FertilityTies posts tagged with male

How good is sperm sorting as far as gender selection?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:54:46 -0600

I was wondering how good sperm sorting is as far as gender selection is concerned? I may be going this route to do gender selection for a boy. Jut wonder what anyone knew and could share with me.

miracles_do_happen

What is the male involvement for IUI?

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:24 -0500

An IUI might be the next step for us and I was just wondering what exactly is the male role in this?

I know they do a sperm washing. Does my husband have to go into a clinic to give a sample, or can he do it at home and bring it in?

And is that all he has to do really?

MrsP TTC#1

How much Co Q10 to take per day in order to help with male fertility?

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 11:51:18 -0600

I read that CoQ10 could be a good supplement for male fertility. Can you please tell me, how much CoQ10 per day should one take in order to help with male fertility issues? (We are already using FertilAid for men, but it doesn't contain any CoQ10).

Also, do you know any supplement that can help with motility issues?

Thank you in advance for your time!

Cat111

protein shakes and male infertility

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:59:15 -0600

any connection between protein shakes and male infertility..like too much protein?

Ren

Secondary male infertility

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:12:25 -0600

My husband and I have had 3 pregnancies together, and have two children - 6 and 4. We decided 18 months ago to try for baby number 3. Our last conception was 4 years ago - and happened unexpectedly with little effort, and under extreme stress. After having no success this time, I was given the female blood tests by my Doctor, and my fertility came back as excellent, - I am 35. Yesterday we took the plunge, and my husband did the Fertell home test, which checks the concentration of a man's motile sperm. It was negative - he is 54.

We are shocked and devastated! I recognise a man's fertility can decline with age, but we are puzzled. Would the decline be so rapid and catastrophic? Given that just 4 years ago (when he was 50) we were conceiving with little effort, is it possible that his age alone has had this huge effect on his fertility? He is more stressed at work as of the last 2-3 yrs, and has been taking diphenhydramine (nytol) every few weeks for insomnia - is it more likely that this could be the cause?

Your thoughts on this would be most appreciated. My husband doesn't smoke or drink (never has), eats extremely healthily, and is of normal weight. He has a good libido, and we have intercourse every few days throughout the month. We realise we now need to have further testing, but for now we would welcome any glimmer of hope (or not) to help us understand this devastating news.

Many thanks.

Lizzie73

Lyrica and male fertility

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:38:20 -0600

Hi... well my partner had a motorcycle accident 9 years ago, he lost the use of his left arm. The paralysis is not an issue however he has had pain for years, and has been (for years) taking Lyrica. It's too painful for me to even think of asking him to stop taking it for a full sperm cycle... Anyway I am fertile, I have two children (previous marriage). We are ttc, and Lyrica being relatively new (hard to find reproductive info regarding humans)I'm concerned about sperm motility/potency as well as the risk of birth defects if we do conceive. This past month I ovulated on Feb 3rd (cramping on 2nd and spotting on 3rd) and we had intercourse from Feb 31 - 2nd. I have a 24 day cycle and am due for AF Feb 15th. I have been feeling pregnant, however it may all be in my head... lol... and that's ok as I have two beautiful daughters who I am greatful for. But we would like to have another, so can you give me info on the risks of conceiving while on Lyrica as well as the chances of his sperm being 'infertile' or 'imobile'. Thank you in advance.

Kitty Kat

How does diabetes affect a man's fertility?

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:34:00 -0600

my dh just had an SA and we're waiting for the results, but i was wondering what kind of affect diabetes has on a mans fertility. also...what are the exact things they measure in an SA...i know a couple of them...mobility, deformity...etc. thanks!!!!

Bree Maggiore

Lisa's Journey to Motherhood

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:16:54 -0600

I'm 43 years old and I've been married for about ten years. My DH and I were diagnoised with male factor infertility about four and half years ago, at which time we did not have IVF insurance coverage. Prior to determining that we had male factor infertility, I had a myomectomy to remove fibroids, which my then RE thought was the cause of our infertility. Given the cost of IVF and the low success rate based on my age, we opted not to pursue IVF.

