Should we be moving to IVF?

[LuckyFlash]

me (Just turned 36) and DH (43) have been TTC number 2 for 8 months with no luck so far. DD was conceived easily on the second month of trying. DH recently had a sperm analysis which was a bit confusing. Extremely high count but extremely low motility (0% progressive, 3% motility). He had a consultation and the dr basically said she thinks it’s possible something went wrong with the process (it was an at-home send off one) and it’s more likely that I am the issue at 36 (lovely, thanks!). She suggested he take proxeed and try another test in 3 months.

I’ve told a few friends about this and they have all asked if we are now going to look into IVF. My understanding is that IVF success rates are basically the same as natural and that it’s only recommended if you have no other options. Is that correct? I’m a bit thrown as I’m now not sure whether we should be keeping on trying or if we are wasting time and IVF would be a better option. Obviously we would have to pay so I don’t want to throw money away (And go through the medical process!) if the odds are basically the same. Friends seem to have presented this as a silver bullet (which I am very aware it’s not) so just want to gather other opinions

You don't need to do IVF just because of your age. There is no tip off a cliff at 35.

If it's suspected that something was incorrect with the semen test you could do another one sooner than 3 months. Ideally not a send off.

You could also consider this one if you want a fairly easy way of getting a quick snap shot of motility whenever is convenient at home (you get two tests in a pack for £85, so could do one now and one in three months). This was recommended to me by a consultant gynaecologist: https://www.exseedhealth.com/exseed-home-sperm-test/?gadsource=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7s20BhBFEiwABVIMrTVg8RLWQYcMqwYZDpHoWEhmER4Czk7u76ZnemNJCQrVVsRXp0hoCWB4QAvDBwE

A microscope attachment comes with the kit and you are guided via an app to make a short video with your mobile phone. You can actually see the sperm moving yourself and within a few minutes you're given preliminary results which are confirmed the following day by the lab (they receive the video via the app).

If it turns out motility is the issue, you would be a candidate for ICSI IVF - which is where they inject a selected sperm directly into the egg. If motility doesn't improve this would probably give you a better chance than trying naturally.

In the meantime you should both look up ways to improve sperm quality. Suggest your partner immediately starts a fertility supplement and limits alcohol. You could also both have hormone blood tests done in parallel to ensure everything is fine that side.

Good luck!

Very strange response from the doctor rather than just suggesting he redo the sperm analysis. Also very odd to tell him that you’re the ‘problem’ when he’s the one with potentially low motility! Have your tests been normal?

I saw an independent fertility doctor privately for second opinion on further IVF treatments. I would recommend doing the same thing; you can search private doctors online and basically book an appointment - costs approx £200. He was honest with us and did allude to the fact that male factor is often played down or not given the same amount of attention as there is little that drs can do about it e.g. there is no expensive drug procedure that can improve sperm - it’s all lifestyle factors and supplements. There is also the theory that better quality eggs can ‘deal with’ poorer sperm which again puts on the female. Good luck whatever you choose to do next.