH and you will be in my T&P ((hugs))

peggels24 · December 2013

No experience but wanted to give you lots of ((hugs)). T&P's to you and hubby.

p3ngu1nn · December 2013

I don't have experience with it either, I'm sorry. But lots and lots of P&PTs and ((Hugs)) to you and your husband!

kr_ry · December 2013

I forgot to add that I am benched until I have another blood draw to see how the dosage of the medication is working to lower the level. Once my levels are in the normal range we can start TTC again. My doctor said it is a category B drug and will keep my on a very low dose.

blackbird818 · December 2013

OMG how incredibly scary for you & YH!!! I don't have any experience with this, but I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts & prayers!!! Big (((HUGS)))

lindsebert · December 2013

No experience, but you and DH are in my thoughts. Keep us updated.

HeyMrsPotter · December 2013

buggirl72 said:

(((hugs))) lady. I had a friend who had this. He and his wife struggled with IF for years when it was discovered that he had a pituitary tumor. The way it was discovered sounds very similar to how your H's - his hormones were out of whack. They treated it with meds which took care of it and, also, took care of his IF issues.

That's very encouraging, Bug. Thank you.

HeyMrsPotter · December 2013

kryan108 said:

During my repeat loss testing my prolactin level came back high so my doctor had me come in for an MRI to check for pituitary benign tumors. My MRI results just came back last week normal and I don't have a tumor. Since we are TTC my doctor put me on a prescription called Bromocriptine which is the same pill they use to treat the tumors because it inhibits the production of prolactin. I hope for good results on his MRI. My husband freaked out when I told him I needed the MRI. Keep us posted.

I'm glad your results came back normal. I'm trying not to let my husband see me freak about about needing the MRI.

Thanks.

HeyMrsPotter · December 2013

lincoln79 said:

my friend and her husband had this exact situation. they only found it after going through 6 iuis. her husband took meds (bromocriptine I think) which took care of the tumor (which is benign, meaning not cancer, but still a tumor) and they just had a beautiful baby girl with no additional medical treatment necessary.

in short, it was easily taken care of but you will probably be benched for a while.

if you have additional questions, pm me and I would be happy to try to connect you with her via facebook. they are great people!

Wow. Thank you for sharing this. We are just getting started with our first IUI right now. If we're going to be benched, I'd be really glad to know before breaking into those very expensive injectable meds that I'm scheduled to start using tomorrow. I've got a message into the RE's nurse now. Thank you so much for the heads-up. I may indeed send you that PM when we get the MRI results next week. Thanks again.

luciddreamer106 · December 2013

I don't have any experience with this. I'm sorry you and YH are dealing with this. FX that it's benign and is easily treatable.

lincoln79 · December 2013

HeyMrsPotter said:

lincoln79 said:

my friend and her husband had this exact situation. they only found it after going through 6 iuis. her husband took meds (bromocriptine I think) which took care of the tumor (which is benign, meaning not cancer, but still a tumor) and they just had a beautiful baby girl with no additional medical treatment necessary.

in short, it was easily taken care of but you will probably be benched for a while.

if you have additional questions, pm me and I would be happy to try to connect you with her via facebook. they are great people!

Wow. Thank you for sharing this. We are just getting started with our first IUI right now. If we're going to be benched, I'd be really glad to know before breaking into those very expensive injectable meds that I'm scheduled to start using tomorrow. I've got a message into the RE's nurse now. Thank you so much for the heads-up. I may indeed send you that PM when we get the MRI results next week. Thanks again.

As scary as it sounds, I think this is actually some good news.

1) You have identified a problem

2) That problem is fixable

3) Your husband will be healthier for it (ED, just feeling overall better)

4) It removes a roadblock to you having a child.

If it were me, I would NOT do the IUI until at least yh has the MRI. I know it sucks to not cycle when you have been getting geared up for it, but I know my friend was so angry after they found out because of all the money and time wasted.

Begin Rant: REs act like women are the only people that need evaluation, treatment, consideration. Yes, we are 100% of implantation and gestation, but men are 50% of fertilization. All parts need to be considered when there is an issue. End Rant.

