Azoospermia - Donor Route Support

[Blue234]

Hi everyone!

This thread is dedicated to those of us navigating the azo journey and considering or have chosen the donor route.

I thought it would be great if we could share our experiences, offer support, and help each other through this challenging path.

Looking forward to hearing your stories and supporting one another along the way.

I am happy to start this thread by sharing our story:
-After around 1 year TTC, we were diagnosed with unexplained non-obstructive azoospermia back in March 2024. We were given 30% chances of finding sperm with MTESE but my partner decided he wanted to try all we could before moving to option B.
-We had MTESE done via NHS in August 2024 and unfortunately it was unsuccessful. We had lots of discussion before the surgery and we had agreed that we would good via donor route if the surgery wasn't successful.
-We have now been referred for a NHS funded IVF cycle using sperm donor (funded by us) and currently waiting for the clinic to call us to have implications counselling.
-In the meantime, we are currently in parallel the process of finding a suitable donor.

I’m feeling a mix of emotions right now. On one hand, I’m happy and excited that we still have a chance to become parents and the idea of a future baby brings me so much joy. But on the other hand, there’s still a lingering sadness about what we’re going through, especially when I think about what my partner is facing.

Even though I know it’s not all about genetics, who hasn’t dreamed of having a baby that looks like their partner or a blend of both of us? While I believe I’ve mostly come to terms with this, a part of me still feels a bit heartbroken.

Choosing a donor is challenging. We try not to overthink it and even find moments to joke around while browsing profiles, but there’s so much to consider. One thing that particularly worries me is the possibility of our child wanting to contact the donor when they’re an adult. What if the donor isn’t kind to them? I know this is something far off in the future and out of our control, but it’s been on my mind lately.

Sorry for my long message, I will stop now! But just thought of sharing some of my thoughts to start with!

Looking forward to hear your stories!

@Magix86 @StarJasmine93 looping you into this new thread :)

@Blue234 YAAAAAAAY that's amazing news ❤️❤️. I've been thinking about you all week. So pleased for you lovely.

@Disco24 that all sounds very positive. I also have a scan next Monday. Seems like we are quite synced up 😊.

I had a scan today so a week after being on stims. It wasn't a bad scan but they've decided to up my dose to try and move me along a bit quicker. My follicles are growing but they want to give it more oomph is what they said 😅. I'll be on 3 injections a day now and depending on how my scan goes on Monday we may push egg collection back a couple of days so I have more chance of more follicles joining the party. With my AMH, we need all the help we can get really.

Feeling positive that my body is at least reacting and that we can tweak my plan slightly to give us the best chance.

@Magix86 exciting you have your scan on Sunday. Will be thinking of you. Will that be 9 weeks?

Woohoo @StarJasmine93 it sounds like they’re really on it with adjusting where necessary for the best outcome which must be so reassuring! Love that we’re synced up too ❤️

Are they planning a fresh transfer? How are you feeling?

@Disco24 that's a great update. Sounds like your body is doing exactly what it needs to do, and without the clomid! Hoping you get the go ahead early next week - please do keep us updated if you can.
Thank you @StarJasmine93 😊 I'll be 9 weeks 4 days. It can't come soon enough! I really didn't have a clue about the emotional toll of IVF or how I'd feel with all the various stages of waiting.
What stims are you on? That's great you have options to get as many follicles as possible. Your clinic will do whatever they can to get the best outcome

Yeah it is reassuring! Just really hope my body doesn't let me down. 🤞

Oh funny story from me this week... I only walked out of my scan with my leggings on inside out 😂. First a bloody finger, then looking like I got dressed in the dark 🙄.

Yep a fresh transfer is the plan!

Is it the same with IUI that you will test 2 weeks after insemination?

@Magix86 I'm on Meriofert. Not sure if all stims are the same but I have to mix a powder and solution before injecting it. I've been on 4 powders for a week and now I have to mix 6 which is why it has to be split into two injections + I'm still doing my morning injection of Suprecur/Buserelin 😬

@StarJasmine93 oh wow that is a lot! I was on ovaleap so sounds a bit different, mine was a prefilled pen so quite an easy one to use! All the jabs will be worth it in the end 🤞🏻💖

thanks a lot ladies!🙏

@Magix86 can't believe you are already in your 9th week! hope all goes well in your scan!

@Disco24 glad to hear all is progressing well. Keeping fingers crossed for your insemination next week! It's feel very unreal when it's finally happening! When they show me the embryo placed in my uterus after the transfer I couldnt believe it!

@StarJasmine93 glad to hear your follicles are growing 🙏It looks like they have it under control and thats great news :) To be honest I also feel a nervous in my appointments and do odd things 😂so you are not alone! I am sure no one noticed :)

Wowww @Magix86 9 weeks! That’s fab, let us know how it is!

Yeah @StarJasmine93 the same. So if I get a trigger injection, then testing earlier may give a false positive like the rest of you. If they let me ovulate on my own I can test whenever, will try and wait as long as possible but I’m so impatient 😂

@Blue234 that’s so exciting that you got to see the embryo in your uterus! It’s all just a mad experience isn’t it.

Happy Monday ladies! @StarJasmine93 how was your scan?

