desperately seeking male infertility success stories

[geeup]

Can anyone please post any success stories about conceiving despite issues with their DPs sperm? Mine has poor morphology (less than 2% normal) and we're trying Fertilaid. I'd love to hear that other people got their BFPs despite these issues to help keep my optimism alive! Otherwise I'm happy to support others on the same journey. Thank you in advance.

Hi I'm currently on cycle day 21 ish ( no tracking or anything for me this month. However I don't like the not knowing what's going on so back to it next week when I start the Clomid. ) Not sure what's happening with me this month, Brown spotting and now i've got red spotting. I hope the Clomid works and I'm excited to try it but nervous that I'm not getting scanned.
I don't seem to be in such a rush for the referral to come through. I just hope it happens before that .
I'm currently living like a saint Geeup 😂. I'd rather try do it through food so I'm doing what that book told me to do. I've had fruit and granola for breakfast with chia seeds and a spinach, pepper salad bowl with hummus for dinner. I mean all I want is a large caramel latte and a Kristy kreme dougnut but I'm willing to try. I've also started both me and OH on actimel once a day.
I honestly think everyone goes through that in your head. Is it this , is it that.I was 100% convinced that my tubes were blocked .Things do get easier when you start to rule things out. Just hope you get your appointment soon.
Star, fab you managed to do at all theright times. I really hope the two week wait goes quick for you and that you can update us all with a BFP. Did your cycle change at all? Ovulate early or anything like that. I've got the clear blue dual hormone test, I wonder if Clomid will affect the test due to it tracking estrogen too? Do you think I would be okay to carry on with the evening primrose oil, for first half of the cycle or not with the Clomid?.
Have a good weekend everyone.

Hey Geeup, well done on all the dtd - it's tiring! Yeah, I think it was a pretty measly sample on Wed night to be honest but it's impossible to know. With mfi it feels completely random doesn't it. I really hope your appointment for the lap&dye comes through soon. Even if it's not til September at least once you have the date, you know what you're working with.

In terms of supplements I take proxeed for women and 200mg of CoQ10 per day - I take it as ubiquinone which isn't the better stuff. They stock ubiquinol (solgar brand) in Holland Barratt so might get that when the current batch runs out. I totally know what you mean about not knowing - it feels like making a baby is this impossible thing and yet some people just do it in an instant without thinking bout ovulation or LP or lining or ANY of that shit. I think Friends is right though - it gets easier as you eliminate some things and the rest you just have to stay hopeful and wait and see.

Thanks friends. Well done on the healthy eating. Low carb high protein low sugar is meant to be good for egg quality so I try and do that a bit too. Don't succeed most days - I love carbs and have a really sweet tooth! It's a bit weird you not getting scanned with clomid especially with your progesterone so high. I suspect that with the male factor issue, they think the likelihood of having multiple eggs fertilise is really low so it's not too much of a problem if you release more than 2 eggs. That is just me totally guessing though. I did ovulate 2 days earlier with clomid on day 12 rather than my usual day 14 or 15. But I had a trigger so maybe if I'd have left it naturally it would've been the same. I wonder if my cycle will be shorter now too or if I'll still have a 12/13 day LP. I guess we'll see in due course.

Have a lovely weekend.

I booked a corse of acupuncture on spur of the moment and went this afternoon. Not sure how relaxing it was but worth a shot. The Chinese herbs she gave me are sooo revolting. Not sure I can keep those up... Anyone else trying/tried them?

Thanks star!. Geeup is the suggested acupuncture once or twice a week? Ive not tried chinese herbs which ones are they ? I read a bit about Chinese medicine but to be honest it just gave me a a bit of a chuckle.

I'm just waiting for AF to start , wish it would hurry up. My OH told his friend about our troubles this weekend and this decision as really affected me. Hope weekend as been good for you .

Hi Friends, how has it affected you? Do you mean you're upset he has told a friend? I can understand you feeling crap about that, especially if you haven't told anyone else. And it is rubbish if he didn't tell you first. But, I think in the long run, it is better if both of you have people you can talk to at times. My OH and I used to bring each other down at times - especially as it goes in waves so when I'm feeling positive and he's not, he would bring me down and vice versa. We encouraged each other to talk to friends who would understand and that really helped. It's weird to think that someone who I wouldn't talk to personally knows this thing about me, but our friends have been really understanding and not brought up anything to the other partner (if that makes sense).

