[CaseyCase]

Can any of you who have, perhaps, been down this road help me out?
What goes on during a first appointment with an RE?
We've been TTC for 12 cycles now (with one m/c @ 12 weeks) and my husband has very low sperm counts (although I'm super happy to report he had a 2nd SA and they jumped UP! Still low, but improved... so, at least that's in the right direction).

Anyway,
We have an appt on the 10th with an RE?
What goes on at this first appointment, when it's assumed it's the man that has the issues?
Will I still get tested for anything, just to be sure? Will he have more tests on his end?
I have no idea what to expect.. so I was just wondering if anyone could clue me in here!

Thanks..

[*Jillian*]

We just talked my first visit. He explained some things and talked to me about what we had been doing.

He scheduled an Estridol test (just bloodwork) and an ultrasound to check or follicles. Then after I ovulated I went in 7 days later to get my progesterone checked.

If I don't get pregnant this cycle I will have an HSG. Still waiting on DH's sperm analysis.

[CaseyCase]

So, perhaps just a talk/consult like visit to start with then? I was wondering if it would just be that, or more extensive..
Thank you SO much!

[*Jillian*]

There are a ton of typos in that post! I was pretending to listen to my husband while replying to you! lol

And I have a question for you. Did you husband do anything to get his sperm count up?

[CaseyCase]

I pretend that all the time, it's ok

And yes, he went on a bunch of vitamins! I did a some research online, and consulted with a friend whos husband had low counts..
My husband took: fertility blend, fish oil, zinc and vitamin c.

Daily Wellness Company® FertilityBlend™ for Men - DAILY WELLNESS - GNC

It's a bit expensive :/ You may be able to find it cheaper somewhere else, or even online. I think amazon has it. We got ours at GNC because my husband works near one, and it was just convenient.

His sperm count the first time-
4 million
23% motility
2% morphology

went to:
7 million
36% motility
3% morphology

That's no miracle or anything, the numbers are still low. I'm even aware that sperm counts can just vary and differ at different times.. the vitamins could have nothing to do with the slight rise. But, I'm pretending they worked, lol.. and he's still taking it all. I was able to get pregnant before (ended in m/c) so I know I can. I'm just happy for the hike in all 3 areas! Anything is something

[*Jillian*]

Well, we've been trying for 8 cycles. So far all I know is I ovulate and have a thick uterine lining and good sized follicles.

We had our first child with no problem...I got pregnant the first month we tried. I'm just trying to think of anything we can safely do to boost our fertility.

[CaseyCase]

Well, you can certainly try any of those vitamins above- all safe and might help him, if his counts find to be low

I don't know HOW much any of this helps, but when we got DH's tests back and I did research, certain websites pointed to diet (eating better), less alcohol, no smoking, more exercise, etc. << not saying your husband smokes and drinks, I don't know what he does, lol.. I'm just saying.. in general, you know what I mean Cutting those things out are supposed to help. Just don't know how much.

[*Jillian*]

He doesn't smoke or drink anymore so that wasn't an issue. His diet is improving and he has started exercising more regularly.

When he gave his sample he had only waited 2 days. I am worried this wasn't enough time to get a good reading. My RE suggests we abstain from cycle day 11 until ovulation so we tried that this month, with some preseed. I'm hoping it works.

Good luck at your appointment. RE's are just there to help. If anything it made me feel more hopeful to talk to one.

[CaseyCase]

Thank you so much (for your help, too!).
I'm excited to go, just moving to the "next step" has me optimistic.

Good luck to YOU, and hopefully you and your husband get that big blaring positive on a test soon!