You may still need ART after this gets resolved, but at least then you will know you are giving yourselves the best shot.

Unknown · December 2013

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LifeofCat · December 2013

I am so sorry for this news; the word "brain tumour" is indeed a scary thing to hear. I'm happy to see that others have shared their experiences, it sounds pretty hopeful to me. Sending you and YH lots of love & good vibes. Is it early next week? For your sake, I hope so...

kbedfox · December 2013

My Dr. thought I might be the one with the pituitary tumor. She also said it was easily treatable and didn't seem to think it would cause any additional roadblocks to a successful pregnancy. I had the MRI 3 weeks ago, and because I've never had one before, it was a little scary on top of the stress of the potential diagnosis. Thankfully my scans came back normal. However, like PP said, maybe that diagnosis would be a good thing (well, silver lining at least) because while it could be a brain tumor, it is completely/easily treatable. You may have your answer and be able to move forward, whereas in cases like mine and other PPs, we still have no idea what's going on. ((Hugs)) for you and YH as you deal with this. Hope he gets the MRI soon and you all are able to find some answers!

gingerkid9989 · December 2013

((hugs)) I am sorry to hear this. I hope if there is a tumor it is easily treatable and fixes the problem.

Frenchteachermama · December 2013

I am so sorry you are going through this! It's encouraging to hear other success stories from PP though! Sending you positive thoughts and vibes!!

Poppy715 · December 2013

I'm do sorry you are going through this. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

HeyMrsPotter · December 2013

Thanks, all. I really wasn't sure if anyone would have any info to share, but I should know better than to doubt the power of this community. Your insights and encouragement are exactly what I needed. I'm so grateful.

The MRI is scheduled for Tuesday. DH's outlook is pretty positive. He feels glad to know there could be a treatable cause for the ED rather than just continuing to try Viagara and other such meds. ...As he so eloquently puts it "those boner pills cost a lot and don't work very well."

I did talk to the RE's nurse today. Because DH's SA results were very good, they don't believe we need to wait on the IUI. He doesn't appear to have infertility, just a lack of ability to get the "swimmers" where they need to be -- which of course is part of what the IUI is intended to help address. And, assuming he does need to take bromocriptine, they say that the med itself doesn't have a negative impact on IF treatment and won't be reason to bench us in the future either, as long as his SA numbers remain strong.

If this cycle isn't successful, we may need to take a break from IUI anyway due to travel in late February and early March. Maybe the treatment of the high prolactin will help resolve the ED in the meantime, which would be great. But I suspect we'd still need to pursue IUI due to my AMA and DOR issues.

Again, thank you. I'll keep you posted.

lincoln79 · December 2013

FX for success on all counts!

jbasore1123 · December 2013

I'm so sorry you and your H are going through this. No advice, but you're in my T&Ps

alm288 · December 2013

I'm sorry to hear this. I don't have any advice, I just wanted to send some positive thoughts your way! Let us know how the MRI goes.

MsAmandaPants · December 2013

***sig*****

I am so sorry that you are dealing with something scary. I'm keeping you and your DH in my thoughts and I am hoping for the very best. Big, big (((hugs))).

abryars · December 2013

I have no experience with this but I will keep you and YH in my prayers. (((Hugs)))

stefuge · December 2013

I don't have any experience to share, but I hope that you get some answers, and I will be thinking of you both.

MrsG80inTN · December 2013

No experience on this but thinking of you!!!! Let us know how the MRI goes

EKGibs · December 2013

I don't have any advice but wanted to offer some (((hugs))). I hope it's something easily treated!

alilbear · December 2013

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I will be thinking of you and your DH. ((HUGS))

libby+nate · December 2013

I'm so very sorry you have to face this. I do hope it means answers and a fix. Sound like others had some great advice! Sorry all I have are some (((hugs)))

RedTwizzlers · December 2013

**sig**

First of all, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this news. But it sounds like you might have found something fixable, which is good!

I don't have any personal experience but this is actually pretty common. And like PPs have said, you can often manage it with meds. If his only symptom is elevated prolactin, he almost certainly doesn't have another type of tumor. The MRI will tell you for sure. I hope this will give you the answers and help that you need. ((Hugs))

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