Starting IVF soon... Any advice?

[OlivePanda]

Hi all,

Long-time mumsnet lurker, first-time poster! We're nearly 2 years into our TTC journey. DP has cryptozoospermia (originally azoospermia, but subsequent samples have shown some sperm) and we had our appointment with the ART consultant today. She has recommended TESA/repeated ejaculation then ICSI and sent the funding application off today.

Does anybody have experience with cryptozoospermia/severe oligozoospermia, surgical sperm retrieval and ICSI? I want to be as prepared as possible going into our first cycle so I'm considering acupuncture and anything else that will help. We are both already on impryl, cut out caffeine/alcohol, both fit and active and 28 years old.

Thanks in advance all! 💕

Hiya, I know ur post is a month old but I saw u had no replies, and knowing how slow the ivf journey can b thought I'd reply.
My DH has azoospermia and had the surgical sperm recovery and then we had ICSI with his frozen sperm. I'm not sure how helpful individual stories r as every situation is different, but if it gives u some hope, we went on to have 2 children through ICSI. It was a long hard road, and I know a lot of people wouldn't be as lucky, but it is possible.
I remember how devastated I felt when we found out he had zero sperm- it just felt so helpless. And because its fairly rare there wasnt many success stories to work out if there might be any hope without donor sperm. So hopefully this might help u feel its possible! If you would like to ask anything feel free to PM me.