Approximately two years after our initial infertility diagnosis, we started the adoption process. We were blessed with a beautiful, baby girl and were thrilled to be parents. We were madly in love with her, but our joy was short lived as the Birthmother changed her mind and our daughter was returned to her biological mother.

My DH and I said we would wait a year before re-visiting the adoption journey, two and half years later, we're living in a new city, working new jobs, which brings us to the present.

One day while sharing me and my DH's infertility issue and failed adoption journey with one of my co-workers, which was about two weeks before me and my DH's benefits open enrollment period was scheduled to closed, my co-worker suggested that I check to see if my new employer offered IVF coverage. You see after me and my DH's failed adoption, we couldn't really bring ourselves to having a serious discussion about adoption again or being parents. Therefore, I never thought to ask this question upon starting my new job.

Not only do I now have IVF coverage ($15K max), but my DH also has coverage ($10K max). Upon learning this, I immediately enrolled in my employer's plan, as I was already covered under my DH's plan and about three weeks later my DH and I were sitting in a RE's office ready to begin the journey to parenthood.

Because of our previous failed adoption and my fear of bringing a baby into this world with down syndrome, which I believe is more of a possibility based on my current age, we were now open to using donor eggs. Also, before our failed adoption, my DH was completely against the use of donor sperm, but he is now open to such.

My DH and I spent part of this past New Year's Eve in a hospital so that I can have a second surgery to remove fibroids before starting my first IVF cycle. The surgery was a success and next it was my DH's turn to have a TESE procedure to retrieve his sperm. My DH was such a trooper. Although a little nervous, he was very optimistic about his procedure and ready to go through with the procedure. I almost burst into tears when the doctors informed me that no sperm were retrieved as my DH's body isn't producing any sperm. You see, along our journey, we learned that my DH is a Cystic Fibrosis carrier, which explains the reason his body isn't making sperm along with some other traits.

My DH was initially sad, but then almost immediately became elated with the thought of father-hood and was ready to continue our IVF cycle with the use of the back up sperm that we purchased just in case no sperm could be retrieved from him.

I'm officially an IVFER and I'm very hopeful and excited about the new journey before me. I pray that this is our season to be the proud parents of a happy and healthy baby.

Lisa D

Lisa's Journey to Motherhood

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:08:33 -0600

Lisa D

What causes weak Erection in men?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:51:00 -0600

Can any one help me with his please...what causes weak erection in men and even when there is erection when once he start to bd it becomes weak...we are so confused what could have gone wrong...any help?

Victory

What can be done to treat Teratzoospermia?

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:04:42 -0600

We just found out my husband has mild to moderate Teratzoospemia we already have a son, but we've been ttc #2 for 18months now with no luck. Is there anything we can do to fix the morphology of his sperm? Also what are the odds of me becoming pregnant on my own with him having this? Please any information is very much appreciated

sdolly

Male factor fertility question regarding foreskin and jelly like semen/sperm

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:54:00 -0600

This is actually 2 questions that are really playing on my mind. I asked Shane if I could post and he gave me permission. Hopefully someone can offer some advice as its at least 3wks b4 we can see our ivf dr

1. We bd this afternoon and he had to stop just as he was "coming" coz it was getting really nervy (sore) for him. When he withdrew his foreskin was pulled half way up his penis and took like half an hr to finally come back down., It was like he got way to 'happy' and 'bursted' out of his 'jacket'. This happens maybe like 3 times a month. Besides for causing him pain is this something we should be concerned about? we are going to mention it next time we see the ivf dr

2. Also this afternoon after bd while waiting for the skin to come back down I noticed that the seman/sperm that was coming out was the way it normly is (a bit thicker then ewcm) but instead it was like a VERY jelly like blobs. Thats the best I can describe it, sorry. What could cause this?

flutterbyejewels

Can an ultrasound determine the gender at 14 weeks?

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0600

Ok Dr. Q or any other Dr on FT/ladies, I have an ultrasound scheduled at 14 weeks excatly and I wan tot know if that is too early to have the gender deterimined? I'm hoping they can tell me then,but I was wondering what's the earliest via ultrasound that one can find out the gender of the baby?

