[richmond_girl]

Need your thoughts, ladies...

Would you get (or have you gotten) genetic/chromosomal/karotype testing for DH?

I am starting to freak out about our chances of a successful pregnancy with IVF/ICSI/TESE. I keep reading about how the men should get the testing above first to make sure any genetic abnormalities are identified and not passed down to the offspring prior to doing the IVF. Apparently there are some theories that men with low sperm counts (MFI) have underlying chromosomal issues that really need to be researched/addressed prior to attempting a pregnancy.

Are we stupid to go through IVF without doing any of this testing? Our RE and urologists don't appear to think it's necessary. DH has had physicals and a ton of bloodwork done, and they've yet to mention or recommend doing genetic testing. They say that we've got a great shot of pregnancy and that it just makes more sense for us to go the IVF route than spend months doing diagnostic testing which may or may not lead to any useful information and COULD make the infertility worse (by creating scar tissue, etc). But then again, they're not the ones who'd have to deal with a miscarriage or birth defects if God forbid we missed something and forced a pregnancy to occur that shouldn't have.

I know this is a sensitive topic, but I'd really appreciate anyone's opinions/thoughts!!

[.H.e.a.t.h.e.r.]

I would get it done personally. My SO had it done before he knew he had an issue (His mother told him all the tests and procedures he went through as a kid/teen were normal for all boys).

He hasnt told me everything they did to him but he said they were some very invasive tests and he even asked his older brother who had been instructed to lie and say he had them too.

Not sure why his issue was a huge secret in his family...his mother didn't even tell him when he was married and TTC before I met him.

the reason we havent bothered to do IVF/TESE/ICSI whatever is because apparently there are risks of the same issue or other chromosomal abnormalities.

I think it depends on what is going on with your situation though. Mine isnt just a low count he has a known chromosomal abnormality.

[Brandiwine77]

I honestly haven't thought about it. I guess the reason I haven't thought about it is because we're probably not going to do IVF for various reasons. But I would assume that it would have to be an individual decision weighing both the pros and cons.

[richmond_girl]

Thanks ladies. I guess our doctors have not recommended it because they seem to think DH's issues are due to a physical blockage, not any issues at the cellular/chromosomal level. I think we are going to try one cycle of IVF but if they can't find spermies via the biopsy or the spermies don't fertilize my eggs well, we'll probably do some genetic testing then.

[RainyDayGirl]

I wouldn't, personally, because it seems like the negative effects (time, money, scarring) outweigh the likelihood of discovering any useful information in your case. If the doctors aren't pushing for it, the wait-and-see approach may be much more pleasant for you and your DH both, since you're undoubtedly both starting to feel like pincushions on the IVF road. Good luck!

[Oriyan]

We were told that due to DF's horrible sperm issues we should seek genetic counseling.

I told him i wouldnt do it because i dont want to know. What good is knowing gonna do? Nothing. If its something thats gonna happen, then its gonna happen.

We never went, and tada! IVF baby on the first try, and everything is OK so far.

[Hoosier Kitty]

with Sam.

I wouldn't do it. I would try the IVF first and see where it goes. Good luck!