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 :)

That’s really helpful to know it wasn’t too long for you both, thank you. Since I messaged earlier we’ve actually had our consultation put in for April 14th, so hopefully not too much longer after that to actually start a cycle 🥳💖 we have family visiting the next 3 weekends so that should make it go quickly 🤞

I can understand why you’re apprehensive, this is your first scan right? I can not believe you still get symptoms, is it as bad as it was previously? xx

@Disco24 awesome to know you have the consultation booked in! I can't see any reason you wouldn't be good to go after that....they will already have your bloods and scans etc and like @StarJasmine93 said your donor sperm is also sorted. So will just depend what day of your cycle you start your meds.

@StarJasmine93 will be thinking of you tomorrow. Been thinking of all 3 of you a lot the last 2 weeks as I think this is an important time for all of you. I'm plodding along! No further headaches yet although they've agreed I can use codeine now so that should help with pain relief. Now just getting a lot of heartburn/indigestion 😖

Oh amazing @Disco24 !! That's such good news. I agree with @Magix86 I don't see why they wouldn't just get you started on your next cycle after your appointment 🤞🤞

Yes it's my first scan! I've only seen positive pregnancy tests so it doesn't feel fully real yet. I'm so desperate for everything to be as it should tomorrow 😢.

The pain from OHSS is nowhere near what it was when I was hospitalised and when I have it, it doesn't last long at all. Paracetamol sorts it right out thankfully.

I lose track @Magix86 how far along are you? I'm sure @Blue234 must be coming to the end of her first trimester by now?

Glad the headaches have eased @Magix86 sorry to hear about indigestion... That sounds a killer!!

Oh great, let’s hope so. 5 weeks to wait 💖

Glad you’re feeling a bit better @Magix86 that sounded awful, so hopefully having some pain relief to use when needed is helpful too. I’ve heard heartburn can be a killer, my friend had the big Gaviscon pink stuff in her bag for pregnancy 😂 said it worked though!

@StarJasmine93 will be thinking of you tomorrow, but all sounds positive from what you’ve said so hope you have a wonderful experience. Glad to hear the symptoms are less too, never heard it lasting, so just good it’s minor xx

@StarJasmine93 thank you. I'm 16 weeks! Our next scan is in 2.5 weeks so currently on another countdown 😅
Still doesn't feel that real for me this far along haha. I'm so glad you're feeling better now. Do update us tomorrow if you feel able to x

@Disco24 I'm going to have to get a bottle of gaviscon!! Haven't tried anything for it yet but it's definitely increasing 😕

Hey All!
@Disco24 sorry to hear your second IUI cycle failed :( I trust they should be able to go ahead with your IVF cycle very soon! As @Magix86 and @StarJasmine93 said, if you donor sperm is sorted out I trust they should schedule the cycle quite soon! what really delayed starting the IVF cycle in my case was actually getting the sperm delivered to the clinic.

@StarJasmine93 lets us know how your scan goes today! glad to hear OHSS is getting better!

@Magix86 omg 16 weeks! time flies! your are almost half way through! My midwife has also mention to have gaviscon ready😂

Updates from my side, I am on week 11 now. Last weeks have been a bit tough in terms of nausea (can;t wait for the first trimester to be over!). Yesterday we had a private scan and we got to see the twins now looking more like humans and moving a lot! it still feels so unreal! They said everything is looking good for now. also I felt quitey relieved when I saw both there (and also no more babies😂) and developing quite equally. We also did NIPT test so hoping to get a confirmation soon that babies are fine and also we will find out as well if they are boys or girls.

@Blue234 that's so lovely. I'm pleased all is progressing well with the twins. I'm guessing it won't be long until you have the next NHS scan too, so you'll get to check in on them again 🥰
Hope the NIPT results are all ok!

Hi everyone!! Had our scan this afternoon and I'm overjoyed 🥰🥰. Everything is looking good!

