Seeking Advice on Male Infertility

C

crazymee

New Member
Hi there,

Would like to seek advice on the following (understand it's a mother's forum but i am a guy and gained a lot of new knowledge from here):
- i recently went for my first SA in my life (diagnosed as cryptozoospermia) and had very little sperm (which died too).
- went to do checkup with fertility doc and was recommended to do testes ultrasound (have varicocele) and blood hormone check (normal FSH / LH level), suggested to take supplement for 3 months and check SA again.
- understand that the last check will be to either have karyotyping/Y chromosome check to see if there is any issue with my genes, if not then may need biopsy test in future and as a result ivf, or worst case donor sperm

I am currently in a relationship (not yet married) - both of us are 30 and definitely both of us would want to have a baby after getting married. Have told my other half about the results (wanted to share cos she has the right to know too), and she mentioned about the prospects of IVF being tough (as compared to normal pregnancy).

I am currently at a lost as to whether i should call this relationship off (it's not right to deprive her of someone healthy to have babies together (she really want babies and for me to be frank i am okay with no baby unless i am married (means if i am married i would want to have a biological baby)), or to 'lead' her on - have shared with her the complications and results of my SA diagnosis, for i am thinking that if we want to get married, we will have to spend a lot more just to get a baby (on top of housing (flat), marriage etc) and we are just median income earners.

All honest comments / feedback appreciated! Thanks a lot in advance!
 

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Bro. I think that you deciding to call the relationship off or feel like your depriving her, is really not your call.
You must respect her as a logical intelligent adult who can make her own decisions. Do not make the choice for her, or feel like you are making it easier on her because ultimately it not your call or your decision to make.
 
Lostdad said:
Bro. I think that you deciding to call the relationship off or feel like your depriving her, is really not your call.
You must respect her as a logical intelligent adult who can make her own decisions. Do not make the choice for her, or feel like you are making it easier on her because ultimately it not your call or your decision to make.
Click to expand...

I agree that I should not be making the decision for her, but instead lay out my cards clearly on the table (by explaining to her my situation - not hiding anything) and let her decide. Since either way I am not in a position to make the decision.

Have shared with her that the follow up will be 3 months later after trying out the supplement. Just feeling that it is dragging the pain...
 
What i feel you two should do and that is more productive, is to save up $$ for the WORST scenario which is either IVF or n or adoption or whatever else the experts advise.
 
Hi, have you considered or will consider TCM? I visit this TCM for my fertility acupuncture, i'm a female, but he is actually more popular with men's fertility. Mr Tan Kian Sing from TCM Healthcare Medical Centre in Clementi. If you intend to give him a shot, bring all your reports along to show him. From my experience so far he's the only TCM who will acupuncture all the way down to near the groin area/fertility organ) for both men and women and i think that helps. My husband takes some of his pills and goes for acupuncture sometimes for general fertility health.

Agree with @Lostdad on all his advises. There can be so many other scenarios in which two person can still have issues with fertility despite good health. Love between the couple is most important. If the love is strong it will tide both of you through all issues and problems with life, not just fertility. You do your best, be transparent with your partner and let her make her decision. All the best !
 
As of now, i have not considered TCM yet. Was just recently being shared the news, am taking western supplements for the time being. Will consider it in the near future, thanks!

Yeap, agree with @QLW that love will prevail. Though just concerned that she may be unable to bear with the pain of IVF, her skin is very thin and she's afraid of needles - not in the best of health too. Will learn to be transparent and let her make her decision too.

Thanks!!
 
crazymee said:
As of now, i have not considered TCM yet. Was just recently being shared the news, am taking western supplements for the time being. Will consider it in the near future, thanks!

Yeap, agree with @QLW that love will prevail. Though just concerned that she may be unable to bear with the pain of IVF, her skin is very thin and she's afraid of needles - not in the best of health too. Will learn to be transparent and let her make her decision too.

