New To Ivf

[janemichelle]

Hello NexTime4Sure

Hubby and I have also been TTC for approx 4 years. I have never been pregnant and like you all tests indicate there is nothing wrong with us. So I understand how frustrated you must feel.

We have just started IVF and are very excited, fingers crossed it all works.

My Hubby was really freaking out about producing a sperm sample on the Egg Pickup day as well but has since calmed down about it. We live over an hour away from our clinic so he couldn't even collect his Trial Wash sample at home. We ended up staying in a motel the night before so he could collect his sample in the motel room instead of at the clinic. Anyway, after we had our interview with the IVF nurses he realised that he gets off pretty lightly. At least he gets a private room, while us women have to take meds, inject ourselves with needles, possibly suffer side effects and then spread our legs in a room full of people have instruments poking around in our intimate places!

But seriously, I am sure all the guys have apprehension about producing their sample and I think the best way around this is be honest with your nurses about it. They are experienced in making sure your hubby will feel comfortable. Having a tour of the clinic and having a look at the collection rooms beforehand will also make him feel more comfortable as often it is not knowing what to expect that causes the apprehension. If all else fails they can use a frozen sample produced earlier. My clinic also offers a Viagra tablet if they think it will help.

Best of luck to you

Jane

[NexTime4Sure]

Thanks Jane

Because we decided to postpone our first cycle until January, due to work stress, we have only had 1/2 our nurses interview and didn't ask at that point - but do you know whether you can produce a sample at home and take it in on the day of EC or does it have to be done at a specific time?

We are also very excited and scared at the same time. My brother is due to have his second child in December and if I react anyway like I did to the first - I will be on a huge emotional ride already.

Good luck to you also - fingers crossed!!!

[janemichelle]

- but do you know whether you can produce a sample at home and take it in on the day of EC or does it have to be done at a specific time?

It is best if it is a fresh collection. Most sperm tests/samples need to reach the lab within 1 hour of collection. So if you live close by then for the Trail Wash your hubby will be able to do that at home. For the sample to be used on EC day the procedure is normally that the eggs will be collected and then as soon as this is done Hubby will be asked to go collect his sample in the collection rooms. So the timing is pretty crucial for the best results. I guess each clinic would be different but if you just lived around the corner then I guess he could go home and do it and then come back or maybe do it before hand if the trip to the clinic plus the procedure will be under the hour. Frozen samples are really only used if there is just no way he can do it, because results arn't as good with frozen sperm so they say. Sorry, I couldn't give the answer your hubby was probably hoping for!! Maybe look for a motel close by if you think you live too far away and then suggest it to your nurses when you speak to them again.

As we have not yet even had an EC yet though, I may not be the best person to give advice on this. Hopefully some others may be able to share how their hubby's coped with collection at EC.

Best of luck

[dusty]

hi NT4S

welcome to BB, i think you will be well versed and supported on IVF by the time it happens in January. they are a very supportive and generous lot here.

the first cycle (and hopefully your only) is a big learning curve but with the support and advice of your clinic and BB you will learn lots. my advice is to ask lots and lots of questions, before, during and after everything as it eliminates the stress of having unanswered questions during a stressful time. the needles are not bad at all in my experience and i was happy to finally DO something to help along our TTC. plucking my eyebrows is more painful than the jabs.

here is to 2008 being the year you had bub #1!

dusty