Measuring 7 weeks and 2 days which is where it should be. Strong heartbeat which we could see clearly 😍.

It was so amazing! I'm so happy. I can't stop looking at the scan photos and the video we took to see the heartbeat. I mean it just looks like a little peanut blob but the cutest little peanut blob I ever did see ❤️.

It's a little blueberry in size according to my app🫐🥹

Oh and the scan showed my ovaries are still quite big which is probably why I'm getting pain still. So I'm still not fully recovered from the OHSS. Crazy!

@Blue234 amazing that you had a scan to see the twins again 🥰. Glad all is well.

16 weeks @Magix86 that's sooo good!! I feel like that's flown by but it might not for you haha.

@Disco24 you'll have to keep us updated on the drugs and protocol they put you on! I feel like we all had very different experiences so sure between us 3 we can give advice and guidance when you need it!

Ahhhh @StarJasmine93 this is so nice to see! ❤️ I'm so glad it went well.
I genuinely feel like I must be 16 months not 16 weeks but I'm sure things might start to speed up soon!

@Magix86 thank you!🤗 Yes, I have the 12-week NHS scan in a couple of weeks! I guess your next one is the 20-week one isnt it?

@StarJasmine93 ohh so glad to hear that it went well! I know what you mean, it feels unbelievable whats going on in there! ☺️ Also when you finally get to see the baby is there at least you feel you are not feeling so well for a good reason😂

Hi everyone! How are we all doing? ❤️

@Disco24 not long until your appointment now. How are you feeling?

Any gender updates @Blue234 @Magix86 ??

I had my 12 week scan today. Everything looking as it should do 🥰. So relieved 🙌. So so happy ❤️

Hi lovely so glad your scan went well 💖

Yeahh appointment is next week. I’m so tired of waiting, I’m apprehensive of how long they’re going to say before starting. I don’t know if signing my IUI forms previously means we don’t have to wait for parts, but it’s all unknown which is the worst. Not long to find out though, just feeling a bit flat, and my brains in overdrive 😅

How has everything else being going?

Awww @Disco24 I can totally understand that. I'd be really firm with them at your appointment and be asking what you can do to speed things up if they say things might take more time.

The waiting part is just the worst. Sending you hugs and positivity for Monday ❤️❤️

Things have been good for me, I've not suffered too badly with pregnancy symptoms. My scan today showed ovaries are still enlarged so I'm still suffering from mild OHSS but I don't get any pain thankfully. I'm a keen runner though and I haven't been able to run since mid Jan! The sonographer said that by 20 weeks I should be fine to run 😂😂. Not sure I'll be in the mood to run by then haha.

Hi ladies!

@StarJasmine93 glad to hear your scan went well and that your doing quite well with the pregnancy! 🙏Also i can see you have very good energy levels if you are looking forward to run! thats great news! Any guesses on the gender of your baby?

@Disco24 keeping fingers crossed for your next appointment and hopefully they will give you if not exact dates, at least some estimates🙏Sending you a big virtual hug from here! As @StarJasmine93 definitely the worst of this process is the waiting😩

My last weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster, but at least it seems I have a bit more energy these days and I am feeling a bit better, even if evenings are still challenging for me (feeling quite uncomfortable, bloated and gassy). Also sleeping is getting a bit tricky as I am not comfortable in any position😣We are having lots of appointments and scans due to my type of pregnancy which is a bit overwhelming but at the same time it is quite reassuring that they are monitoring closely the pregnancy. The two babies have their own amniotic sac but they are sharing the same placenta, and this has a lot of potential risks compared to a singleton pregnancy. But the goods news is that we are expecting two boys and everything is looking fine for now🙏

@Blue234 such exciting news you are having two boys 💙. We still have no idea 😅, I think boy and my husband thinks girl.

Sorry to hear you've had a bit of a rough time with it all. That can't be easy! Have you tried a pregnancy pillow yet to try and get some comfort in the night? I'll definitely be getting myself one - they look great.
Also such a worry you must have with the type of pregnancy. The worry never stops does it? Good to hear you are being monitored closely.

