PCOS and poor sperm - encouragement please!

[Miffles]

My DH and I went to see the consultant today for our first appt. We have waited 5 months and I had expected to walk out with clomid, as I have PCOS. However, it seems DH hasn't got the best swimmers, with concentration of 10million (not 20million) and not a high number of normal forms.

Doc wanted to do a couple more tests (blood tests) first. He has said we could do clomid, but didn't sound very hopeful due to the few sperm. Then explained about IUI and IVF. We go back in a few weeks to discuss and decide the plan.

Oh, and I'm 29, DH 30.

So - has anyone any stories, advice, thoughts, etc. Feeling a little knocked, as you never really think it'll be difficult for you.

Thank you!

Miffles,

Feel for you both.

Your DH needs to have more than one semen analysis if this has not already been done. One poor analysis is not fully indicative of there being male factor problems. What else have they suggested re him?.

Usually clomid is the first line of treatment for PCOS but it is not always suitable for all PCOSers to take (it can cause clomid resistance). Also you should be monitored whilst on it with both blood tests and ultrasounds preferably and not left. Do not accept no monitoring as clomid can cause an exaggerated rise of LH levels (many PCOSers have an excess of this hormone to start with) and can impede fertilisation.

Why did they suggest IUI?. IUI may not be of much help if PCOS is an issue because the cystic follicles on the ovaries; it won't tackle that particular issue.

You may want to look at verity's website which is www.verity-pcos.org.uk.

I would ask them at your next appt if they consider you a suitable candidate for ovarian diathermy surgery as this can help some PCOSers kickstart ovulation. It has certainly been successful in some PCOSers with regards to getting them pregnant.

Thanks for your reply Attila

He has had 2 SA done and they were both very similar. That is why the IUI was suggested - as it gets the things in the right place! As I understood it, they would give me injections to cause ovulation before the sperm is put in place. So surely that would help ovulation. Certainly the consultant (head of gynecology in my area) seemed to think it was worth considering.

Also NICE do say that if after clomid you have not got pregnant, you may be offered IUI (if you have PCOS)

I understand the importance of monitoring when given clomid. However, it has not been prescribed yet. As I said, with the male factor contribution, there is no guarentee of succcess.

Have never heard of ovarian diathermy surgery. Will look it up!

Has anyone any experience of this - what did people chose to do? Thanks.

Hi Miffles,

I have PCOS (I'm 29) & DH (33) is all fine in his dept. Clomid didn't work for me so we jumped at the chance for IVF. The only thing they forgot to tell us is that I need a bmi of 29 (mine is 32) and I struggle to lose weight cos of the pcos. So now on metformin to help but I'm not convinced this is working that well either (although I'm only a month in).

Wish you luck as this ttc lark is hard.

Best wishes xx

Thanks Fairygodmother

How many courses of clomid did you do? And out of interest, why did they offer IVF rather than IUI?

Good luck with the metformin. I'm sure you've heard it before, but my consultant encouraged me to lose weight and he said that with PCOS, exercise was even more important. Naturally diet too, but he said that exercise removes the internal fat stores that affect the hormones better than just diet.

Good luck to you too.

Hey miffles

Ovarian diathermy surgery is the laser thingy

You'll find everyone - healthcare professionals and people who have been throughout - will have different preferences for treatment. It's great to hear all the (success!) stories but also important to remember you are unique.

I keep being told time and time again that this (PCOS) is one of the most common forms of infertility and as we are both finding out there are lots of options available to us for treatment. Yeah, your (and mine!) DH's swimmers add to the problem but it could be worse...I know, I am try hard to convince myself here!

You're on the right track - a gynae listening to you and deciding a course of action.

Fingers crossed x

Oh, Metformin....I got this from my GP. Not sure it's making any difference. Have lost about half a stone with no effort but BMI was never an issue for me (sorry, that sounds so up myself ) I wanted it for the fertility help. About 6 weeks in.

Hey hey vallinna

I hadn't realised your DH had swimmer issues too . Sounds like we are in a similar boat then.

Thanks for the balanced reply...and the reminder that we're unique. My DH has been sweet - encouraging me that we'll do whatever we need to do. And that we are going a different journey to other people, but that this is now the normal and ok for us. So hopefully I'll stop comparing us to those people who fall pregnant just by looking at a willy!!

Was hard today. Think I was in shock yesterday and when I woke up this morning I was feeling so negative. But varying emotions is part and parcel of it I guess.

See you over on t'other thread x

Well, I'll be here for you xx