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

Hi what supplements are you currently taking? You can take Vit C, Vit E and Coenzyme Q10, if you haven’t already. There is also Profertil (available at most hospital pharmacy), which is on the more expensive side but it may work for you. You can swim at least twice a week and avoid cycling.

Don’t be disheartened! Honestly, it’s not the end of the world for male infertility cause guys produce sperms every 3 odd months (as compared to female infertility where we women have already produced a fixed number of eggs and can only work on quality). And it should not be the basis of calling off any future plans with your partner. Just let her know and love will prevail all odds most of the time. For all you know, she does not even need to undergo IVF if she has no issue and yours improve after a few months. Jiayou!
 
Dear TS,

It's good that you share your fertility issue with your SO.
But like the rest mentioned, it's not good to call off this relationship just because of this.

Fyi, fertility need to be from both party. You mentioned you have fertility issue. How about her?

Let's say she is perfectly well. But what if she know about your thoughts of calling off this relationship just because of this? It will have hurt her....

Like QLW mentioned, one way is to consult TCM. The other is to check with your doctor on how to improve fertility. You should find out how to solve the issue, than run away from the issue. So what if you call off this relationship? In the next relationship, your issue will still be there. Even if you manage to find one whom doesn't want baby. But who know what will happen in future? Then by that time, you call off the relationship again?

An example of my case. When married, we mentioned only want to have a child after 2 yrs. Who know shortly after married, I'm pregnant with my 1st. Later on, was found with fertility issue as wanted to try for a 2nd. We worked out together, and finally have my 2nd, and since 1 girl 1 boy, thought to stop "factory". Who know few years later, pregnant with 3rd again...

So well, sometimes not one to decide... Sometimes need fate as well...
 
eatpraylove said:
Hi what supplements are you currently taking? You can take Vit C, Vit E and Coenzyme Q10, if you haven’t already. There is also Profertil (available at most hospital pharmacy), which is on the more expensive side but it may work for you. You can swim at least twice a week and avoid cycling.

Don’t be disheartened! Honestly, it’s not the end of the world for male infertility cause guys produce sperms every 3 odd months (as compared to female infertility where we women have already produced a fixed number of eggs and can only work on quality). And it should not be the basis of calling off any future plans with your partner. Just let her know and love will prevail all odds most of the time. For all you know, she does not even need to undergo IVF if she has no issue and yours improve after a few months. Jiayou!
Click to expand...

Yeap I am taking Vit C, B12 and Profertil currently (prescribed by the fertility doctor - and yes it's on the more expensive side). Am looking to return to running recently.

Yeap she had no issues (she went for checkup and encouraged me to go for mine too), and these were being done when we are currently in a relationship and before (considering) marriage. Have shared with her about it and she mentioned to wait for 2 months for the follow-up to see how it goes from there. Thanks for the encouragement!! :)

Cindy Tay said:
Dear TS,

It's good that you share your fertility issue with your SO.
But like the rest mentioned, it's not good to call off this relationship just because of this.

Fyi, fertility need to be from both party. You mentioned you have fertility issue. How about her?

Let's say she is perfectly well. But what if she know about your thoughts of calling off this relationship just because of this? It will have hurt her....

Like QLW mentioned, one way is to consult TCM. The other is to check with your doctor on how to improve fertility. You should find out how to solve the issue, than run away from the issue. So what if you call off this relationship? In the next relationship, your issue will still be there. Even if you manage to find one whom doesn't want baby. But who know what will happen in future? Then by that time, you call off the relationship again?

An example of my case. When married, we mentioned only want to have a child after 2 yrs. Who know shortly after married, I'm pregnant with my 1st. Later on, was found with fertility issue as wanted to try for a 2nd. We worked out together, and finally have my 2nd, and since 1 girl 1 boy, thought to stop "factory". Who know few years later, pregnant with 3rd again...

So well, sometimes not one to decide... Sometimes need fate as well...
Click to expand...

She went for her check-up too! and that's why she had asked me to go for mine too. And she's all-clear. Have been visiting the fertility doctor, who is unsure of what the cause, and go for follow-up SA check 2 months later after taking supplements. May be prescribing the karyotyping/Y chromosome check to see if there is any issue with my genes, if not then may need biopsy test.

