IF/Testing Check-in week Dec19

wabash15 · December 2016

This is a place for those of us who have already started TTC, but have started infertility testing and/or treatments. You can express your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on infertility. TTC can be a long journey naturally, then add in the difficulties associated with infertility and it becomes a whole new ball game. The road to infertility can be lonely, frustrating, and complicated, so let's make this a place where we can vent, ask questions, and support one another. Feel free to resurrect this thread at any point in the week if you have something to say, and treat this like an ongoing conversation.

Diagnosis (If you've been):

Cycle/CD:

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)

How are things going?

Any questions?

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home?

hartmich · December 2016

I think I might go here now. I'm still going through testing but I have some questions and I have no patience to wait for future doctor appointments!

Diagnosis (If you've been): PCOS ??

Cycle/CD: 6/28

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) HSG is scheduled for next week, and then I will be referred to an RE

How are things going? Okay I guess... I'm quite confused at the moment

Any questions? So obviously as so many of us do, I've been reading non stop about PCOS. My testosterone came back really high so my doctor said on the phone that it's most likely PCOS. But.... I'm pretty sure I've been ovulating. I know @antoto said she experienced false +OPKs and false temp spikes *TW* but we did get a BFP back in August on our third cycle, so I ovulated at least that once. All my signs/temps/OPKs seem to line up quite clearly that I'm ovulating but I'm not sure what the likelihood is that all of that is wrong, and if I am ovulating, does that even explain anything? And how are they supposed to "treat" this PCOS? Gah I know I just need to wait for a doctor but I don't wannnnnnna....

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home?

We travelled to see H's family last weekend for an early Christmas. All of my family lives within an hour so we go to my Mom's to celebrate with the 40 or so of us that live around here!

kaitlink33 · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): pcos

Cycle/CD: 2/5

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO, I guess

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Nothing....

How are things going? Meh, waiting on a call from a new RE office. I'm so fed up with all these doctors, it is so hard to go through all of this without the Dr and nurses being assholes about everything.

Any questions? Nope

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Both. Furthest we are traveling is almost an hour though.

[Deleted User] · December 2016

@hartmich Hey girl, first all the hugs for you. This part is hardddd and it sucks. So make sure to do something really nice for yourself regularly. So you can definitely ovulate randomly with PCOS. Usually it just means that you ovulate significantly less than other women (tw**** previous pregnancy*** I got accidentally pregnant when I was in my early 20s, so it's certainly possible. ***end tw***) And hey one of those Teen Mom chicks has PCOS and she has 3 kids naturally. I think the severity can change person to person and even year to year. Unfortunately because PCOS women naturally have high levels of LH (which cause all of our fertile signs like CM and CP and all that fun stuff) it really can appear we are ovulating when we aren't. The only way to know FOR SURE is to do a cd 14 ultrasound (or ideally the day you get a positive LH test) and a cd 21 progesterone draw (or 7 days after you think you ovulated). If you haven't done those tests already with your RE I would demand it done asap.

kyersten · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): tubal scarring

Cycle/CD: 19/30

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) just waiting for my period to start this week so I can get the rubella vaccine, then we have to be benched for 30 days (actually looking forward to the forced break)

How are things going? Fine, discussing if we want to do IVF in March-ish. The RE is fine doing it whenever after the 30 day wait from the vaccine, they are getting everything processed with my insurance. March would be our timeline, gives us time to process.

Any questions? Nope

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Traveling just DH and I! I love our families but so excited to just be him and I.

@kaitlink33 I'm sorry the doctor and nurses are making an already stressful situation more stressful!

WitandWhimsy · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Severe MFI

Cycle/CD: 24/5

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Nothing. Just going to do temping this cycle.

We have a IVF consultation in January but probably won't be doing anything IVF related until mid-2017.

How are things going? Second cycle of IUI using donor sperm was a bust, but my period just ended so I'm happy about that.

Any questions? Not at the moment.

