No sperm nightmare yesterday

[Bobby1979]

Our history is myself and partner trying for a few years. I am 38, nearly 39. All my tests fine however my partner has only had sperm (I think 12 of them!) found in one sample. All the others have had no sperm whatsoever. He has had tests, there is no explanation to this, so we were sent for ICSI on the basis he would try a sample on the day and we were under the impression that they would do the sperm extraction under local anesthetic on the day if none in the sample. I started drugs, had egg extraction and all good. My poor bf had three goes and no sperm in any. Then they dropped the bombshell they were not doing the sperm extraction as we would need to see consultant again, the soonest appt being September and then we will be referred after that for the sperm extraction. Obvs we are gutted and frustrated 😢. Any advice? We are nhs. We are open to going private because this seems ridiculous. Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading

Hi op Why did they not freeze sample with sperm in (the 12) before ICSI?

I didn’t want to read and run, my partner had virtually zero. Less than 10 for sure. Here we are 15 weeks pregant after attempt one. Don’t lose hope xx

How awful for your bf, and you, to have to go through. I think if you can afford a private consultation it's worth it just for the stress! Near me they're about £200 and you take all your previous tests with you and then they'll talk through your options and can book you in.

We went through this exact thing. DS had a TESA 2 days before the egg collection and nothing was retrieved so the egg collection was cancelled.
There was no further option other than donor sperm which we decided against.
I feel for you. It's so difficult.

Hi OP so sorry to read your post as another poster has suggested I strongly recommend you go for at least a private consultation and get a copy of your nhs notes to the consultant to review before your consultation so you can get the most out of it.

Thanks for your replies. I spoke to the hospital, I think they know they have messed up as they could have predicted this would be the outcome. They have given us an appt for early June but tbh I want them to do a bit more. We have asked if my bf can go in weekly or more regularly and if any sperm are found then to freeze them. They are getting back to me tomorrow. Thanks again and thirtyplusone, that’s brill to know, congratulations xx

We were in a similar situation 2 years ago. DH had 10 or 12 samples, either no sperm or just a few, like 6, but non motile. Can't usually be frozen when poor quality as won't survive the freeze-thaw. He had low testosterone, high FSH, multiple variceles and an undescended testicle as a child. Diagnosed with secondary testicular failure. We opted for a microTESE and I had egg collection the next day. They only got 3 sperm. Made 1 embryo, transferred on day 3 but didn't implant. No further options sadly. Currently 30 weeks now with donor sperm. Bitter sweet if I'm honest. I wish we had done more research prior to tese surgery. Apparently there's a new thing called hormone priming of the testes, more likely to get more sperm. You should get second and third opinion from a Mr Russell and Mr Suks Minas on Harley st, London. Both top male fertility experts. We went after the microTESE but they said it wasn't worth repeating the surgery. Hence the donor sperm. Good luck x

I meant Mr Ramsey sorry, not Mr Russell. Seen too many doctors

Thank you. It’s so difficult isn’t it? And I really feel for the men in this situation. Congratulations on your pregnancy and thanks for the advice xx