Thanks for the encouragement and for shedding light on my situation!! :) Congrats on your happy news!!

When you guys work together? Did you guys explore the artificial reproductive treatment route? sorry if i am asking too much
 
crazymee said:
She went for her check-up too! and that's why she had asked me to go for mine too. And she's all-clear. Have been visiting the fertility doctor, who is unsure of what the cause, and go for follow-up SA check 2 months later after taking supplements. May be prescribing the karyotyping/Y chromosome check to see if there is any issue with my genes, if not then may need biopsy test.

Thanks for the encouragement and for shedding light on my situation!! :) Congrats on your happy news!!

When you guys work together? Did you guys explore the artificial reproductive treatment route? sorry if i am asking too much
Click to expand...

Ah I see. Continue taking then, and see how's the outcome.
Maybe can go for 2nd opinion/fertility doctor if in doubt.

I failed 2x IVF and 1x IUI for my 2nd.
 
hi I suggest you drink tomato juice (pure) every day ..it will surely assist. usually buy from donkii minus salt and sugar
 
Sam771 said:
hi I suggest you drink tomato juice (pure) every day ..it will surely assist. usually buy from donkii minus salt and sugar
Click to expand...

can i ask what is the brand that you buy? did you have experience of it? your hubs tried it?
 
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Hello All, am new to this forum. My husband recently got the results of his Semen Analysis, and has low sperm count, low motality and low mophology (Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia - OAT). Going to take ultrasound, and has been prescribed with supplements like profertil and CoQ10. Not sure if it is possible varicocele. Meantime wondering if any advice on the food/diet? Trying to take more anti-oxidant food, and wear loose cool boxers instead of briefs. Thanks!
 
I only had mild teratozoospermia (motality, sperm count was good, average or above average), doctor told me not to worry but I took coq10 etc a few months later the scores were even better.

Guy fertility problems often are more easily settled except in rare cases.

And as mentioned worst case is IUI/IVF , chances are almost the same as two "normal" couple.

IUI btw is far less invasive, I think 2 or 3 injections at most
 
I see, thanks @axioms. Yup, glad to hear that your scores improved after taking he coq10.

My hubby is also on coq10, and profertil supplements.The results of his testes scan was out today. It is vericocele, and we're advised to see a urologist.

Anyone here has varicocele and managed to conceive naturally, without going for surgery? Or is it with vericocele, going for IVF/IUI is the option to take?
 
no just do the surgery.

With the minor surgery you can eventually conceive naturally.

sure you could do IVF and still possibly succeed with low sperm count but even in the best case scenario IVF isn't guaranteed, is painful and expensive.
 
graceramen said:
I see, thanks @axioms. Yup, glad to hear that your scores improved after taking he coq10.

My hubby is also on coq10, and profertil supplements.The results of his testes scan was out today. It is vericocele, and we're advised to see a urologist.

Anyone here has varicocele and managed to conceive naturally, without going for surgery? Or is it with vericocele, going for IVF/IUI is the option to take?
Click to expand...

i am also diagnosed with vericocele, but was advised that it was normal and just take profertil supplements. should i seek for 2nd opinion/go for varicocele surgery?

am already on profertil, any recommendation for COQ10 supplements?
 
variocele usually is not only reason and no guarantee that after surgery it willbe better. better try ivf if budget not constraint as after surgery usually min 3 months to see any effect
 
crazymee said:
i am also diagnosed with vericocele, but was advised that it was normal and just take profertil supplements. should i seek for 2nd opinion/go for varicocele surgery?

am already on profertil, any recommendation for COQ10 supplements?
Click to expand...

Hi Crazymee, can check what is your grade of varicocele? My husband is grade 3 (up to 0.3cm), but then again was reading online that the grading can be subjective. I am thinking whether to even see a urologist, as saw online that varicocele surgery is a 50:50 chance.

The COq10 supplement was bought at gynae clinic.
 
