Please help me understand what happens next? Bit of support needed!

[Mrsjones17]

My DH and I have been TTc for over 18 months now.

Started fertility testing. I’ve had days 2, and day 21 bloods done and ultrasound and all fine. DH had 2 SA tests and the results aren’t great I don’t think. These are results:
1.8 sample volume
29% forward progression
68% none motile
Total motility 32%
Sperm density

[Melaniesunflower]

We had a similar experience. We were referred by the urologist attached to the local infertility clinic to the Specialist unit in Glasgow. They recommended carrying out ICIS, which involves them isolating a single sperm and then injecting it into an egg. The treatment protocol up to that point is same as normal IVF, with injections, scans and egg retrieval.

I must be honest and say it took us a while to get to the treatment stage, and it can be real emotional rollercoaster, but worth it in the end

[Mrsjones17]

Thank you for your reply. Do you mind me asking if you were successful in the end?

[Melaniesunflower]

Yes!!!! Currently 9w, so trying to stay calm. Had an early scan last week which showed everything was ok. Good luck with your journey

[Mrsjones17]

Oh that’s excellent news. Congratulations hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy x

[wanab]

Hey we’ve just started the fertility testing process too (NHS in Chester). Currently trying to book Hycosy for day 11 but it’s difficult to get through to the clinic!! Nightmare!! Hubby has his sperm count next week so won’t know much until we’ve had these tests now. Also waiting for metformin to counteract PCOS.

[Mrsjones17]

Hi @wanab is a hycosy done as a matter of course or is it because of PCOS? I’m pretty sure I don’t have PCOS I get positive ovulation test every month and pretty regular period.

Wishing you luck with SA results hope they come back ok

[wanab]

Hi Mrsjones17.
I think the hycosy or hysonography are done as a matter of course to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes that could be causing infertility. It doesn’t sound fun but needs must and I’ve read it can cause temporary increased fertility in the following cycles as a side effect. 🙂
I have already had an AMH test which I had to get privately but it was recommended and having day 4 bloods tomorrow. Had a scan just before being referred so they’ve used that for me. I guess it’s different for different areas though.
It sounds like your main issue is make fertility though from your post. My hubby is having his count this week. When is your next appointment?

[Mrsjones17]

@wanab yes I think it is different in different areas. I think it is more male factor that we have an issue with. Our next appointment is on the 14th May what about you? X

[wanab]

Other than blood test my next one is the hycosy due bank hol Monday if I can get through to the clinic. Once I’ve had that I can book my next proper appointment. Will be thinking of you on 14th.

[Mrsjones17]

@wanab thinking of you this weekend if you managed to get through to clinic?

[DuchyDuke]

If the only issue is his sperm then don’t worry. Sperm issues can be more easy to treat with vitamins, exercise and diet. Its possible you may be able to improve motility / volume by the time you start stims to give yourself a good chance.

[Melaniesunflower]

I know in our area because it was a male problem I didn't have any investigation other than blood tests as they knew they would need to retrieve the eggs

[DuchyDuke]

@melanie - that isn’t actually the right way to do it. You should at least have a transvaginal to determine the state of your ovaries - this is how pcos is most commonly diagnosed during IVF.

[Mrsjones17]

@duchyduke thanks for your reply. How long does it take for sperm to improve roughly? We’re doing all we can. Loose boxers healthy eating supplements vit c exercise etc. He’s very healthy normally. Thanksn

[wanab]

@mrsjones17 I managed to get through on Monday but they wouldn’t book it as hubby hadn’t had his SA at that point. I don’t know how long the window to allow it this cycle would be but i’m resigned to probably waiting another month. 😕 Thanks for thinking of me.

[Melaniesunflower]

Dutchy, I had no issues with PCOS, they decided following blood test to determine egg reserve level and the history they took from both of us to go straight to ICSI

[Mrsjones17]

@wanab that’s a bit rubbish! Has DH got a date for SA?

[CiroDiMarzio]

@mrsjones17 - it takes three months for sperm to “mature”. Simple ways to improve it are exercise, eating healthily, no excessive drinking, and no smoking/other drugs. Zinc and other multi vits can also help. When we went to an open evening at our clinic there was someone from a drugs company there recommending something that promised to help improve sperm count. We decided not to go for it as the doctor said we would have to wait another three months for it to have any effect and by the time our EC came around my husband’s count and motility had gone from being low to the bottom end of what’s considered “normal”. We’re now on day four with embreyo transplant scheduled for tomorrow morning.

If you’ve been transferred by the NHS your path may be similar to ours. Our first appointment at the clinic was to sign a load of consent forms. Because of OH’s low count we decided to freeze some in case the sample we got on the big day wasn’t any good, fortunately it ended up being far better.

After that was done I started on my injections which lasted roughly four weeks and really weren’t as bad as I was expecting. I had four scans over that time to make sure everything was looking okay and my follicles (where the eggs are released to - sorry if this is over simplifying it for you) were growing properly. Once they’re happy we had an egg collection which was under a light sedation and lasted 20 minutes - really not as scary as it sounds. They collected 21 eggs but annoying only 9 were mature enough to use. Just to be on the safe side we went with the original plans and used ICSI (where they inject each egg was th a single sperm as it is easier to find the good ones this way) of the nine six fertilised and they’re all still developing so I’m keeping everything crossed that we’ll have a few good ones to choose from tomorrow!

I hope that helps and I’ve not been teaching you how to suck eggs! Best of luck on your journey, I hope it goes well. X

[DuchyDuke]

We were told: Well Man vitamins, loose boxers, given a diet list specifically to boost sperm (avocado, banana, pumpkin seeds etc) and dh doesn’t even have sperm issues. Also told to lose weight if over as sperm is more impacted by weight than eggs.

[wanab]

@mrsjones17. He had it Thursday.

@CiroDiMarzio good luck! How long did you have to wait from initial tests to starting ivf?

[Mrsjones17]

@circodimarzio thank you that’s so helpful!

[Mrsjones17]

Sorry posted too soon! Wishing you lots of luck. Please do let me know how you get on x

[CiroDiMarzio]

@mrsjones17 - forgot to say, no baths either. My OH LOVES a bath. He’s had to do without since the start of the year.

@wanab - we had our first appointment at the hospital in December and then started at the clinic in Feb so it has gone by very quickly.

[wanab]

@CitoDiMarzio That is quick. What county are you in? Good luck with the next step.

[35counting]

Hi @Mrsjones17, I would certainly appreciate a buddy as have no real idea what to expect!

We have been TTC for 2.5 years and waiting for IVF for 18 months now and all we’ve had so far is lots of tests! Our issue is mainly on the male side too, my husband has low motility. I am not sure if there’s anything in it or if it’s a complete coincidence but I bought him some supplements (Amitamin Fertilsan M) as it is supposed to help fertility and I fell pregnant after the first few weeks of him taking it! Sadly however I have just miscarried after 8 weeks so we are back to the IVF drawing board.

I have had hycosy (which was the most uncomfortable thing I’ve experienced test wise) and all blood tests/scans and I think we’re now awaiting a treatment consultation but have no idea what to expect from there on.

Wishing all those on the road best of luck!