OMG Geeup, the chinese tea is the worst! I couldn't do it. We spent £250 on foul tea and I couldn't get it down! Hope you do better than me though - something that gross must be doing some good eh?

I'm 5dpo and no symptoms at all. I feel beyond normal. I don't think this clomid cycle has worked.

Well we had a bit of an argument on Sat and he said that he's finding social events difficult because alhough he's still drinking. It's not to the extent to what he and his friends are use to so there constantly asking what's up . He basically said that me not letting him tell people is ruining his friendships. So I said,I thought I was doing the right thing protecting him because people are gonna ask what's up.
I then said if you want to tell someone then do it. He walked the dog, came back and said that he had told his mate.
Said mate is a nice lad and actually a good friend to both, but also a bit of gossip too.

I know it sounds silly but I don't want to be talk of the town sort of thing, I don't want people guessing what's up with us and I also don't want the nicey nice of people and their opinions on the matter.
I Guess I'm just a private person and it feels like it makes the problem real to me, I feel more of a failure if everyone else knows I'm failing If that makes sense. Plus its been so long without telling anyone I think I just don't know how to do it. Your words have been really helpful Star thankyou!
£250 for tea ! G whizz! What's in this tea? 😄. Star try not to give up hope, it's still really early days , implantation might of not happened yet. Your still in with a chance feeling normal hopefully is a good sign. Hope your doing okay?

We tried to conceive for 5 years.. Had Ivf four times without success. Hubby had low sperm count. We gave up and started adoption process when I fell pregnant naturally. I really believe it was the stress of ttc that stopped us so please never give up hope x

We also had a successful ivf with low morphology and now are pregnant naturally, a wonderful surprise!

Hi friends, how are things now? Are you feeling a bit better after your OH told his friend? Hope so. I totally understand though - I was so worried about people knowing. I wasn't ashamed but I didn't want people gossiping and watching whether I drank whilst out and feeling sorry for me, so I just didn't tell anyone. I felt that once I got pregnant I would be honest about how long it took and our problems so that people don't think it's all easy and stressfree for everyone. But it was just taking ages and ages and got too much, so telling my best friends was a bit of a weight off. Sadly (for me, not them!) they're both pregnant now so I don't want to see them anymore!

Congrats HappilyMarried, all the best with your pregnancy. If 3 months of Clomid doesn't work then it's IVF for me too so it helps to hear of your success.

MrsOs, I'm surprised you say it was the stress that caused 5 years of trying. Do you not think it was the low sperm count or is it that the stress caused that? Congrats anyway.

How you doing Geeup? Hope all's well...

Hi Star,
Yeah I'm good thanks, I've relaxed a little from last week . I think i'm just envious of his openness. I do wish we was a bit more open at the start .

I've just started the Clomid, 3rd day today, I'm taking them at night but my stomach is a bit iffy, but it could just be AF.

How are you getting on Star? Any positive news your end on the Clomid? Do you have day 21 bloods done as well as the scan ? I hear you on the friends front. I could happily sit in my home and not speak to anyone until we hopefully get a baby. I've not spoke to my sister for a few months and even going to my parents is a struggle because all they want to talk about it their new grandchild they have on the way.

Glad you're feeling a bit better. Oh exciting that you've got going! I didn't have any side effects - I took the pill at night and got night sweats but I get them anyway gross. Good luck friends, fingers crossed it works first time!

No news here. I'm 12dpo and feeling very pre menstrual. I had very 'full' boobs the last few days but they were slightly deflated () this morning which is a classic sign my period will show up in the next day or two . Anyway, I'll be on to cycle two then and joining you on the Clomid pills!