Sam771 said:
variocele usually is not only reason and no guarantee that after surgery it willbe better. better try ivf if budget not constraint as after surgery usually min 3 months to see any effect
Click to expand...

Hi Sam771, yea not very sure what to do next, as we are not considering surgery at the moment. My gynae also asked my husband to take some clomid, and shared some urologists contact for us to consider...
 
graceramen said:
Hi Crazymee, can check what is your grade of varicocele? My husband is grade 3 (up to 0.3cm), but then again was reading online that the grading can be subjective. I am thinking whether to even see a urologist, as saw online that varicocele surgery is a 50:50 chance.

The COq10 supplement was bought at gynae clinic.
Click to expand...

mine is up to 0.6cm, but weird that the fertility specialist didn't mention anything biggie about it, and said that it's quite normal. have your husband gone for dna test etc? it's pricey and not sure if i should take it too
 
graceramen said:
Hi Sam771, yea not very sure what to do next, as we are not considering surgery at the moment. My gynae also asked my husband to take some clomid, and shared some urologists contact for us to consider...
Click to expand...
hi I think I agree with your gynae as variocele even after surgery can be back again and this will spoil many months of your wait.this surgery is only good results for men whose visual symptoms are so clear that this is perhaps the biggest guessed factor for infertility.i have read many of men actually have it and never get noticed unless investigated and very few this is only contributing factor.
 
crazymee said:
mine is up to 0.6cm, but weird that the fertility specialist didn't mention anything biggie about it, and said that it's quite normal. have your husband gone for dna test etc? it's pricey and not sure if i should take it too
Click to expand...

Hi @crazymee , oh the fertility specialist did not give any grading?
We previously did blood test for him, and the DNA Fragmentation is within the normal range. Are you referring to this?
 
Sam771 said:
hi I think I agree with your gynae as variocele even after surgery can be back again and this will spoil many months of your wait.this surgery is only good results for men whose visual symptoms are so clear that this is perhaps the biggest guessed factor for infertility.i have read many of men actually have it and never get noticed unless investigated and very few this is only contributing factor.
Click to expand...

Thanks @Sam771 . Yea, for my husband, he doesnt have any pain or symptons. We only got to know this after all the SA test and ultrasound as we are trying to conceive.
 
IVF is not as painful as I thought it would be. I’m also afraid of needles and I don dare look when my hb inject for me too. Injections done at tummy fats so won’t be that painful. If your partner’s health is weak suggest her go tcm to tiao her body also while u focus on urs. Need a healthy and strong body to conceive and give birth ultimately.

Both of you are still young still can try conceive naturally. I also never thought I wld attempt ivf at all and I already done 2 cycles in 6 months. Only need one good sperm to have a baby so don’t give up! It takes two to work hand in hand to have your own baby. Jia you!!!
 
graceramen said:
Hi @crazymee , oh the fertility specialist did not give any grading?
We previously did blood test for him, and the DNA Fragmentation is within the normal range. Are you referring to this?
Click to expand...
Yeap i am referring to the DNA defrag test, how much did you guys pay for it (can DM if not comfortable sharing here) I have done the testosterone/blood profiling test and it's alright
 
Quick Update:

Recently went for a SA check again in Jan with a different fertility doc, results came out to be in the less than 1 million range (can't measure motility/morphology etc) but more than previous SA check. This is done with some lifestyle changes - wearing loose underpants, cold baths, trying to work out more

Doc mentioned that cos of my normal hormonal levels, its likely due to primary testicular failure, i.e. sperm cells are not forming properly from the germ cells - could be due to late maturity arrest. Am also suggesting making huge lifestyle changes (training like going for marathon / changing to meat diet (am on vegetarian diet). However this doc suggested that karotyping/y chromosome check is not necessary and mainly for academic purposes as its likely to be okay

Would like to know what else should I do to help my numbers? I thought of going to the first fertility doc to ask for karotyping/y chromosome check and am quite skeptical, but open about stopping my vegetarian diet - had turned to vegetarian since a decade ago.

