Went for IUI, Discovered Male Factor Infertility too

sabrinahoppas · December 2015

My husband and I have be TTC for over a year. I have endometriosis, irregular cycles and infrequent ovulation. After getting a referral and waiting months to get in with one of the only specialists in the state we decided to try an IUI the second month with our new doctor. My ultrasound showed a great egg (finally!) and we went to the doctor's office with my husband sample Tuesday night. After waiting for a while for the sperm washing we were called back to the office where we were told there was not a single live sperm in the sample we brought. I'm crushed. My husband went for blood work today and is waiting for an appointment with a urologist. I just don't know what to think now I feel like the world is against us getting pregnant at this point. Has anyone else dealt with fertility issues in both partners?

HBamama2B · January 2016

***BFP Mentioned***

I did. I have PCOS/annovulation and my husband has very low morph (2%). We did two unsuccessful IUIs hen moved to IVF when we found out about the MFI. Worked the first time and now I'm 16 weeks!

but has your husband had other sample issues? The urologist will run more tests, but if you brought the sample in from home, it's possible the issue was transit/time related rather than MFI. The urologist will definitely help, ours was fantastic. GL!

PCOSat25 · January 2016

I am so sorry to hear about this. I can imagine that not being able to do the iui was a huge bummer after everything it took to get to that point. Haas they previously done a semen analysis for your husband? I know it was required for us before our referral to the RE. They wanted to make sure the sperm were ok before we started expensive fsh injections for me.

If he previously had an SA did that show any problems? It sounds like you might hAve collected the sample at home. Is it possible something happened to the ample before it reached the lab for washing?? I hope you get some answers from the urologist.

oxinfree · January 2016

Hi @sabrinahoppas - I'll echo the ladies before me in saying that it may have been a transfer issue bringing the sperm from home. My husband had always done the sample on site, as awkward as it was/is for him, we just felt it was safer. Would also be interested in his SA results prior to this. Surprising they'd schedule an IUI without having that done...

My husband has very low morph (1-2%) so we've done IVF with ICSI, both times unsuccessful. We're now looking at issues with implantation, genetics, and immune issues. More testing! I think it can be very emotional finding out there is a problem on both the male and female sides, but for us, it was almost a relief that the "blame" (we've never blamed each other) was not just on one of our shoulders. That being said, it does feel like an extra hurdle. I can imagine after all your hard work producing a good quality egg, that that experience was quite a let-down for you. Your disappointment is entirely warranted!

The urologist should be able to help clarify some things for you. Have you looked up varicocele? Something to read up on if you haven't, and something the urologist will likely check for!

wifeinraleigh28 · January 2016

If you had done previous SA(s) (I can't imagine they would have you do an IUI without doing so), then it might have been a transfer issue, or could have been related to other things (such as medications your husband has taken recently). We are dealing with MFI too (low T and low sperm count) and your best bet is definitely working with a urologist so I'm glad you're doing that.

Don't give up hope. There are treatments for male factor infertility, and the IVF success rate is high even with infertility in both partners! In many cases they can even extract sperm if there is no sperm in the semen. I'm so thankful for the world we live in today and the treatments we have available! *hugs*

sabrinahoppas · January 2016

Thanks everyone for the support. My doctor didn't think it was a transfer issue because it wasn't that the sperm were dead it was that there there really weren't any. They thought it might be a blockage issue of some kind, possible a varicocele. My husband previously had a hernia repair as a child so that may be a factor. We hadn't done and SA before. My doc had said we could use the IUI as a "birds eye view"and evaluate the count at the same time. They didn't charge us anything for the washing since we couldn't proceed and the lab tech did a report for the urologist. We have an appointment in 2 weeks so hopefully we'll have more answers too.

I have to agree that "sharing the blame" (although my husband never blamed me) is kind of a relief for me and I do feel like we are working through this entire process well so good news is I can feel really solid in my marriage.

Thanks again for the support and I'll give an update when we know more.

wifeinraleigh28 · January 2016

@sabrinahoppas I'm sorry you had to deal with this at your IUI. I can't help but completely disagree with the way your doctor handled things in this case. I've never heard of a doctor putting a woman through all the steps leading up to an IUI (ultrasounds, meds, scheduling, etc) without first doing an SA to make sure you're even a candidate. Are they having your husband do another SA prior to the urologist appointment? Mine wanted another one done asap to have 2 to look at, and each one showed drastically different results so I understand why.

RipleyLV426 · January 2016

Yeah I have to say, the doctor not testing your DH semen before making you go through all this crap is...well...CRAP! I can't even imagine how frustrated and sad you must have been. Hopefully the testing they do in a few weeks will give you more definitive answers. Good luck!

sabrinahoppas · January 2016

It is frustrating for sure! I'm trying not to get mad because it just seems like a waste of energy at this point. I appreciate the support. I don't think I've ever felt so heart broken.

wifeinraleigh28 · January 2016

SAs are pretty much the easiest tests to run too. If I were you I would certainly schedule another ASAP before your urologist appt so the doctor has 2 to look at. I'm so sorry you're going through this!

HBamama2B · January 2016

I agree with pp. SA is a completely non invasive and inexpensive test to run. Definitely should have been done prior to any medications or ART (such as IUI). I'm glad there was a referral to a urologist. If it is an issue with a prior surgery or varicocele there are options with generally good outcomes for you guys. GL!

sabrinahoppas · January 2016

Thanks guys, blood work came back normal. I'll talk to the hubs and suggest another SA. That seems like a great idea.

chicandbubbly · January 2016

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. We are dealing with MFI as well and it was truly a shock. I hope you find out more about what is going on, and that you get some answers soon. *Hugs*

sabrinahoppas · January 2016

The doctor said it is a varicocele. We are planning surgery and we'll see what happens. At least we have an answer.

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