Male factor infertility and I feel my time is running out

[ParkayFloor]

I have decreased ovarian reserve. We have recently discovered DH has seriously fragmented sperm DNA after investigations following recurrent miscarriage. He has started taking supplements and is doing all the lifestyle changes so hoping this will help. We have an appointment with a specialist but not until mid June.

I'm scared about the future - especially how long it's going to take for us to sort his issue if we can and if by then my fertility will have declined. I'm scared that I'm likely to have to undergo expensive and invasive ICSI IVF even though I don't have any fertility problems.

I'm just being honest these are the thoughts rattling around in my head and scaring me. DH has said in the past he would never ever consider donor sperm as he couldn't love a child that isn't his own. I'm panicking- does anyone have any advice?

Should have clarified I have decreased ovarian reserve but no problem getting pregnant now.

This news is obviously relatively new to you and you are in a panic. Can I ask what age you are?

I'm 34. Yes you're right I'm panicking. My age is in a way a moot point because of my low ovarian reserve which is approximately that of someone in their late 30s early 40s.

Is that based on amh result? I don’t want to give you any advice based on limited info.

Sorry you are in this situation. My info is a little out of date these days but just wanted to let you know you are not alone by a long shot but at least you are arming yourselves with info and have started doing what you need to. Have you spoken to the medics about how quickly they are looking for an improvement in dhs results if the lifestyle changes and supplements are going to help?

My biggest frustration was the length of time between appointments on the NHS so I know all to well that feeling of clock ticking faster and faster.

Don't necessarily think ICSI straight off. IUI might be helpful maybe combined with Clomid (only so they have more to aim at) BUT I am not medically trained only been where you are now. Make sure you have discussed all options before making important decisions but I'm sure you know that anyway :)

Hi @ParkayFloor , as per your other thread I'm in a very similar position to you - I'm 31 but AMH is 8 and FSH of 12.

When we saw the consultant he said to get on with ICSI straight away due to my POF and DH soerm count (this was prior to dna frag. testing too).

They really don't know your ovarian reserve until you've had a round of IVF - despite being told mine was low repeatedly I got 32 follicles and 20 eggs - and in the follow up the consultant just said blood tests are not very accurate and not a very good indicator of ovarian reserve - you are young for IVF so don't worry!

Also they can surgically retrieve the sperm which helps minimise the dna fragmentation.

ICSI really isn't that bad - emotionally hard but physically fine - and I had 32 follicles and I'm saying that!!! Expense wise though? Yes expensive! You should get at least one round on NHS thiugh? There's also the access fertility scheme - we're really pleased they've ok'd us for 3 cycles 100% refund if we haven't got a live baby at the end of it - at least someone believes we can get there!!!

Good luck

Thank you for the support. I haven't heard of access fertility that's hopeful- what is their acceptance criteria?

@ParkayFloor my DH has azoospermia. He was able to get sperm through retreival. Which was a relief, as he didn’t feel comfortable with donor sperm. We have had 3 attempts at ICSI and unfortunately it hasn’t worked for us yet. However, I feel like it has gotten easier for me to cope. I was depressed and stressed all the time about this.

Now we are hoping to try again and also have been talking about adoption. I have so much more hope than at the start. But I really understand how you feel, if you want chat.

@hoping2018 I read about access fertility, but didn’t think it could be real!! Lol. Would be interested in knowing more about this too. Is it more expensive?