Or should I go for embolization for my varicocèle, though both fertility doctors are not recommending it, say many ppl actually had it and my condition is not due to heat
 
crazymee said:
Quick Update:

Recently went for a SA check again in Jan with a different fertility doc, results came out to be in the less than 1 million range (can't measure motility/morphology etc) but more than previous SA check. This is done with some lifestyle changes - wearing loose underpants, cold baths, trying to work out more

Doc mentioned that cos of my normal hormonal levels, its likely due to primary testicular failure, i.e. sperm cells are not forming properly from the germ cells - could be due to late maturity arrest. Am also suggesting making huge lifestyle changes (training like going for marathon / changing to meat diet (am on vegetarian diet). However this doc suggested that karotyping/y chromosome check is not necessary and mainly for academic purposes as its likely to be okay

Would like to know what else should I do to help my numbers? I thought of going to the first fertility doc to ask for karotyping/y chromosome check and am quite skeptical, but open about stopping my vegetarian diet - had turned to vegetarian since a decade ago.

Or should I go for embolization for my varicocèle, though both fertility doctors are not recommending it, say many ppl actually had it and my condition is not due to heat
Click to expand...

you can try to go frequent swimming in early morning, HP don put at your sides pockets. sleep early & work out.
 
crazymee said:
Quick Update:

Recently went for a SA check again in Jan with a different fertility doc, results came out to be in the less than 1 million range (can't measure motility/morphology etc) but more than previous SA check. This is done with some lifestyle changes - wearing loose underpants, cold baths, trying to work out more

Doc mentioned that cos of my normal hormonal levels, its likely due to primary testicular failure, i.e. sperm cells are not forming properly from the germ cells - could be due to late maturity arrest. Am also suggesting making huge lifestyle changes (training like going for marathon / changing to meat diet (am on vegetarian diet). However this doc suggested that karotyping/y chromosome check is not necessary and mainly for academic purposes as its likely to be okay

Would like to know what else should I do to help my numbers? I thought of going to the first fertility doc to ask for karotyping/y chromosome check and am quite skeptical, but open about stopping my vegetarian diet - had turned to vegetarian since a decade ago.

Or should I go for embolization for my varicocèle, though both fertility doctors are not recommending it, say many ppl actually had it and my condition is not due to heat
Click to expand...

U can see my chat history. My hubby also doing the same as u right now.
 
Hi @lady081980 , thanks for sharing. Was reading through your previous posts about Dr Tan Kian Sing TCM (Clementi), which you mentioned he is not bad on treating male factor.

My husband also has male factor which we discovered when TTC and did SA in Oct last year. All 3 indicators are below normal i.e. OAT. And we did testes ultrasound to show that it was a grade 3 varicocele. Did not pursue a urologist further as we did not want surgery, and wanted to try home/lifestyle treatment first. For me, I had polyps which were removed in Oct/Nov 2019, and we have been seeing Dr Ann Tan (Mt E). Dr Ann Tan also prescribed supplements like Coenzyme Q10, and Profertil to my husband.

In the latest SA test done in end Dec, there were some improvements thankfully but morphology and actually motility still not ideal: count (10 to 37), motility (progressive motility from 16% to 35% but these are sluggish, 0% rapid); and morphology increased slightly from 0.2% to 1%.

We have been going to TCM at Marine Parade (actively) since Jun last year. I am thinking of doing TCM acupuncture as well in addition to TCM herbal medicines. So thinking to maybe switch over to try Dr Tan KS :) May I know how to book an appointment with him? Thank you!
 
graceramen said:
Hi @lady081980 , thanks for sharing. Was reading through your previous posts about Dr Tan Kian Sing TCM (Clementi), which you mentioned he is not bad on treating male factor.