Also ladies I'd like to know if any of you found out at 14 weeks.

Recurrent_MC_chick(is preg w/1surviving twin!!)

What is atypical hypergonadism diagnosis (male) and what type of specialist do I need to see?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:26:00 -0600

I am a 38 yr. old male diagnosed with 'atypical' hypergonadism, or as I understand it my FSL LSH Prolactin are within normal range and I do not have a pituitary abnormality, thus there is no explanation for the low testosterone/ low sperm count (I think the Dr used 3 long words or 4 to describe this) here is my history.

1) Semen Analysis 11/2007 indicated

SEMEN VOLUME 1.2L

Sperm Count 0.2L

Total Sperm Count 0.2L

Total Sperm Motility 0.0

Sperm Viability 80%

Sperm Fructose Positive

"Very few sperm noted in concentrated specimen. No motile sperm observed"

2) Urologist lab retest 1/2008

Viscosity: Low

Motility: Less than 10% (low)

Forward Progression: Sluggish

Volume: 1.0

ph 8.0

WBC .1 - .2

RBC 0

only rare sluggish motile sperm seen

count 0.6 L

morphology: unable to do morphology because of low count

FSH 5.6

LH 2.0

Prolactin 3.9

(all normal)

Testosterone 123 LOW

Urologist basically said my case was beyond his expertise and referred me to endocrinologist

3) Endocrinologist 2/2008 labs

T4 10.0

T-3 Uptake 34.1

TSH 3.6

T07 (FTI) 3.41

Testosterone 65.7

SHBG Sex hormone binding glob 22.9

Free Testosterone 13.9

FSH 6.8

LH 5.9

Prolactin 11.4

Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 90 (low)

confirmed hypogonadism IGF 1 low suggesting pituitary abnormality

4) MRI results indicated no pituitary abnormality

5) Even though we and explicitly indicated we were trying to have a family, endocrinologist prescribed androgel to treat low testosterone...

6) Endocrinologist lab 5/8/08

not sure what some of these are but just in case

RBC 4.17 low

HGB 13.3 low

HCT 38.0 low

Testosterone 204

Free Testosterone 50.3

At that point endocrinologist increased androgel dose to 7.5mg

Once we learned of androgel's impact on fertility we immediately discontinued and never returned to this endocrinologist as he never listened to us as to our primary reason for seeing him in the first place

5) Went to reproductive endocrinologist who told us to discontinue androgel and immediately (same day) start taking clomid

I have been taking clomid for over 3 months 1/2 pill a day

6) internist tested testosterone level with regular lab work 8/18/08 now 403

7) retest 11/21/08 now 421

8) while I have not seen this reported, I have had sexual side effects to clomid

a) difficultly maintaining erection

b) difficulty achieving orgasm

c) low sex drive

tested this by stopping clomid for several weeks and side effects went away. I have not read that others get this but making it difficult to achieve desired results.

9) Reproductive endocrinologist did not order new sperm count ever and did not recommend we return (just keep taking clomid) and suggested my side effects may be transitional from shifting from androgel.

10) Intent on not returning to that reproductive endocrinologist, we went to a regular endocrinologist recommended by internist who was very nice and listened to everything but he said that endocrinologists do not treat this sort of thing and never before last week (when the same thing happened) has he had a patient come to him for this - he said to go to a urologist or reproductive endocrinologist.

My wife is 35 and frantic that it is almost too late.

1) My research indicates that either an endocrinologist that specializes in hormonal imbalances or an "Andrologist" which I'm unable to find in my city would be the proper doctor to address my issue.

2) Can you explain in clear english based on lab results I provided what it appears my diagnosis is - I have SOME sperm that have SOME motility, right?

3) Can I go to someplace like a sperm bank to provide lots of samples where they can then freeze and accumulate my sperm to take the low amount of motile sperm and combine it?

