Starting the process... Any advice?

[LunaLovegood11]

Hi all, me and my partner have been TTC for about 14 months, and have now been referred to the hospital. They’ve done some initial tests and think it’s a sperm problem, so have recommended Proxeed sachets and are testing him again - if the results are the same then IVF is our option. We’re at the losing end of the postcode lottery so would have to pay for IVF 😞 it’s been a tough thing to handle so far, getting upset when friends fall pregnant then feeling guilty about it. Do you have any advice at this point going forwards?

[Annie1609]

Hi my husband and I are now in the process of finding out where we stand with having ivf etc. He has a low sperm count and I have pcos. All of this we have found out in the last 12 months. Two of my close friends have just had babies close together. I have good days and bad days. I just keep thinking I’m doing the best I can ! My advice is be kind to yourself x

[LunaLovegood11]

Thank you! Same here with 2 close friends of mine. I’m really scared about the stresses the whole process can put onto a relationship xx

[Annie1609 in reply to LunaLovegood11]

Yes there definitely is a strain on our relationship. It breaks my heart when we drive / walk past a family and my husband says “why can’t I be a dad?” Iv never heard of proxeed what does it do ?

Sending you all my positive thoughts xx

[LunaLovegood11 in reply to Annie1609]

The doctor at the hospital recommended them to increase sperm quality, they’re a male vitamin from what I can see, taken in sachet format twice a day - you but them online, they’re about £80 for a month’s worth but she seemed pretty confident in them. Worth a look?

Thanks so much for the support, it means a lot xxx

[Annie1609 in reply to LunaLovegood11]

Thank u will take a look xx

[Lots8788]

Hiya

I also have two close friends who are due around the same time.

I try and take a day at a time rather than thinking too far ahead, making sure I take time away from technology and trying to do fun things with hubby

This site helps massively too,everyone is so kind and supportive and nice to be able to speak to others who know what you're going through

Good luck with it all x x

[LunaLovegood11]

Thank you, it seems a great little lifeline on here to share and read about others who are dealing with the same things. Wishing everyone the best of luck xxx

[Lots8788 in reply to LunaLovegood11]

Indeed x thanks hun, wishing you the best of luck too x

[greengreen]

Hey

I would recommend to read it starts with an egg. It's full of info and also another book for you as you have pcos is a book called woman code.

It's all about diet and nutrition and what is relevant to take vitamins wise if you have pcos and also has info about how to improve sperm quality.

They are handy and are full of info and I would really recommend them.

Even if it comes back as it is a sperm problem just remember that working on improving your egg quality which takes around 3 months is crucial as well. And that is all I've focused on myself personally as I have pcos and was told only ivf would be our option.

I cut out all plastics and dont store any food I eat in plastic Tupperware. I avoid them at all costs.

Dont heat anything in plastic and eat it e.g microwaved meals.

My doctor also recommended I take inofolic to help with my pcos. Its bought online.

I try to use more natural products at home e.g cleaning products I use method brand.

Switch to a natural deodorant.

Balanced diet but mine is higher in protein and try to avoid white carbs.

Drink full fat milk.

Organic eggs.

Both of you drink pure pomegranate juice eat pineapple including the core and watermelon.

If you dont exercise well now is the time to introduce this into your routine. I'm not an exercise fan but I've been doing yoga and meditation on the odd occasion.

I wish you all the best on your journey xx

[Hopesanddreams1987]

Hi LunaLovegood11 , I’m sorry you’re going through this. My husband & I found out 2 months ago that he has zero sperm after trying to conceive for the last 18 months. We’re due to go back on Monday to get various blood test results to see what could be causing the issue & then hopefully go on to have ICSI.

It was a punch in the face when we heard the news & we’ve both been through so many emotions, especially for the first couple of weeks. We’re both feeling more positive about it now though, we have hope and have both decided that if the worst comes to the worst we will go down the sperm donor route - my husbands words were “I’d rather raise a baby than never have a baby at all”.

We’ve also gone private and while the cost is horrendous, we both have the same opinion that you can’t take money with you and if there’s one truly worthy reason to get into a bit of debt, it would be to have a child as the result!

I hope hearing what others are going through is some comfort to you - you’re never alone in this journey, which is why forums like this are a treasure. Wishing you all the luck in the world and hope you have a little bundle in your arms soon enough 🙂 Xx

[LunaLovegood11]

Thank you, it’s lovely so far just to hear from others and realise we aren’t alone i this - something no one talks about and we grow up thinking it’ll just happen when we’re ready! I guess it’s all about staying strong and coping together ❤️ wishing all you lovely ladies all the luck in this xxxx

[Lissalou]

Unfortunately I can’t have Ivf via the nhs I also have to pay for treatment, I’m in the process of trying to appeal with the help of my local MP. My sister in laws water broke early hours this morning (baby still isn’t here yet) if she isn’t here today they want her to go back 6 tomorrow morning. I know I should be happy for her and excited about being an Aunty again, but I can’t help wishing it was me about to have my baby. I just feel like it’s never going to happen and I should give up the fight now, it’s been very stressful the whole situation. I hope you are successful with your Ivf journey. Best wishes xx

[LunaLovegood11 in reply to Lissalou]

It’s a shame that the funding is so sporadic. Aww I totally understand what it’s like, I feel guilty for getting jealous but I suppose it’s a natural response when we are struggling. Thinking of you xxx

[S_asha in reply to LunaLovegood11]

Anymore news on tests for you? I can not believe the ivf postcode lottery is so pronounced that some people get no tries at all! I know that may make me sound naive but how is this allowed!! Xx

[LunaLovegood11]

My partner did a second sperm sample on Thursday and I’m in for blood tests at the hospital next week on my day 3/4. Then we have a telephone call appointment with the hospital - but I’m not sure what this is about, I just got a letter through. Perhaps just next steps? After this I believe we email to the hospital and then have to go back in to figure what’s next... It’s a little confusing as they threw so much info at us in one appointment. Ah and they’ve recommended Proxeed sachets for my partner to improve sperm quality... xxx

[S_asha in reply to LunaLovegood11]

I know what you mean! There's a lot to take in isn't there!! I had my day 3 last week. Maybe the phone call is to go over results so far? After my day 21 I was told to ring up for results which I did and they've led to follicle scans which start Tuesday but no one has mentioned anything to me yet about day 3 results but assuming they might on Tuesday morning. Good luck with tests this week hope next steps come soon xx

[LPR17]

Hi LunaLovegood11, I’m sorry to read about your fertility struggles- it’s so hard! I wonder if you would mind telling me where you ordered Proxeed from- I’m nervous to order it from a random website! Many thanks and lots of luck on your journey!xxx

[LunaLovegood11 in reply to LPR17]

Hey we get it from Amazon, the specialist said it’s available on there - I haven’t looked on too many other websites, I think the cost is fairly standard, so not cheap but hopefully is working!

Here’s a link:

amazon.co.uk/sachet-PROXEED...

[LPR17 in reply to LunaLovegood11]

Thank you very much! Will take a look- sometimes it’s nice to just feel like your are doing something. Thanks again.

[LunaLovegood11]

I think they contain the same sort of vitamins as other men’s supplements but maybe better quality, my partner was taking decent supplements anyway but doesn’t hurt to do these when they were recommended by the specialist!

I think on the whole both keep healthy and enjoy life still, and each other, and I know they say relax which is really annoying 🙃 but it’s worth checking out ways to practice mindfulness xxx