[BeckyM]

Hi I recognize several of you from around JM, and just wanted to ask a quick question. I'm Becky (34), DH is Tony (35). I was dx'd with PCOS in July and had thought I was the only one with fertility issues. We've found out recently that DH also has some problems. We have an appointment tomorrow morning with a urologist so I don't know yet the extent of DH's fertility issues. We found out with our first S/A on Jan 23rd that there were no spermies in DH's sample. The second analysis on Jan 28th showed the same thing so our RE referred us to the urologist. Luckily we were able to get in tomorrow due to a cancellation as their appointments are usually 6-8 weeks out. So, my question is did you ladies tell your DH/SO's ahead of time what procedures they will probably have to go thru? I'm the type of person who likes to research ahead of time so I know what to expect during the procedures, testing, bloodwork, etc. I've been looking at some of the sites regarding male infertility and sperm issues, and see that the initial tests usually involve procedures and tests that many men will be freaked out by. I've not said anything to DH about them, and am wondering if I should or just let the doctor explain it. What did you ladies do?

Thanks!

[~~*Ashley*~~]

I am in exactly the same boat you are but unfortunately have no idea. DH had his first SA which showed no sperm in the sample...now we are getting a 2nd SA on friday. After those results we are headed to a urologist so i'm interested to know what the answer to this question is lol.

[Brandiwine77]

Hi Becky and welcome!! Stick around and join us I'm Brandi, one of your co-hosts, and I do recognize you from other boards I'm glad that you guys are able to get in to see the urologist so quickly. Woo hoo for cancellations!

My DH was diagnosed with low count due to a varicocele (varicose vein in testicle). Before we went to urologist, he had to have blood work done. At the appt. the urologist felt him up quite nicely and asked lots of questions. DH ended up having surgery to fix the issue, and we're hoping to get another SA soon to see if it fixed the issue.

The blood work and physical exam are routine for any kind of issue, so I would just tell your DH that for now, because until you know what the possible issue might be, you won't really know if he will have to undergo procedures and what kind. I hope this helps!

[txjovigal]

Hi Becky! I am the other cohost for this board! (and we know each other from the TTC older members board!)

I think if once you get the results from your urologist, you would need to ask whats next. And after the urologist gives your options you will be able to research what you need.

I hope this helps! Just remember to ask lots of questions.

[~April04~]

Hi Becky, I'm sorry you have to join us over here.

Bloodwork, physical exam and testicular ultrasound are the normal things that will be done with the urologist. Good Luck hun

[richmond_girl]

Look for the post "ZERO" on this board, just a few posts down (I think) - I provided a detailed explanation of "azoospermia" (zero sperm condition) and common causes/tests. Generally at the first urologist appt they will draw blood, do a physical exam, and possibly do an ultrasound just like April said. Good luck.

[BeckyM]

Thanks, ladies for all your responses.

And Juli your response was VERY detailed. Thank you for pointing out that post. I must have missed it when I was lurking around on your board here.

We had DH's appointment yesterday. The doctor was really nice & DH was comfortable with him. He talked with us first, and then like Brandi said he would, felt DH up pretty good. During the exam, the doc didn't really feel the vas deferens but says it may still be there but will need to do further tests. DH has a lab slip for a lot of bloodwork to be done, and we go back to the urologist on Feb 25th for a biopsy of his testes. My DH sat there thru all this and didn't even flinch when the doc was saying how the biopsy was going to be done, and that in the future he can use a needle and extract the sperm directly from the testes. Ouch! So, hopefully we’ll know something after these are all done. When they do the biopsy they take two samples – one that I immediately take over to the fertility center. At the fertility center, they will do their own analysis on the sperm (which I hope & pray will be there) and if the sperm is enough in quantity and is worth saving, they will freeze the sperm for future use in our IVF. The 2nd sample gets sent off for further testing. So, we have another 3 weeks to wait before we can hopefully get some answers. I guess the possibility of having a 2009 baby is getting slimmer & slimmer, but hopefully it’ll be an early 2010 one.

Thanks again ladies!!!

[Brandiwine77]

I'm really glad that you guys have a plan going for figuring out what is going on with DH. When we went, I had to pretend to read a magazine to keep from passing out laughing when DH was getting felt up! It's about time that its not us spread eagle in midair feeling like the world can see! lol I'll be hoping for you guys that these next few weeks pass quickly and you get some resolution! KUP!

[richmond_girl]

When DH was getting felt up by our urologist, I felt a little weird and asked the doctor if I should leave. He replied, "I assume you've seen all of this before already - I think it's ok if you stay!"

Good luck at the biopsy. Buy some frozen peas beforehand and put them in mini freezer bags. Believe me, your hubby will need it. Also make sure you have some neosporin to treat the incision site afterwards. Lastly, get in some good BDing before the biopsy - you won't be able to do anything for at least a week afterwards

[Hoosier Kitty]

Hello Becky!

I'm behind on this new.... It's been forever since I've seen you!!! I hope the Urologist find out what is going on. Are you going to Shady Groves?
Hang in there!!!

[BeckyM]

I'm really glad that you guys have a plan going for figuring out what is going on with DH. When we went, I had to pretend to read a magazine to keep from passing out laughing when DH was getting felt up! It's about time that its not us spread eagle in midair feeling like the world can see! lol I'll be hoping for you guys that these next few weeks pass quickly and you get some resolution! KUP![/b]

Isn't that the truth. When the doc started the exam, I was teasing DH that at least he wasn't on the table with his feet in stirrups. The doc laughed and said he could arrange that. :biggrin:

When DH was getting felt up by our urologist, I felt a little weird and asked the doctor if I should leave. He replied, "I assume you've seen all of this before already - I think it's ok if you stay!"

Good luck at the biopsy. Buy some frozen peas beforehand and put them in mini freezer bags. Believe me, your hubby will need it. Also make sure you have some neosporin to treat the incision site afterwards. Lastly, get in some good BDing before the biopsy - you won't be able to do anything for at least a week afterwards [/b]

That's pretty much what our doc said to. LOL! And thanks for the suggestions, I'll definitely get the frozen peas and we always have neosporin in the house. I kind of figured we'd be on a BDing restriction anyway, so I'll keep that in mind to.

Hello Becky!

I'm behind on this new.... It's been forever since I've seen you!!! I hope the Urologist find out what is going on. Are you going to Shady Groves?
Hang in there!!![/b]

Hi, Aaron! I'm not much on TTC #1 lately, but I do lurk from time to time. Yes, we're using Shady Grove Fertility. They have a wonderful reputation and hopefully we'll have that success to.

[Hoosier Kitty]

Becky, I just got information from Shady Grove about IVF. Their success is good. Just cannot afford their package! We'll see!

[BeckyM]

Aaron, It can get expensive. Thankfully I have this great insurance which appears to be covering everything right now. I know that it won't cover any expenses with donor eggs or sperm but at this point we're covered. I know that they also have the shared risk program, but not sure how much it is. The financial adviser also said that there are payment options and loans as well if needed, but I don't have the details and cost on those either. Weren't you also looking at doing IVF back in Indiana where it is cheaper? I think I remember you posting about that before.

Good luck!!!