WASTED 3 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[popadums]

Hello everyone!

HaD 1st semen test 3 years ago at a NHS hospital in Basildon. Results came back MAR positive (antibodies) and everything else really bad except for the count.

Had second semen test at a private fertility place in Brentwood and was told "all ok".

Before we knew what was happening, we were both on the fertility rollocoster! We paid for my wife to have all tests available done........ nothing wrong with her.

Diagnosed with unexplained infertility we embarked (at the same NHS hospitaL) on 6 months of Clomid and 3 failed attempts of IUI (coincidently with the same fertility 'expert' as the private clinic!).

The last IUI was done be-grudgingly and in a hurry by this 'expert' because we knew he was due at the other clinic! He didn't even look at the sample!

We then decided to re-mortgaged our house and go to a clinic which is 4th from top accordingly to the HFEA guide (the Brentwood clinic is 4th from bottom!) for IVF.

On the first consultancy meeting they done a semen test and everything was fine....except I was MAR positive (antibodies)!

Tried to get my old results from the other clinic, but they have lost them......how convient!

At least we now have an answer! What a waste of 3 years!

We had IVF(ICSI) not too long ago now and should have the results soon.

My advise......It's always worth getting a second opinion.

blimey you have been through the mill!

It must have been a frustrating time for you popadums - Best of luck with the ICSI - I really hope you get the result you deserve.

What an absolutely gutting experience I am so sorry for the three yrs you have not been able to move on, for the cost and for teh heartbreak and disappointment
I so hope you get your wish soon
xxxx

waht is MAR?

popadums

You have certainly been through the wringer on this haven't you?.

Certainly know of Baz Hospital (if I had seen your message three years ago I would have suggested you go to Harold Wood instead) and the clinic in Brentwood if its the BUPA one. I live in that area.

The first semen analysis gave the correct result all along. Its a great pity (understatement) that this was not looked into further. I suppose they would say in their defence that the quality of semen does change therefore they do more than one test. I would have thought that the second analysis was not checked for MAR antibodies.

You were diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Sheesh!!!. That was very bad. "Unexplained infertility" is infact no diagnosis at all; all this means is that they have failed to find out what is wrong. It also can be given to patients as a result of not being properly investigated.

Your story is a very good instance to show others that the couple as individuals need to be thoroughly investigated; not just one at the expense of the other. Tests should be done in tandem.

mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR test)

It's more common than you'd think - we had a 'fine' semen result from nhs test - wasted 18 months then had a private one at CARE Nottingham and it was ICSI or nothing! 7 lots of it as it happened - but we got there in the end.
I'd always advise caution with only having one semen test.

Thank you to everyone for all your kind words.

Done test this morning and have a negative from the ICSI.

Have 3 Blastasyst embroy's frozen, if that fails, we're at the end of the road.

I'm sorry to hear this, Popadums. I hope the frozen embryos will bring you the baby you so much want.