Hi friends, star. Sorry I have been a bit AWOL. I was getting a bit obsessive about mumsnet and kept checking threads, reading endlessly etc so I ended up making a weird pact with myself that if I could stay off them, I might relax and get my bfp this month. Obviously this did not happen and AF arrived this morning. I had convinced myself this month was the month (been taking the EPO pre ovulation) then acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Even spent £10 on a FRER yesterday - ridiculous. But of course i wasn't. Stopped taking the Chinese herbs - so rank and probably just powdered tree bark. God desperate woman that I am ill try anything.
In better news at least I now have a date for my lap and dye at the end of July. Dreading telling my boss but getting myself sorted to tell her on wed. Currently wallowing in period pain and counting down days till the weekend.
Xx

Hi geeup,
Sounds like your having a bit of a rubbish time. It's so tough, I always find that I can be okay one minute and so low the next. I'm really glad that you have your lap & due booked in, just think In 6 weeks, you will be on a treatment plan at the very least. I think that will help you feel more in control.I hope telling work went okay.
Well I've finished the Clomid for this cycle, I'm glad about that! I've had such bad hot flushes during the day and night! My temperature is higher too, before ovulation it's normally around 36.20 but it's currently around 36.60. I also think I'm going to ovulate early, hopefully the ovulation sticks will help me out.
Hope you ladies have a lovely weekend.

Hello ladies, sorry I've been awol too. Clomid didn't work as period arrived yesterday, right on cue 14dpo So I'm onto cycle 2 and start taking clomid today. Geeup, I know what you mean about getting obsessive and it was so bad last cycle I couldn't think about anything else and kept reading mumsnet and checking it constantly. I'm going to try and chill out this cycle and not be online so much. Try and concentrate on the other things going on in my life.

Geeup, sorry about the period pain (and the period). Hope you feel better soon. And good news you have a date for the lap+dye. You have another chance before then and afterwards they say you're more fertile for the first 3 months, so best of luck!

Friends, well done on getting through the clomid. I had night sweats on it, but I always get those so didn't think anything of it. I ovulated a couple of days early too, but I think I took the trigger too early so might ask about that at my scan tomorrow. Fingers crossed this works for you first time!

Nice to hear from you both and don't worry about anyone going AWOL. Sounds like we're all in the same boat - it's lovely to have support here but it can feel really unhealthy checking in every hour day. We can all just keep coming back as and when but whatever feels good.
I'm actually feeling ok today - as you say friends it can be up one day and down the next. Just plodding along and enjoying pate and wine for a few days. My worst days are when I start thinking about what if I'm actually waiting for something that's never going to happen but when I check myself doing that, I make a concerted effort to stop those thoughts and let them go.
Friends well done on the clomid. Sorry about the flushes. I'm guessing that may be coming my way post lap and dye so good to know what it involves. I hope it's lucky for you. Pee sticks to hand for spotting the big O!
Star sorry the clomid didn't work first time round. I guess with every cycle we all learn a little more about our bodies and if, as we believe, that baby is in our future, we're one cycle closer.
Told work yesterday that I needed an op (didn't say exactly what for). Was worried as I've been off recently with other (non fertility) appointments so worried how they perceive my performance. I cried which was embarrassing but sometimes you can't help it can you. My boss probably thinks I'm mad or has guessed it's baby related but she was nice about it and said to put my health first. Every time you tell someone even if it's not the full story it becomes a little more real doesn't it. That's the bit thats horrible.
Anyways, here's to a positive week ladies, be it shagging just for fun or trying to catch the egg. Big cyber hugs.

Hi ladies,
Just thought I'd check in. Well Clomid hasn't made me ovulate any earlier, I'm currently on cycle day 13 and still having the flashing smiley face. I've had lots of ewcm today (I've not had any in 2.5 years so don't know what's brought it on but I'm not complaining.)
I've also received a letter for the IVF/IUI clinic, I've got to fill in a questionaire and send back it back within 14 days . I then have to ring them 5 days after sending the form back to get an appointment.
I'm surprised it's happened so quick I was only referred on the 9th.
It seems so real now, its so scary. It's also been a rough week, I became an auntie and have been really ill too. Hope things are going well for you both. x

Hey friends, have you ovulated now? Really hope this works and you don't need IVF. But great it's come through so quickly so you can get going if you do need it.
This cycle is going a bit odd. Had my scan on Friday and have two follicles at 17 and 14mm. Was told to trigger the next day (cd11) but I couldn't get hold of the trigger shot as was let down by the pharmacy I'd ordered it from. So opted instead for pee sticks and I'm now on cd13 and still no surge. So confused - I usually ovulate on cd14 or 15 so would have expected to surge by now. Urghh!
Hope you're doing ok geeup.

