ICSI Male Factor

[Nicki89]

Hi everyone,

We are about to start our first cycle of IVF / ICSI as my husband has a low sperm count. He has given two samples so far to be frozen and I had my drug appointment today. Unfortunately I was told that may not be able to go ahead with this cycle as the samples weren’t good enough and may need TESE.

I’m so upset and worried my husband will become depressed and angry.

Has anyone else been through this?

Thanks x

[LCharlton]

Hi, we also need ICSI due to serious sperm issues, although we haven't gone for TESE as yet, my husband is on letrozole which we're hoping will produce an improvement. I think it is really difficult for men and they need a lot of reassurance that you still love them etc - the whole thing is super frustrating but I try not to ever say that to my husband. Wishing you lots of luck xx

[Nicki89 in reply to LCharlton]

Thank you for your quick response. I will ask if they recommend Letrozole or any other drugs that might help. Good luck on your journey too xx

[LCharlton in reply to Nicki89]

I think your husband would only need letrozole if he has very low testosterone levels but normal FSH, which is the situation for my husband - I think getting to see a good urologist who will thoroughly check him out is essential. Most IVF consultants are really sexist if I'm honest and only look at women properly but pretty much ignore men and don't do enough tests for them xx

[Klsb2110]

Hello!! I’m sorry your husband is having to go through this for you to start the IVF process. My husband did have to have the TESE procedure due to his infertility :/ he was sore and limited lifting for a month but all went well! And I will soon be starting the injections for Egg retrieval. If you have any questions about the procedure I could try to tell you what happened for us to get this far. Good Luck!!

[Nicki89 in reply to Klsb2110]

Hi. I’m sorry that you’ve had to go through this too. Someone from the hospital is due to call us next week so hopefully we can get some more answers as to what is wrong and how long the waiting list is for TESE. Good luck on your cycle! xx

[Klsb2110 in reply to Nicki89]

Thank you! And Good luck the surgery was minor so hope all goes well with your guys journey.

[Cici85]

Hi, we also had issues with sperm, my husband had TESE last year October. The retrieval was successful, we got 9 vials frozen. The Op went smooth, he recovered fully in 2 days.

We got 9 vials from the Op, sadly our first cycle failed and on number 2 cycle now.

I don’t think you should worry too much, he’s going to be ok .

All the best of luck.xx

[Nicki89 in reply to Cici85]

Hi,

Thank you for quick response.

This gives me some reassurance that TESE can work.

Wishing you lots of luck on your 2nd cycle xx