Community post
Zero Sperm
DH and I just got results back from his SA and the count was "virtually zero." I know that I should wait for another SA and a urologist's opinion before I panic, but I think it's too late for that :( I really broke down when I asked the nurse what our chances would be for natural conception and her response was, "zero." She laid out the steps (and costs, holy schnikeys) for IVF and donor sperm with IUI, and I'm really overwhelmed and fairly devastated. There aren't many lifestyle changes he could make that we are aware of, so we have no idea how this could have happened. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm also extremely worried the emotional toll this could take on him.
14 Replies • 8 years ago
Pregnancy test calculator
Use this calculator to help you decide when to take your first home pregnancy test.
Replies
Is he on any medication? Treatment for low testosterone and other hormonal issues is known to shut down sperm production. They may be able to retrieve a few sperm through surgery, then you could do ivf with icsi. It sounds like he might have a few because they said "virtually zero" and not just zero.
7 years ago
He's not on any medication, but he's going to see a urologist to find out what his options are to boost the count. From my own googling, I guess the urologist can diagnose whether there is a blockage or some genetic reason for the low count. From there, if they can't boost it with medication or surgery, they can go into the testes to collect it there, and we could do IVF with whatever they get. It's just so jarring to go from thinking it could happen any month to considering IVF. Ugh!
7 years ago • Post starter
I'm with you. We went from thinking it could happen any month to bam, less than 1% motility and scheduling our first fertility clinic appointment for June 3. I promise with everything in me that every day this news becomes easier to deal with. I remember staying strong for my husband when we found out the news, to crumbling into a ball on the floor after he left the house. Science can do amazing things and there ARE options out there. Try not to get discouraged and don't lose your faith.
7 years ago
Abbie--thank you for your kind words! That is very encouraging. I'm so sorry to hear you guys are in a similar situation :( And I did EXACTLY what you did: stayed strong and encouraging in front of my husband only to erupt into a sobbing puddle as soon as I was alone. It's been just over a week now since we got his SA results back, and those first few days were hard, but you're right; time helps as it sinks in and it has become a little easier to deal with. Now we just focus on what the possible cause could be, how to treat it (if it can be treated) and go from there.
7 years ago • Post starter
Abbie--thank you for your kind words! That is very encouraging. I'm so sorry to hear you guys are in a similar situation :( And I did EXACTLY what you did: stayed strong and encouraging in front of my husband only to erupt into a sobbing puddle as soon as I was alone. It's been just over a week now since we got his SA results back, and those first few days were hard, but you're right; time helps as it sinks in and it has become a little easier to deal with. Now we just focus on what the possible cause could be, how to treat it (if it can be treated) and go from there.
7 years ago • Post starter
Yep, we got the news in February I believe. His dr. "You're fine, it only takes one sir"...... so we were done playing with them until my appointment in April. Another SA confirmed that in fact is probably our issue and we were referred to a fertility clinic. Gotta remain hopefully and strong in faith. When I start to wonder where God is in this mess I try to remind myself that the teacher is always quiet during the test.
7 years ago
I understand, just relax as much as you can. Try to find something else fun to focus on (like for example....we are getting a puppy this summer, lol). I've read that fertility specialists can actually go INSIDE his testicles and extract sperm from there. OR he could very well have a varicocele in which case he might need a surgery and that could fix all of your problems. The more you stress, the more it will drive you crazy. Try to just wait for your appointment to see what they have to say before you panic anymore. :-) Feel free to message me on here any time because I know exactly what you are going through!
7 years ago
Abbie, thank you for your perspective. You are so wise. I just need to focus on something else until he sees the urologist. A puppy is a great distraction!! We have a 3-year old dog who definitely helps cheer me up in my darkest moments.
Of course while we are going through this, I am in the middle of studying for a really intense exam that I will sit for in 3 weeks. I've been studying since January, and now should be the time that I ramp up my study hours, but I am so low on motivation. As soon as the test is over I will be able to do have my weekends back and do fun things.
7 years ago • Post starter
Early pregnancy symptoms by day past ovulation
What signs and symptoms are most common on each day past ovulation?
More Discussion posts
- Adorable Princess Peach Coloring Page for Creative Toddlers
- How was your reaction and thoughts on your very first BFP?
- MMOexp: Enhancing Gold-Making in WoW Classic SoD
- MMOexp: Efficient Ways to Quickly Gain Madden 24 Coins
- Dominate the Field in FC 24 with MMOexp Winning Tips
- Can some help me? Please?
- View more...
More posts by hannah2000