4) What is the best kind of dr for me to see. I fear going to reproductive endocrinologist that their training is mostly in female reproductive organs which is why I much prefer urologist or endocrinologist but everyone we go to see we get 'I'm not the right person for this and don't know who is'...further my insurance does not cover infertility/reprod. endocrinologist but DOES seem to at least partially cover urologist/endocrinologist so financially I might save lots of money going to one of those - what are the right questions for me to ask when calling to establish new patient appt to make sure I am calling a doctor with the EXPERIENCE to properly treat me

5) Based on my lab results does it appear that HCG injections have a (high/low) chance of success to achieve pregnancy (my wife's reproductive system has been checked out - she had a small amount of endometriosis which has been removed)

6) Finally, since my FSH is in normal range am I still considered Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism?

I don't know if I'm allowed to mention cities/locations but if so I'm in Dallas TX. Thank you.

Another1

what can help with Male Fertility

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:20:00 -0600

What can help male fertility? My husband and I took a Fertell test and his did not turn out like we hoped. He's been taking FertilAid for the last month - no luck so far. Is there any prescription or anything at all we can do to increase his sperm count, motility, etc.?

elizabeth83

Test Result and Situation Question about Semen Analysis

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:05:27 -0600

My Husband had 2 semen analysis done, one in Oct. and one in Nov., both came back with no sperm (however in Sept. I was pregnant ended with ectopic). The fertility specialist we are seeing sent him to a urologist. My husband had undescended testicles as a child, he had a surgery to bring them down then had to have 2 more b/c the left one kept rising up. So when the doctor did the physical exam he noticed his left testicle is slightly raised into his body and it's half the size of a normal testicle (which he said is common in people who had undescended testicle) But his right testicle is normal, he then did blood work and found that all of his hormone levels are normal except his FSH level was a 9 and the normal level is 1-8. So it isn't that high just slighty elevated. I just don't understand how he could have sperm in Sept. but not in the past 2 months??? This is the most frustrating thing ever!!! Could there be a cause that sperm is suddenly not comming out or not being produced in a matter of a month?

Ally6181

How important are infertility clinic success rates?

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:06:52 -0600

We have male factor infertility. We conceived our first child through IVF/ICSI on our first try. Now we are looking to do IVF again.

How important are success rates if we only have male factor and are using ICSI? The clinic we conceived our first child at has a 45% success rate of live births but is very expensive. But they treat a lot of male factor patients.

The second clinic we are looking at uses ARC and is cheaper- but their success rates of live births is only 23%. But they had a large number of low ovarian reserve patients and very few male factor patients.

We know we only get one more try and just don't know what to do.

WinchestyD

Male Infertility and fertell tests

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:56:00 -0600

My husband and I ordered the Fertell tests and took them. Mine was great, but it turns out he has a problem with his sperm. I ordered FertilAid for Men and he's almost taken one whole bottle - no pregnancy so far. One lady on the FertilAid website said her husband took the FertilAid with Vitamin C, so I bought some of that today so he can start taking it. I honestly don't know a whole lot about fertility treatments and drugs to take...but I was wondering if anyone knew if - even though there is nothing wrong with me- I take Clomid it would help us get pregnant? I've been taking prenatal vitamins for a year ... but that's it. I'm just curious. I'm trying to find answers. I'm 25 and he's about 10 years older. I'm hoping to find something to help us conceive. :(

elizabeth83

Do creatine supplements have any affect on male fertility or sperm count?

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:22:00 -0600

My husband is taking creatine and has been for several months. During that same time, we've been trying to get pregnant with baby #2. We had no trouble the first time around and while I realize it's still early, I'm wondering if the creatine my husband is taking could be hurting our chances of getting pregnant.

wikiwiki

When it's him- dealing with male factor infertility.

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:25:33 -0600

I see so many posts for women dealing with female infertility issues, but it is hard to find anyone dealing with male factor.

I hate that I have no control over the situation. Somedays I wish it was me instead of him. I know he feels blame and responsibility. I wish he didn't. He keeps everything bottled up inside and I can see it taking a toll on him. I so badly want another child but hate to keep bringing it up because I don't want to upset him.

Anyone else dealing with male factor that feels frustrated and stressed out?

WinchestyD