Waiting again ever moving goal posts,...anyone experienced male factor treatment delays?

[Minniemouse88]

Hi all,

I hope you are all finding a way through your journeys.

I start with an apology. So far,I think I've posted three times about waiting but it really is gruelling for me and husband and I just wanted to reach out and hear about others on a similar journey...

After several months of private work up tests, beginning in April, we had azoospermia confirmed and were referred for NHS surgical sperm retrieval in a clinic run by the same consultant. We have been waiting since June for our first appointment, which was today,but reassured consistently that SSR would be in a couple of weeks after and we would likely be starting treatment in Autumn.

Today, we filled out HFEA forms and were given an appointment for SSR for 27th September and if sperm is found approximately January to start ICSI. In the grand scheme,I realise this is only a few months difference from Autumn but the waiting so far has really taken its toll.

Trying to keep my OH positive but he is desperate know if there will ever be a chance of us having his genetically linked offspring. I tell him I love him everyday regardless of where this takes us,but it's so sad seeing him under so much stress.

I take my hat off to you all enduring all the other aspects of the infertility journey and hope someone further along the path can share some more wisdom.

Moan over...sorry! Xxx

[Missl73]

I feel you, we had a good 6+ months of waiting because of needing to do certain treatments for MFI before we could do ICSI. It was so frustrating at the time but it was worth it in the long run. I used the time to get healthy myself, take all the supplements for improving egg quality etc to give ourself the best possible chance. We now have a 2 year old son and his brother coming in December xx

[Minniemouse88 in reply to Missl73]

Thank you...So reassuring to hear that you had a lovely outcome in the end and congratulations again. Please can I ask what supplements you took? At the moment I'm just on the preconception ones with zinc, folic acid and vitamin D. Xx

[Missl73 in reply to Minniemouse88]

I also took Ubiquinol on top of the ones you mention. I cut alcohol and caffeine out entirely and kept active xx

[Minniemouse88 in reply to Missl73]

Thank you Missl73! X

[helodie]

We too have had to wait- for my DH’s microTESE in our case.

After calling to make an appointment in November 21 we were given a 1st consult date for May 22, we have done tests then he had his operation earlier this month. Our next appointment isn’t until The end of September due to the volume of people accessing the service (think NHS equivalent but in France) and I have been given October as a goal for our first egg retrieval and ICSI.

It’s a LONG road isn’t it!

Before this I had to have a different medical treatment for 2 years to get my health into the place where we could start, so any small delays now seem unbearable.

I just wanted to say, please moan away, I’ll be right there with you

[Minniemouse88 in reply to helodie]

Thank you so much and good to hear you are on track to start soon. All the best for a smooth journey ahead and do moan back to me if you need too!

[JoyfulStar]

Hi

I can understand your frustration. Hubby and I also had several months of waiting before he could have his sperm surgically removed. We were not exactly in the same position as you but still it was quite a frustrating wait.

Time was a critical factor for us as we are an “older couple”. His surgery was cancelled several times so I spoke to our consultant who stepped in to ensure that the next appointment went ahead.

We ended up with enough sperm for several cycles so if

you are lucky, this will be a one time thing when you eventually get there.

Like Missl73 mentioned when there are delays, this might be a good time to focus on your health and well-being. I also took supplements like CQ10, ate 2 portions of oily fish a week, exercised more, cut it alcohol and caffeine etc.

All the best hun x

[Minniemouse88 in reply to JoyfulStar]

Really sound advice, thank you. Definitely will try another portion of oily fish a week! All the best with your cycles and take care x

[Ree_Laine]

Hi hun, we were in the same boat last year. My partner also has Azoospermia and we had to wait approximately 8 months after being referred to a urologist for SSR . Unfortunately it was unsuccessful and we’re due to start IVF next month with donor sperm. All the best and good luck to you and your other half I hope you get a successful outcome xxx

[BabyBearx]

Hi 👋 We are in the same boat, just waiting to discuss sperm donation then we can move forward. Hope your journey is going well xx