Hey Star,
Yes I've ovulated, I got a positive on cycle day 14 and ovulated on cycle day 15. ( so that's a day late for me) I'm looking forward to going for the progesterone check to see if it's made any difference.
How frustrating not being able to get the shot, I take it there's no point taking it today if you don't get a positive test ?
Fingers crossed it works for us both.

Yeah I was really surprised about the referral coming so quick, I'm gonna try pluck up the courage to send it off today. ( got to send in pictures of us, so will have to get some done). It's not the process I'm worried about, it's the thought of it not working I think. Will let you know what my blood test shows. Good luck Star.

I'm worried about everything to do with IVF! But I'm sick of this journey even more, so I'll do anything now. With male factor we've both got a very good chance with IVF so try not to worry (impossible I know!) and get the form sent off when you can.

I would take the shot today but I can't get to the pharmacist without taking time off work this afternoon, so I'm not going to bother. Hopefully I get a positive tomorrow which would be day 14. I'm temping so at least I know I've not ovulated already.

Good luck!

Hi ladies.
Star - So sorry you haven't been able to get hold of the trigger. How terribly frustrating. What happens without it - you just keep DTD and hope to catch the egg through OPKs? I'd be tempted to duck out of work to be honest to track down the trigger (if it works you'll be taking off less time than you would for IVF!) but understand it's tricky - I'm still mortified about crying in the operation conversation with my manager!
Friends - good news on the ewcm - I never get any so if you work out what's causing it, let me know! And congrats on being an auntie. I know it's so so tough to be happy for others when you're hurting so much and desperate for it to happen to you (as you both know I have struggled with that massively) but being an auntie is an amazing thing and don't miss out on being involved. That baby will love you so much and hopefully one day you'll have a gorgeous cousin for him or her! Thinking of you.
AFM I am on day 14 of my first cycle temping (one year in - can't believe I avoided it this long but my acupuncture lady wants me too). Very odd - had a very negative OPK on Thursday (day 10) and didn't bother on Friday as thought it was too early for me. Did an OPK on Saturday and it mega positive - much earlier than expected. DTD once. Had a less positive on Sunday so DTD again. However on my temps, I haven't had a temp rise today as I'd have expected - see attached. How long does it normally take for the rise? Could it be in doing it wrong - I've been taking my temp whenever I first wake up (usually 4 or 5am then I go back to sleep).
Any advice much appreciated. Two weeks to either get a BFP or the lap and dye...

Hi geeup, going by your temps and opks, I think that either you ovulated yesterday or will ovulate today. Remember that the surge occurs before you ovulate, and your temp rises the day after, so there's a bit of a gap between the two. Also, your temp doesn't always shoot up immediately, so today's temp might be the start of a slow rise following ovulation yesterday. See what happens to your temps over the next few temps. Fertility Friend should be able to pinpoint ovulation after three higher temps, but you had very high temps just after your period which is odd (were you sick?) so it might confuse the app a bit this cycle. Whatever happens, keep having sex (eod or everyday for next couple of days) and you should cover it.
Fingers crossed! And yes, either a bfp or lap and dye so at least you're moving forwards.

Thank you star. Can't believe after this long I'm still learning new stuff! Have discarded the weird high temp at the beginning and we'll see how we get along. Hopefully it'll be clearer by the end of the week...
Now just to stay uncrazy for the TWW...

It seems like we're all at similar points in our cycle. It will be amazing it we all got a BFP this month .
It takes my temp two days before I can see the rise sometimes, the only thing I would add to what Star has said is to try take your temperature at the same time every day so you don't get irratic temperatures.
Star, in a positive way, maybe it gives you an extra couple of days for the follicles to grow a bit bigger. ( Not sure if that's makes any difference, however it's always best to see the positives in these situations ) . Hope the next two weeks goes quick for us all.

God friends that would be EPIC! Since I started temping I've started waking up super early (around 5am) taking my temp and going back to sleep but when I started it was more like 7am so that's why they maybe vary a lot. If I wake up at 5am should I go back to sleep for an hour (I get up at 6) and then take it? I'm not a very solid sleeper which doesn't help...

I would try go back to sleep for an hour before taking your temp, then at weekend try set your alam for 6 and then go back to sleep.
I'm a really light sleeper too but once I wake up I can't go back to sleep, I have to take my temp early in these cases and they often are slightly irratic.
It might make no difference for you, but worth a try.