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Staying home

[Deleted User] · December 2016

*hugs* @WitandWhimsy

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: 9/25

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) The full on details are in my siggy (btw @hartmich if you were wondering about the specific of treatment you can check out my siggy) but I did an IUI and will have my beta on Wednesday afternoon. There is starting to be a part of me that wants to test at home Wednesday morning. If nothing else to soften the blow of a negative beta.

How are things going? Oh I basically just am at the point where I really need this 2ww to be over. I need to know.

Any questions?

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Staying home

wabash15 · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained, AMA

Cycle/CD: 8/15

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) On our own BUT we meet with the RE tomorrow so we can get this show on the road!

How are things going? OK. DH's SA tomorrow is messing with our timing this cycle as today should be O day but why I have any expectation to get KTFU on our own is beyond me. We've done this rodeo before and know its going to take a village to make this happen

Any questions? nope

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? we are staying home. I still don't have any back up at work and I'm on call 24/7/365 so no backup=no leaving. it is kinda nice not to have to pack though...

@hartmich sorry it looks like you go here now and that your doc thinks you have PCOS. I don't have any experience with PCOS so i'm not much help on that front, but I can send you creepy internet hugs. I hope you can meet with an RE soon.
@kaitlink33 sorry your having trouble getting transferred to an new RE
@kyrsten sorry its looking like IVF but at least its a plan going forward
@WitandWhimsy sorry IUI #2 was a bust and that it seems like it will be IVF going forward.

virginiaham · December 2016

@hartmich so it *is* possible that you are ovulating with PCOS but your provider will need to confirm that for you. I've had EWCM/OPK+/temp shift the last few cycles and my doc did see a big follie on US during my last TWW even with a late O on cd45. PCOS just sucks that it isn't predictable how it will affect one person to the next, or even one cycle to the next.

So there is no cure for PCOS but they can treat it with daily hormone regulation and then adding in cycle-regulating meds depending on what they decide is best for you. @antoto are you doing daily meds or any diet/supplementation treatment that targets the hyperandrogenemia part of PCOS?? I can't remember.

A lot of women with PCOS are prescribed Metformin. I was incredibly hesitant about it at first (I'm underweight without insulin resistance) but there is some compelling research findings even in women who aren't insulin-resistant: lessening hyperandrogenemia and anovulation as well as reducing the risk of early loss in women who have PCOS (as we are at higher risk for MC).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17984248/

https://press.endocrine.org/doi/full/10.1210/jcem.87.2.8207

Anyway, I hope some of this helps. There's a lot of information out there and a lot of info coming at you right now. Make sure in your research you're looking at good sources. I know others have offered this but you are always welcome to PM me anytime with any questions.

[Deleted User] · December 2016

@virginiaham I'm actually not on Met because I was pretty much told because of my NIR it would be pointless. Maybe I'll request a trial if this month doesn't work out?

virginiaham · December 2016

antoto said:

@virginiaham I'm actually not on Met because I was pretty much told because of my NIR it would be pointless. Maybe I'll request a trial if this month doesn't work out?

I hear you and this is exactly why I told my doc I didn't want it and it took me awhile to change my mind, even though she was advocating for it with my NIR. Take a look at that first article I posted above...I was really surprised to see that it can be beneficial to specific parameters even with NIR. FX you don't get to next cycle but if you do it could be worth it, though it can take a few months to see effects. As an aside, my doc had me on Femara this cycle specifically because it can work well with the Met on targeting PCOS follie/ovulation issues. I haven't done any research on Femara vs Met/Femara in PCOS though.

Have you done any research into correcting hyperandrogenemia with diet at all? I can't remember but I feel like you'd be the girl to ask.

hartmich · December 2016

@antoto @virginiaham Thank you both so much for the info! Once I get a referral for the RE, I'll ask about confirming ovulation with them. I guess I'm just getting ahead of myself in thinking that if I am ovulating on my own, starting meds and/or IUI won't really change anything or increase our chances (which scares and frustrates me). But it's good to hear that there are other issues/options with this stuff.

