FS - Not sure what to expect?

[Moo79]

DH & I have been TTC for almost a year now, & decided to get his sperm tested (I'm 30, he's 27). The results come back last week, & they aren't great. He has a low sperm count (5 million/ml vs the normal 20+ million/ml), so the GP has referred us to a FS, for which I'm hoping to get an appt in the next week or 2.

I haven't had any tests done, except for the standard blood tests prior to TTC.

I'm just looking for some guidance from those of you who have been there, done that around what questions we should ask, what tests the FS might perform, etc.

Any info you can give me will be greatly appreciated!

:flowerz: K

[smileygirl]

the first appointment they will go through results...and then discuss what treatment options you have.

Have they only done 1 sperm test? They can vary greatly from day to day...so they may want you to do a 2nd one for comparison. It is worth asking this over the phone when you make the appointment as it means you can get it done before the appointment and "save" time iykwim

There are lots of things they can do to help improve sperm quality...change of diet, cutting out alcohol, change of undies, menevit (i feel this made the difference with our last IVF cycle)

They will also want to check you for any issues before they proceed with any treatment (this can be blood test and an ultrasound). Have you got a personal recommendation?

Its a good chance to get to know him/her and decide if you feel comfy with them.

[Moo79]

Hey Smileygirl,

Yep, they've only done 1 test (which, just quietly, left me devastated, until I realised that it's not the end of the world, & there are options out there for us). Thanks for the tip, though, I will definitely ask if we should get another one when I call up.

Over the weekend, I bought DH Menevit as well as Zinc tablets, which he has started, so I'm hoping that will help until we see the FS.

We got the referral to one that friends have been using, & are really, really happy with. So I'm looking forward to meeting him, & seeing how things go from there.

Thankyou so much for your reply, & massive congrats on the bub you have on board :sunshine:

[smileygirl]

yes, those results can be devestating...and it is so hard to see our men hurting.

We had been thinking it was me (i have "issues" lol) but when we did our sperm tests DH had really low motility.

Then... after 3 iui and months and months we changed our FS and she did another test and it turns out he also had 96% anti sperm anti bodies....and the first fs just missed doing that test...it took us both a while to recover emotionally.

I was happier with it being "my fault"...

there is light at the end of the tunnel though and its great you know now and you are already taking action.

Is he in a healthy "ish" weight range? Would he give up caffienne and alcohol?

I hope things work out for you nice and quickly....it can be a hard road (and the bub hub girls will help you and support you like no other) but its worth it :yes:

T

PS - thanks for the congrats...i am still :smiliedance:

[Moo79]

Thanks for the support Smiley :) We've got an appt for the 24th March, so only 4 weeks to wait, to hopefully get a few more answers.

TBH, DH is getting sick of talking about it all, so I'm trying to back off a bit.

We both eat pretty healthily, but could exercise a bit more. Also, he has only recently given up smoking (even though I've been on at him for 3 years to do it....), so I'm hoping that might help increase his count over the next few months. :fingerscrossed:

I also found out this week that my brother & SIL are PG with their 2nd. So the timing could not have been worse, & I while I'm really happy for them, I really struggled to hold it together after they told us. They dont know what we've been going thru, so can't blame them for the timing, but still :banghead:

I cannot wait to see my BFP come up, fingers crossed it's sooner rather than later!!

[overitand36]

hi moo79 which clinic are you using

best of luck it does happen ours took a while and IVF but now baby coming in Aug

if you go onto the IVF section when you are ready their is lots of great support and people to answer every possible question you will have

[Moo79]

We've got our first appt with the FS in a months time, & will have to go from there. I'm sure there are a myrid of tests to go through before we get to the IVF stage, so no idea at the moment what's next, or what the future holds.

Congrats on your little bub too! It gives me a great deal of hope to read other's stories, & the success that you have had.