Keep us posted with everything & good luck tomorrow @Disco24. Update us if you can! Here if you have any questions from your appointment.

Lots of love ladies xx

Glad to hear everything is progressing well for you all 💖

I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions so appreciate the offer, I’m just ready to go now, pass me that sharps box 😅

Hi ladies, consultation complete! Protocol drafted up, and now another wait 😅

As everything looks good my side well start with down regulating before stims, so picked up my Norethisterone, then aiming for retrieval with fresh transfer. We just have to wait for the nurse appointment to come through for her to talk through everything and send paperwork, usually it’s up to a 3 month wait, but doctor is going to push for within the month😣

So positive step is IVF is a go, just got to hope now it all goes smoothly and we don’t have to wait 3 months! Any long protocol recommendations send them my way xx

Hi ladies! Just catching up with these messages.
So glad your 12 week scan went well @StarJasmine93 !! Lovely news.
Sorry to hear about the worries and feeling uncomfortable @Blue234 but agree it's great they are monitoring things so closely.
@Disco24 awesome news on your update and having a plan! I can't help with long protocol as mine was short, but I was also on norethisterone to begin with. How long are u taking it for? Do u know which injections you'll be on?

Everything is good here. Not much to report really! Just counting down now to try and get everything organised. 21 weeks now! 🥰

@Magix86 I just assumed by taking norethisterone that made it long 😂 so maybe I’m not! I just take for 2 weeks, so from ovulation to period. Then day 3 of that period have baseline scan and start 10 days of stims injections.

How exciting you’re past halfway! How are you feeling? X

@Disco24 Yeah I also thought the same when I was given them! My understanding is that it was still short protocol and that the norethisterone just helped the clinic to time my cycle so that they could get me in on certain dates. I think proper downregulation shuts everything down so maybe takes a bit longer? I could be wrong!
I'm feeling really good actually - thank you 😌 little one is kicking away so definitely feels more real now! Just struggling to find anything to wear and not finding any decent maternity clothes lol x

Ohhhh that makes sense, so yeah doing the same then 😀

So gorgeous! Glad you’re feeling good with it too. Thankfully summer is approaching so hopefully some oversized dresses will see you through 🤞

@Disco24 that's great news on your appointment! I hope they manage to push it through within the month like you say. My advice now is to eat as much sushi, camembert, goats cheese and rare steak as you can 😂.

Yes sounds like a short protocol. For long protocol, you are on down regs for two weeks before you start stims. I think I was injecting for 5-6 weeks in total ... Maybe more? It was a bit of a blur to be honest haha.

@Magix86 that's so great! I can't wait to feel the kicks. Congratulations on getting to 21 weeks 🥰. Agree with @Disco24, floaty oversized summer dresses will be your friends. Have you told people yet? I know you said you were going to wait until 20 weeks.

Ohhh good to know thank you for the explanation, can’t believe you were injecting for so long. All worth it now though 💖

Haha such a good point! I will definitely do that. Did you all completely stop alcohol too? I’m now back tee total after the 3 weeks off between cycles, but never know how others play it.

Thanks @StarJasmine93 ❤️ yes we've finally told people now! I am glad we waited though to be honest. I've ordered a few things online so hopefully they fit!
@Disco24 so I stopped alcohol completely and really tried to focus on my diet for the last few weeks that I could. Never know if it actually makes that much of a difference though. @StarJasmine93 is right though, it's a long time to go without a lot of lovely things so maybe worth treating yourself while u still can haha
What stims will you be on?

Yeah my last drink was the 31st of December and I started injections on 2nd of Jan. I'd enjoy some nice red wine with that steak before you start 😂😉.

Lovely that you've told people now @Magix86. We are off on a road trip round Scotland for a couple weeks and will see family along the way so will start telling people soon 😬. Bit nerve wracking but I'm excited to tell xx