@wabash15 Your timing is still good even with the break for the SA!!

@kyersten It's great that it seems like you guys have a plan and are taking your time with moving forward.

[Deleted User] · December 2016

@virginiaham So I don't believe there is a specific diet in regards to the androgens (actually one of the best things you can do for this is exercise regularly), but there is a theory that PCOS is in part an autoimmune problem. This does sort of make sense to me because we know that even when someone with PCOS does ovulate she is still less likely to get pregnant, and even if she does get pregnant she is more likely to have a loss. So the idea is that there are antibodies that attack sperm/eggs/embryos. From the studies I have seen it looks like more research needs to be done - they can't really prove it either way so far but it's been understudied with small sample sizes. But just in case I'm on the AIP diet.

daisy62103 · December 2016

@hartmich do you have other symptoms of PCOS besides the high testosterone? I don't know if this will be helpful, but I was tested months ago for pcos and I really didn't have any symptoms but my testosterone came back really sky high. The doc didn't think i had pcos though, and it was then i was referred to a RE who rechecked it and it came back completely normal. They said the first test must have been a fluke or some sort of error. I'm not really sure how pcos is diagnosed, but if the testosterone is the only "symptom" then maybe have it rechecked to make sure? Are you being told you have it based on that alone? I see that you're also going to have the dr make sure you are ovulating too, which sounds like a good idea.

@wabash15 hope your appointment goes great tomorrow!

Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained secondary infertility

Cycle/CD: 18/21

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): tww

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) gonal-f 150, iui, progesterone

How are things going? 9dpo with a huge temp drop today and an average lp of 13. hoping it goes back up tomorrow and i can call it implantation dip, but really, who am i kidding, i'm on cycle 18.

Any questions? nope

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? staying home! visiting my parents 8 mins away for dinner on christmas. We're seeing the inlaws in early january.

hartmich · December 2016

@daisy621 So far, that's the only real symptom I have... I think. It's hard because the symptoms are such common things. I do get hormonal acne but I always have. I have put on about 10 lbs since coming off the BCP in March but is that because I stress ate through each BFN? Possibly. I haven't had any ultrasounds or anything to check for cysts. My charts appear to show ovulation, although I definitely ovulate on the later side (CD19-25). It's good to know that this it's possible for this to just be a fluke - this test was ordered along with several others by my regular OBGYN and she said after the HSG, she'll refer me to an RE to interpret everything. So we'll see if they order more tests/re-tests and go from there. I just hate. waiting. And I can't help but try to do research between appointments! Also, is there anything external that could have influenced your temp dropping this morning? 9dpo is early for AF if your LP is usually 13 days!

daisy62103 · December 2016

@hartmich I agree, waiting is tough! And no, I had no reason for such a low temp this morning. I was actually awake about an hour before I temped for about 10 mins, but didn't get out of bed and fell back asleep. I was warm last night too, so I thought my temp would be up still. And this is I think my 4th month taking progesterone, though not consecutively, and all my charts show an elevated temp the entire time. It's almost to the coverline today - dropped .59 degrees. Hoping af doesn't make a surprise early visit!

virginiaham · December 2016

@antoto I'm going to look into that, thank you for that knowledge!

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: 8(mo12)/14

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Femara 2.5mg+trigger+TI

How are things going? I have one more monitoring appt before H and I leave tomorrow. I have a follie that was 13mm on Friday and 16mm yesterday so I should be triggering in the next few days.

Any questions?

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? We are traveling to MH's hometown.

madspunk · December 2016

@hartmich Welcome! Sorry to hear you've made your way to this board, but it's a great group of women here. There's a handful of us on this board who have PCOS. Hopefully you are able to get your diagnosis one way or the other soon. Waiting to know is hard...

@kaitlink33 Sorry to hear you are having trouble with doctors and nurses!

