Accepted for IVF to soon??

[Lammoshay]

Advice please...
Our fertility specialist has approved us for IVF- been trying for coming up 2 years, the thing is I’ve only had 2 blood tests- one day 21 to check I ovulate which I do, and my FSH/LH and prolactin.
Levels are- FHS 5.7 LH 8.3 and Pro 4.95
Hubby’s SA- Vol 6, count 87mil, 50% mot and 2.25% morph.
Would you see a problem with those results as I’m a bit baffled why we haven’t had more testing done? I thought I would have a Hycosy etc.
I’m 37 and hubby 44. Just come as bit of shock as wasn’t expecting to the go ahead so soon I guess. ❤️

Is this via the Nhs? They don't actually need much more information than that although a private clinic may also run an AMH blood test, or antral follicle count ultrasound

Yes NHS- I can have the AMH as an add on- would it be worth getting that first do you think before making a solid decision? X

It's useful to know the level as usually clinics then base their decision on the level of stimming drugs to give you - but I'm not sure with the NHS if they just have a one size fits all approach so whether it would change their opinion?

Your partners morphology is low so IVF with ICSI would be the usual recommendation and could well be the reason you are struggling to conceive

IVF with ICSI for low morphology is not always the route

We are 'unexplained' apparently although my partner has 1% morphology and we are currently on the waiting list for normal IVF

Can I jump in here please? I'm sorry I have no advice but I think I'm about 2 months behind this all happening! We've been TTC for almost 2 years and my husband has just had his tests back hand has suboptimal morphology results everything else was fine (they didn't bother giving us figures). They've said they won't do anything now just invited him back in 3 months to re test. All I've had done is general bloods and an ultrasound and all was ok. Can I ask how long did you wait to see a fertility clinic before they've decided to refer you for IVF? Have they also ruled out IUI? I hope you're feeling better it's all moving forward for you xxx

I would be very very surprised if they didn't convert to ICSI if the morphology is still 1% on the day of egg collection. A referral for IVF doesn't mean ICSI wouldn't be added once you were at the point of treatment.

@Lammoshay I personally would get an AMH test for my own knowledge as it's an indicator of how you might respond to stims, but ask the clinic if the results would make any difference to their plan. Some people get very very good IVF treatment on the NHS but others don't, mine was below standard.
I'd expect they will do an antral follicle count scan to have some idea of what kind of dosage to start you on.

@willithappen I also think you should enquire about whether they will do ICSI.

@MrsLA88 just noticed your comment of "didn't bother to give you the results". Not everyone has a complicated IVF journey but in my case I've learned you nerd to advocate for yourself, ask for copies of test results (or download if your doctors has that service available).
My NHS clinic said I had low AMH, when I asked how low they said 'low', and didn't want to give a figure. Don't think so, this is my fertility we're talking about.
On the other hand a friend went through IVF placing blind trust in doctors, didn't ask questions, so I know everyone is different.

Hi

So i had a consultation with Lister and they literally gave me all th paperwork for IUI and IVF.

Luckily I didn't pursue it. My private doctor was much more thorough. He did all the correct blood tests, LH, E2, Testosterone, AMH and Thyroid and some other ones I can't remember. He then tracked one cycle to ensure I was ovulating.Then when all results came back normal he did the xray on my tubes and thats when they found a problem. I can't fault him he was very comprehensive.

I would do some more research and googling before going straight to IVF especially if you feel like you are being rushed.

I was told it wouldn't be ICSI because his other results are all above average so the low morphology is outweighed by having higher than average counts apparently.

We're on the waiting list and months off our top of the list appointment so I will enquire more nearer the time. I think we're looking like March next year for being top of the list

I got referred in March for bloods and started speaking to my actual consultant end of April so it’s been pretty quick x

Have sent this to my consultant x

To be honest they’re referring you for ivf because you have male factor issues. Only half your DH sperm actually move and less than 3% are the right shape. If the ones that don’t move are the ones that are the right shape then your chances of conceiving without IVF are very low.

I think it’s great they are referring you so quickly. It’s been two years ttc and you are in your late 30’s so there will be naturally poorer egg quality due to this. I think AMh would be useful for clinic to see what kind of dose of Stims to put you on but I wouldn’t think it’ll change anything with regard to ivf or not. I also wouldn’t delay any further to keep trying naturally due to your age.

I'd opt for the AMH test as that will give you more of an idea of your egg reserve and whether it would be wise to wait another 6 months

Reply x

Our referral process went quite quickly and then when it came to the point of actually being on the waiting list it feels like it's forever

I would just crack on with ivf.. especially if your entitled to it free with the nhs

Personally, given your age, I would go ahead with

Sorry, posted before I was finished!

I would go ahead with IVF given your age, all leaving it will do is lessen the chances of success. You can try naturally whilst on the waiting list as that can be 6 months or more in some areas.

I had short protocol and really didn't find it that bad. I was 36 and trying for 2 years, I regret not pushing for IVF earlier. I currently have a 22 week baby growing in my belly. I do constantly worry about something going wrong and me being too old to do it all again and there being a decreased chance of giving my baby a sibling.

I would also crack on with treatment too if I were you. It took me 4 years and two full ICSI cycles to have DD and I’m now 40 so it may be too late for a sibling. I had her at 37. I also delayed treatment as I wasn’t ready but I was younger then (34/35) and had my first cycle at 36.

Delay for a couple of months to get your head round things if you wish but if you’ve tried for 2 years I wouldn’t be waiting another year, especially if you have funding.

The cycles take their toll but it’s only 4-6 weeks in reality and there’s some good support in forums out there with others going through it. Most people IRL don’t really get it unless they’ve done it themselves.

Best of luck.

I also wouldn't wait - in many NHS areas the cut off for NHS treatment is now 36 and with the huge cost of Covid and likely cuts coming I would imagine funding will be even more restricted

Just a note on the HSG test for blockages on your tubes - just bear in mind that it can give false hope. It can only tell you if the tubes are blocked or not. It can't tell you if they actually work - there is no test for that other than getting pregnant