I'm happy to say we’ve completed our first IUI. No trigger required as I ovulated myself today so just progesterone pessaries for the next 2 weeks. Keep your fingers crossed for us! ❤️

Hows everyone else doing? Xx

Oh yesss @Disco24 !!! I'm so happy you finally got there 💖 how are you feeling about it?
I'm good thanks - had a private scan yesterday and saw baby moving and the heartbeat flickering away. Got to see a clear outline of head, body, arms and legs this time instead of just looking like a little slug 🤣🤣

Feeling pretty good! They were happy with my scans and the motility etc of the sample so now it’s up to the universe. It’s quite overwhelming to have spent 2 years waiting for this, and then also so nice that this is the closest we’ve ever been ❤️

Oh how gorgeous! I bet that was so exciting, and so happy everything is progressing as it should xx

Hey ladies!

Excellent news @Disco24. Really pleased for you that you got your IUI round. ❤️. Keeping everything crossed for you.

Yes had my scan this morning. Things are moving in the right direction but as predicted not ready for egg collection on Wednesday so it will be Friday now. Got another scan on Wednesday to check progress again.

I am really grateful to be in the midst of treatment but can't help feeling a little deflated today as even though things are progressing as they should do, my numbers aren't great 😞. That's just down to my AMH so I shouldn't be surprised but I guess part of me secretly hoped that I'd miraculously get a decent number of follicles growing but currently it looks like 5. Not even guaranteed that all of them will contain an egg as well 😟.

Send me some positivity girls, need a boost.❤️❤️❤️

Sounds so lovely @Magix86. Must be really magical seeing your little bub on the scan!! Glad all went well. Is the next scan your NHS 12 week one?

@Blue234 hope you are feeling ok too xx

Oh @StarJasmine93 I think that sounds totally understandable why you’re feeling deflated! It always feels so unfair after everything we’ve been through just to get here.

Remember you only need one! The consultant said to me we’re aiming for one healthy baby, not pregnancy or multiple embryos or babies. One healthy baby. So that is now my focus, and I hope gives you a boost too ❤️

I also read every day we are not pregnant is a day to make sure your mind and body is the best it can be to achieve that healthy baby. Which also helped me after my cancelled cycle to focus on me rather than being pregnant. Sending all the love xx

@Disco24 yaay! So happy that you completed your cycle! Keeping fingers crossed for you🤞🤞

@Magix86 glad to hear your scan went well! That must have been so emotional!

@StarJasmine93 sorry to hear you are feeling a bit low :( I know how difficult it is,but try to remind yourself that as doctors told you in the past, its more about quality than quantity🙏 Sending lots of positive vibes from here🤗🤗 Keeping finger crossed for your next scan🙏

I am ok overall, just feeling a bit dizzy sometimes and also having some vaginal pressure and ovary pain specially in the evening. But thats all so far🤞I have my early pregnancy scan in a couple of weeks. Trying not too thinking too much about it cause the "what if they dont see anything on the scan?" thoughts come very easily to my mind 🤦

Thanks ladies 💕
@StarJasmine93 yep our next one is the NHS 12 week one - in 3 weeks time.

I'm so sorry you're feeling down about the numbers and I can completely understand why. I was told the same as @Disco24 - that they are essentially only looking for 1. You're doing everything you can so be kind to yourself. We're all here for you too whenever u need that support ❤️ if you have 5 follicles in the mix that really does give you a great chance. Will be thinking of you on Wednesday and Friday. Keep us posted if u can x

@Blue234 glad you're not too bad and you have your scan booked in. Sounds like some promising symptoms there!

Thank you ladies ❤️❤️ you always know what to say. Thanks for the positive vibes and wise words.

Will keep you all posted when I can on progress 😘.

Glad to hear all is well @Blue234 hope the symptoms are manageable xx

@StarJasmine93 just seen this post on Instagram that could resonate ❤️

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFViXzcRhzW/?img_index=2&igsh=MTg3ODg5MnVhajl5Mw==

Thanks @Disco24. That's really interesting ❤️. Makes me feel better too. Think I'm getting too wrapped up in comparing my numbers to what I hear people with higher AMH levels achieve but need to remember what my situation is and that it's not all about numbers too. Thanks lovely xx

Evening ladies!

There is a free webinar from paths to parenthub tonight all on donor conception/parenting etc if you fancied.

Starts at 7:30pm.

If you visit the website it should pop up with a link to register.

https://pathstoparenthub.com/

@StarJasmine93 I’d signed up but then didn’t make it (this weeks been a little overwhelming 😅). How did you find it? Worth a rewatch?

Thanks for sharing this @StarJasmine93 I just didn't see it in time! Will try to see if there's another we could join x

Yeah it was good! My husband found it useful. They recorded it so I'm sure it will be posted on their website or socials. Worth a watch!

@Disco24 how you doing? Sorry you are feeling overwhelmed. This whole journey is just a lot isn't it?!

I've got another scan today to confirm if we are ready for egg collection on Friday. 🤞

Ah that’s good to know! Yes I’ve had an email with the recording, so we’ll have to rewatch. @Magix86 if you’re interested I can post here too.

Its my first ever real two week wait so all just feels strange, feeling realistic with only 20% chance, but then also thinking why cant we be the 20%! Definitely not the most productive at work this week 😂

Yaaas! Let us know how your scan goes today ❤️

Good luck for the scan @StarJasmine93 !
@Disco24 absolutely no reason at all you can't be that 20%. Have everything crossed for you. When can you test?
I'd love to watch if you don't mind sharing, thank you ❤️