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: cycle 3(month 10)/CD 18

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) 7.5 mg femara + trigger + TI

How are things going? I had almost no response to 5 mg femara CD 3-7, so they increased my dose to 7.5 mg and I'm taking that now. Hopefully the increased dose will do the trick. Even just ovulating is really exciting at this point.

Any questions? No.

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Both. We'll be traveling to my sister's on Friday - Saturday, and then staying home for actual Christmas.

mrsdaddario · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: 15/12 CD 33 13dpo

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Natural cycle

How are things going? Annoyed that my temps are still high on 13dpo but I had a negative test yesterday morning. I just want the temp plummet so I can get AF and move on. My hopes were up super high because my temps were sky rocketing after O. By 11dpo my temp was the second highest all cycle. Between 11dpo and 13dpo it's only declined by .15 degrees. Give me a super drop so AF can just come already. But it is good I O'ed on my own, could confirm it with temps, and have a normal LP. All great things. Hoping my body cooperates and let's me O on my own again next cycle. We don't be able to start IVF until April since MH took a new job and has a 90 wait until insurance kicks in. So for now I'll keep on my low carb diet (down 8.5lbs!), track with temp/OPK's and hope for the best.

Any questions?

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? We live an hour and a half from my family and next door to his family so we will be doing both!

Bababatty · December 2016

@mrsdaddario I'm so happy you O'd on your own, but sorry it looks like a BFN! Excellent work with the diet. I hope April comes quickly for you!

@wabash15 I can't wait to hear about your RE appointment today. Good luck!

Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI--low motility

Cycle/CD: 18/31 (11DPO)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) On our own while DH takes clomid

How are things going? I've got cramping so AF should be here tonight or tomorrow. Right on schedule.

Any questions?

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Traveling to see my brother.

lund · December 2016

@hartmich so sorry you go here now *hugs*. I have no useful information regarding PCOS, but you're in my thoughts as you start this process

@kaitlink33 ugh, I'm so frustrated for you. I'm so sorry your previous RE office was full of rude, incapable practitioners.... FX your new RE is 100x better.

@WitandWhimsy & @Bababatty Hello MFI buddies

@antoto Sending so many good vibes your way. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

@wabash15 FX that messing up timing is worth it and your DH's SA helps to get you on the right baby-making path. Actually, I hope that your timing was good enough and you don't even have to worry about another cycle!

@mrsdaddario congrats on your weight loss!

____________________________________________________

Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI, see siggy

Cycle/CD: 6/16

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Just trying on our own and repeating the SA in a few months. DH just quit smoking and has started a vitamin regimen. We'll both be cleaning up our diet.

How are things going? Oh fine, just trying to keep my expectations in check. I have to keep reminding myself that we have approximately a 1-3% of getting KU with things as they are.

Any questions? Just realized that I need to research Clomid for my DH..... reading this thread was the first I'd heard of it being used for MFI.

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Staying home and hosting 16 people for Christmas Eve. It'll be the first time hosting in our newly finished home.... shouldn't be stressful at all *sarcasm*

juliebeannn · December 2016

@hartmich I don't have PCOS so I don't have much insight for you but I hope as you get started with an RE, you'll find the answers you're looking for and you'll have a solid plan of action!!
@kaitlink33 So sorry you're having such a hard time with doctors/nurses. I hope your new RE is awesome and not an asshole!
@kyersten I hope the forced break gives you some breathing room and time to be good to yourself!!
@WitandWhimsy I hope you get some good information from the IVF consult in January. Hopefully it sets you up well for whenever you're ready to go for it.
@antoto Just all the love and positive thought to you!!! I know the wait is hard but in less than 24 hours the wait will be over. I hope with everything I have it's good news!!!!!!!
@wabash15 I hope your RE appointment went well today and that your DH's SA comes back good!!!
@Daisy621 I hope your temp went back up today!!! FX for you!
@virginiaham FX that those follie gets nice and plump soon!
@madspunk Sorry your body isn't cooperating with the femara. I hope the new dose will help and you ovulate soon!!
@mrsdaddario Sorry about BFN! How long is your LP usually? And, woohooo for being down 8.5lbs!!!
@Bababatty Sorry about impending AF. Hugs.

