Don't know whether to be happy or sad?

Hollowvic · August 2014

H went to the Urologist this afternoon. He said there's a chance he could have a varicose vein, but if he does it's very minor and may not even need surgery. So basically he gave my DH some supplements and told him to cut back on alcohol, caffeine and spicy food. Really? Also his numbers aren't that bad when he gets the SA done, count is fine, a little bit of low motility. Yet a week ago after the wash for my IUI they were awful. He did say at my age he would say IVF would be my best bet. So now we have to make the decision. I don't get why his numbers are so bad after the wash? I feel like we're better off having TI than an IUI. On one hand I'm relieved there's nothing wrong, but on the other hand I wish he could give me some answers!!!

BunnyBerry · August 2014

I'm sorry for all that very confusing news! Both immotile sperm and a higher proportion of morphologically irregular sperm are lost in the wash. That's why numbers for those with MFI already drop off faster in the wash. Do you know what YH's numbers are?

Perhaps the RE is saying that due to AMA and a MFI (whether it's mild or severe, either way) are combining to give you a much better chance with IVF compared to IUI, even more than for the average couple?

I would want to get very, very clear answers on every parameter (your ovarian reserve, predicted egg quality, count/motility/morph) and the RE's estimates on how each factor impacts your chances with IUI and IVF before making such a big decision.

Another option, since you're on IUI#2, is to do the 3rd if needed, and then move to IVF at that point if needed, since IUIs #4-6 have a lower chance than #1-3 on average. Also, are you already using injects? If not, I would ask about making an injects IUI cycle for #3 so they can get good info on how your body responds and have better chances for a successful IVF cycle if needed.

I would also maybe ask about IUI chances overall for women your age. If they're quite low anyway, you might feel IVF is worth it. But I would definitely want much more information from the doctor before making a choice.

So sorry you're at that crossroads, and I hope that this cycle will make it all a moot point!

catlover790 · August 2014

I don't have experience or much knowledge of mfi but I wanted to say I'm sorry things are confusing for you at this point. Maybe you could schedule a follow-up with your RE to go over all the results and what they recommend? Good luck!

edit: forgot a capital letter!

Hollowvic · August 2014

I've never heard of the spicy food thing either, my H loves spicy food. The Urologist said basically avoid anything that could irritate the prostate. @BunnyBerry‌ the RE said my ovarian reserve is good, for now anyway, but it could change in 6 months at my age. For us to do an IUI with injects is almost $5,000 at my RE so I feel like IVF would be more worth it at about $12,000 more or less (eek).

BunnyBerry · August 2014

Wow, so sorry those are really pricey options.

I have to say, there are perks to living in a city with really low cost of living...salaries might be lower but so are things like houses, college and fertility treatments! That's a really tough decision. Are you thinking of taking a couple months for YH's lifestyle changes to hopefully make a difference in the counts first? As much as I hated to put off treatment, we took off the summer for DH's meds to take effect. I would be ready to do IVF tomorrow if DH would let me (well, and to be honest, if I got comfortable with come of my ethical concerns), but DH makes me be patient and reasonable, Lol.

Hollowvic · August 2014

I'm not sure what to do. I have a week before my blood test and I'm going to talk to my RE and see what she suggests. If I was even a couple of years younger I would wait a few months, although we may have to anyway to save up some money. I'm trying to wrap my head around IVF, it scares the crap outa me.

theholmanherd · August 2014

I'm sorry you're not getting all the answers. I hope you guys can decide on a game plan and move forward soon!

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