My husband also has male factor which we discovered when TTC and did SA in Oct last year. All 3 indicators are below normal i.e. OAT. And we did testes ultrasound to show that it was a grade 3 varicocele. Did not pursue a urologist further as we did not want surgery, and wanted to try home/lifestyle treatment first. For me, I had polyps which were removed in Oct/Nov 2019, and we have been seeing Dr Ann Tan (Mt E). Dr Ann Tan also prescribed supplements like Coenzyme Q10, and Profertil to my husband.

In the latest SA test done in end Dec, there were some improvements thankfully but morphology and actually motility still not ideal: count (10 to 37), motility (progressive motility from 16% to 35% but these are sluggish, 0% rapid); and morphology increased slightly from 0.2% to 1%.

We have been going to TCM at Marine Parade (actively) since Jun last year. I am thinking of doing TCM acupuncture as well in addition to TCM herbal medicines. So thinking to maybe switch over to try Dr Tan KS :) May I know how to book an appointment with him? Thank you!
Click to expand...

Call in at 6872 3237 his receptionist will make appointment for both hubby & wife. First visit depend got acupuncture & medicine to take. Which cycle visiting him. Usually is $200-$300 +\-. Can use paynow or cash to make payment
 
graceramen said:
Hi @lady081980 , thanks for sharing. Was reading through your previous posts about Dr Tan Kian Sing TCM (Clementi), which you mentioned he is not bad on treating male factor.

My husband also has male factor which we discovered when TTC and did SA in Oct last year. All 3 indicators are below normal i.e. OAT. And we did testes ultrasound to show that it was a grade 3 varicocele. Did not pursue a urologist further as we did not want surgery, and wanted to try home/lifestyle treatment first. For me, I had polyps which were removed in Oct/Nov 2019, and we have been seeing Dr Ann Tan (Mt E). Dr Ann Tan also prescribed supplements like Coenzyme Q10, and Profertil to my husband.

In the latest SA test done in end Dec, there were some improvements thankfully but morphology and actually motility still not ideal: count (10 to 37), motility (progressive motility from 16% to 35% but these are sluggish, 0% rapid); and morphology increased slightly from 0.2% to 1%.

We have been going to TCM at Marine Parade (actively) since Jun last year. I am thinking of doing TCM acupuncture as well in addition to TCM herbal medicines. So thinking to maybe switch over to try Dr Tan KS :) May I know how to book an appointment with him? Thank you!
Click to expand...

Can i check with you what is the brand of Coenzyme Q10 that your hb took? and how much does it cost/last? Thanks much! Am thinking of purchasing it outside on my own. TIP: Profertil is comparatively cheaper if you purchase it from their online website. :)
 
@crazymee, just be open with your GF (wife already?) and you can both work through it. If the fertility problem is with you, then it is easier and more appropriate for you to work at your end first rather than subject her to IVF straight away. Most male fertility problems can be dealt with by lifestyle and diet changes, unlike female problems.

IVF/ICSI is a solution if your problem is serious. Even if you produce very little viable sperm, you can still ICSI. We only need one sperm to make us pregnant.

If you do not produce any viable sperm at all, then your GF needs to evaluate the relationship. Is there a hormonal or genetic issue? Are you going to use a donor? And if she rejects you, you will still be unlikely to easily find someone else you like who can accept that.

So work with her and make it work. She is getting older so you should make this a priority.
 
lady081980 said:
Call in at 6872 3237 his receptionist will make appointment for both hubby & wife. First visit depend got acupuncture & medicine to take. Which cycle visiting him. Usually is $200-$300 +\-. Can use paynow or cash to make payment
Click to expand...
Hi @lady081980, do you have any idea if it is necessary for the wife to see Tan Kian Sing if we only want to see him for male issues? I actually have my own tcm and because of male issues, my hubby has decided to see Tan Kian Sing. Our main issue lies on male factor and have failed 2 fresh ivf cycles.
 
TS wanna break up with gf cos of ownself infertility ? Haha.. Didn't know got such 'self sacrificing' guy in this era. *saying in sarcastic tone*

Selfish in a hidden way.

Anyway, you are not alone. It is a tough road ahead but couples always fight on.

Don't give up and hope you will have your baby soon.
 
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