Diagnosis (If you've been):

Cycle/CD: 12/20

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) IUI #2 (back-to-back inseminations at 12 and 36 hours)

How are things going? They're just going. Work has been super busy so it's kept my mind off things and away from Dr. Google. Usually my boobs are sore by this time in my TWW but nothing yet. I actually feel abnormally normal this TWW. It's strange. But...I just won't let my brain think it's anything. I'm too far from testing to go down that rabbit hole. This week needs to be over like NOW.

Any questions? Nope

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home?
Staying home. Most our family is local so, we'll be getting together at an uncle's house for a casual meal then going home. Nothing spectacular.

Bababatty · December 2016

@LuND I posted some links in last week's check-in post on TTTC about clomid research, so you might find those helpful. There is LOTS of research on it, way more than I shared. It was a sloppy, haphazard search on my part, but I think there's some things of interest in there. I also posted a link about different types of medicinal treatments for MFI, so check that out, too. Our first urologist wanted DH to try arimidex, which is another option. We didn't do it for a variety of reasons mostly stemming from laziness. Our current urologist said it was an option but recommended clomid based on blood tests. I believe the two drugs target different things.

wabash15 · December 2016

The appointment went well. They took a bunch of blood and DH gave his sample. I was originally scheduled for an US today (I even shaved and painted my toenails, because I can't have somebody do a transvaginal US and look all janky!) but they pushed my US to a baseline for early next cycle. The RE didn't feel like we had to do much testing since so much was done before, so that's great we would be able to jump into treatment next cycle. The only catch is that I have to wean the twins. Hearing that made me burst out in tears, though I suspected they might say I had to wean. BF has been an challenging, emotional, amazing journey. I knew that we would probably be coming to the end but had hoped to let them choose when they were done. The RE was great about it and said we can start when ever I'm ready. Now I just have to figure out when that is...
Holy crap ladies, I left the Dr apt just over an hour ago and just got a call, DH's SA is normal and all my baseline blood work is normal, the only thing pending is my AMH because they are sending it out to a different lab.

mrsdaddario · December 2016

@wabash15 It sounds like overall it was a good appointment. I'm sorry you'll have to wean before you are ready. I can't imagine how difficult that must feel. Also, I've never heard the term janky it made me LOL and I will be using it!!

@juliebeannn I have no idea what my natural LP is. This is the first natural cycle I've ovulated while keeping track. Long story. Anyway, even though I've been done the google rabbit hole of "BFN 12dpo temp still high" and every variation, the killer cramps I'm having this afternoon tell me nothing is coming out of this except AF lol. Fx for you !!

laeberge3 · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Testing, HSG scheduled for 12/22

Cycle/CD: 6 (9 months AL), CD 7

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Natural cycle this month, have a battery of tests and HSG scheduled for Thursday.

How are things going? Checking back in with you ladies. Thanks so much for the information on PCOS @antoto and @virginiaham. RE suspects PCOS for me as well and like @hartmich, I've been googling like crazy and just a bit lost. Otherwise, doing okay in the very boring part of my cycle.

Any questions? None for now.

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? We stay home, but my family is pretty much all local so we'll see everyone and we don't have to host - I call that a win.

juliebeannn · December 2016

Ugh. Sorry @mrsdaddario!
@laeberge3 I hope testing and HSG go smoothly!

hartmich · December 2016

@laberge3 GL with your HSG! Mine is next week. If I remember correctly, your H coaches basketball? So does mine and as predicted, he is never home it seems! Leaves me way too much time for research.

laeberge3 · December 2016

@hartmich Thanks! GL with yours too! He's actually an athletic director, but yes, he's gone all the time - especially during basketball season. I hear you on having too much time. Down the rabbit hole I go...

lund · December 2016

@Bababatty thank you so much for the info! DH hasn't been to a urologist yet, and hasn't had any testing beyond the SA, so we're not sure if the problem is hormonal or not. He's been an off-and-on smoker for years (and of course recently restarted before the SA), and is a little overweight, so we may try lifestyle changes before doing further tests. Or at least try lifestyle changes while waiting for an appointment with a urologist.

@wabash15 YAY for normal test results!!!

destined_2ba_mommy · December 2016

Hi, everyone!! I originally posted a question about Fertlity Blend and to see if anyone with PCOS had any experience with it while TTC. My husband and I recently decided to start trying and I honestly have hit a brick wall because I don't even know if I ovulated this month--every OPK came back negative. I'm feeling pretty down today so I figured I'd come here for some much-needed insight.

Diagnosis (If you've been): PCOS

Cycle/CD: 25 (according to Ovia app)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW (according to Ovia app)

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) OPK, Fertility Blend, Metformin, Prenatal Vitamins

How are things going? Not sure-so frustrated

Any questions? Any insight is welcomed since I'm so new to this.

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? STAYING MY BOOTY AT HOME

Bababatty · December 2016

@LuND Yep, lifestyle changes sound like a great idea regardless. I hope they resolve the issue and you don't have to pursue more testing!

But now you have a research rabbit hole to go down, haha. Inspired by the many convos I've seen going on, including the one when you first posted about the abnormal SA, DH and I did some research and he's also starting a multi-vitamin, omega 3 fish oil, and CoQ10. I know you're doing something similar. Lifestyle changes for everyone!

KristoKekerooni · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI, RPL

Cycle/CD: Cycle29/CD25/~10DPO

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nothing. Waiting till next cycle where I will have some preliminary tests, antral follicle count and H's repeat SA & DNA. LOTS of test in one cycle to gear up for our IVF consult January 16.

How are things going?: Oh nothing except waiting for Christmas. Which is the day my period is due. Which is SO DUMB AND I HATE EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF IT. I am TOTALLY wearing a menstrual cup and ignoring it till the 26th. I don't want to know if it starts. Is that stupid? Probably, but IDGAF.

Any questions? Talk to me about antral follicle count. What is is, what's good, what's bad, what should we learn from it? Be my Google, basically.

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Traveling to Grandma's about 30 minutes away.

@LuND My H did the Clomid thing too. Here's some info.
Low T causes MFI. When this is discovered through a urologist, Clomid is sometimes prescribed. It works by essentially causing a bunch of reactions, that in turn increase testosterone, thus, increasing counts of sperm. It also helps quality, but it doesn't increase quality a lot, so don't assume it will make quality perfect. Also note, taking testosterone supplements do the opposite, and actually decrease sperm count and quality, so if you though about "cheating" and getting around a script, please don't. I can explain more on that if you are interested. Here is where it gets really interesting. Clomid has also been show to help with men that don't have a testosterone issue. My H has a normal T level, but was still put on Clomid, much to my irritation. Lo and behold, his sperm count more than DOUBLED in about a month. It doubled again after three months (total, not in addition to). Research shows after about 6 months it starts to level off, and sometimes even start to drop. We have reached 6 months, but don't go in till January 16th, so not sure how that holds true for us. Anyway, his count was so low that even doubling twice wasn't enough for us. but it still is pretty amazing results.

lund · December 2016

@KristoKekerooni thank you so much for the information! May I ask what your DH's numbers were? My DH's count was 26 mil, with 5% morphology, BUT the 5% normal swimmers had good motility.

And, I totally don't blame you for wearing the menstrual cup and ignoring possible AF until after Christmas. Originally for me AF was due on NYE this cycle, but then I O'd a bit early.... so now it's due the 28th or 29th, which is a bit kinder.

KristoKekerooni · December 2016

@LuND - So it's got a strange trend. The first time we checked they were *almost* normal. Then after that we had a recheck, it was lower. A bit later, even lower. Excuse my hyper-organization, but you can see my table & graph below.

Was it his total count? I'm glad motility is good! That's really good news for IUI possibilities.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/by/muadcb277kd7.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/7v/t85mnw9xcgot.jpg

Sugargirl1019 · December 2016

@KristoKekerooni I love how nerdy you are.

GG620 · December 2016

@hartmich FX'd that you can get some answers and a plan going forward with your doctor!! Sorry that you have to go here now

@Kaitlink33 sorry the doctors have been adding stress. It can be awful!

@kyersten hooray for alone time with DH! That sounds so nice, enjoy!

@antoto Did you get your result yet? Thinking and hoping for you!

@wabash15 I agree it is nice to be home this holiday since we usually travel as well

@madspunk I hope that the increased dosage works out for you!

@mrsdaddario congrats on the weight loss!!

@LuND good luck with hosting!! I did the exact same thing last year (16 people in our new home) it was stressful, but also wonderful

@juliebeannn FX'd crossed for you and I hope the time goes by quickly!

@kristokekerooni I don't think that sounds silly at all! We are all doing the best we can, right? Really hoping for some great results with you with IVF

Diagnosis (If you've been):

Cycle/CD: 9 / 3

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO (finally!)

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) 2 ultrasounds of the good ol uterus on Friday with my RE FX'd everything is normal

How are things going? I am happy that AF finally came and that we can start a new cycle, but am also pretty scared

Any questions? Have any of you ladies had a sonohysterogram? Just wondering what to expect. Is it painful? *TW - RE wanted to do it during AF on cycle day 5 and am just wondering what in the world it is like to fill the uterus with saline while simultaneously bleeding...uhhh? lol

GTKY: are you traveling for the holidays or staying home? Bit of both. Christmas eve my family is coming over and Christmas day going to DH's sister's house (but only about a half hour away) I am actually excited to be home this year and we typically travel around a lot during this time

wabash15 · December 2016

@GG620 For some ladies they are painful and for others they are not. Moving forward you will have a lot of baseline work done while AF is still around, its weird at first but then you get used to it. Just make sure to wear a pad afterwards. GL with your scans I hope everything looks good

juliebeannn · December 2016

@KristoKekerooni You speak to my inner nerd!

lund · December 2016

@KristoKekerooni thanks for sharing! I love the hyper-organization

Yeah 26 mil was his total count, but I'm waiting for them to release the actual lab results so that I can get the full picture. The nurse I spoke to about the results openly admitted that lab results "never make sense" to her, and she suggested that I wouldn't be able to make sense of them... bitch, just because you're too lazy to figure it out doesn't mean I am *eyeroll*

KristoKekerooni · December 2016

@LuND - Okay. So it's not good, but we can work with that! Get his testosterone checked is the first step! Has he been checked for varicoceles? Maybe the Clomid is an option! He's kinda at the point where every tiny increase helps. It would be different if he were at, say where my h was in June. There wasn't much hope. But with where yours is now, he has a good chance of it increasing with lifestyle changes, plus an intense vitamin regimen (can't remember, have you tried FertilAid, etc? I strongly believe that's what helped my guy, in conjunction with the Clomid. I have hope that your Hs counts will grow. And if not, or if it does increase, but stays below average, IUI is definitely an option for you! (Not that we want it to come to that, obviously) The threshold for IUI success is >10 million total, moving sperm after wash. How was his motility? I know the morphology is scary, but there is a lot of research out there that says it's not as important as some think. My RE aims for greater than 2%. I will link some research for this later, if you would like.
I'm definitely not saying to ignore it or assume all is well. But take it with a grain of salt. Work on increasing the counts, and the morph will increase as well, or at least give you a greater number of total "good" sperm.

Also... I would slap her through the phone. Gimme a break. Seriously?

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