Help! No Sperm Count Detected

[Junglemum]

Hi Lisa,

I am no expert that is for sure, but doing a little reading it seems there are two resons for zero sperm count;
1- a blockage, which means sperm is being produced but not getting out. The two options in this case are either surgery to repair blockage or assisted conception using the sperm.
2- Sperm production problems, this is harder to treat. In some men there is a tiny area in the testes that still prodces sperm.

So it is not a 'hopeless' diagnosis, just a more challenging one.
I hope they find a road to successful conception.

[Junglemum]

i also just found this......https://www.bellybelly.com.au/concep...le-infertility

[LisaL]

Thanks soooo much Ange xx

[Willow]

Lisa, your poor SIL. This is probably the worst result you could hope for

Do you remember Keen? She used to be on BB quite a lot. Her and her DH had a similar diagnosis. Her FS (which is mine too actually) sent him to a specialist to get checked out - turned out he had a testicular tumor (benign thankfully) which stopped sperm production (or blocked it or whatever) - the tumor was removed and they were able to successfully proceed with IVF. As you probably know, they went on to have twin girls, so hope is not lost!

I'm not getting all the details right probably (and I hope Keen doesn't mind me sharing, she's not around anymore though), but that was the general gist of it. So I'd say BIL needs to go and see a specialist to be thoroughly checked out.

As Ange said, the other option would be IVF with a sperm donor, but obviously that is an option that can be explored later.

[scorpio]

surgical sperm extraction may be an option. This is what my DP has for our cycles as he's had a vasectomy. I would suggest they find someone who specialises in male infertility ... Dr Jeffrey Persson at IVF Australia in Sydney is fantastic.

[LisaL]

Thanks Willow, my NP has spoken to her today and said the same thing, its either a blockage (which she can fix with some energy work and herbs) or its a tumor. So now they will be off the specialist. Fingers crossed.

BTW - how is Keen? I hope her and her girls are well. I followed her journey and was so thrilled when she finally made that announcement.

[Willow]

I don't know Lisa, I think she's living happily ever after ...haven't heard from her for a long, long time. I think she's one of the girls that went to that mysterious 'other' site...

I hope your BIL and SIL get some answers soon, it's such a tough road...

[LisaL]

Oh, so that where she went.... thanks, cause I oftened wondered if things turned out ok for her girls.

Thanks Scorpio but we are in Melb

[slyder]

Thanks Willow, my NP has spoken to her today and said the same thing, its either a blockage (which she can fix with some energy work and herbs) or its a tumor. So now they will be off the specialist. Fingers crossed.

BTW - how is Keen? I hope her and her girls are well. I followed her journey and was so thrilled when she finally made that announcement.

Lisa, there are several possibilites. He may produce no sperm due to a chromosomal abnormality such as Klinefelters (not treatable) or other, he may have a blockage, he may be experiencing retrograde ejaculation (where the sperm enters the bladder), he may have had undescended testes as a child or he may have a hormonal imbalance. This is not an exhaustive list.

He really needs a specialist consultation. I would urge him not to use herbs or 'energy work' as a primary course of treatment. They will not remove a structural blockage, nor will they identify the root cause of the issue if it is something else.

With ICSI technology (where low quality sperm is injected directly into the egg), even the surgical extraction of a single spermatazoon can result in a pregnancy in theory. So by all means it's not the end of the road, but do encourage him to seek specialist medical advice in the first instance.

[Malyna]

LisaL, my husband had the same thing - although his is for medical reasons. Once we got back the count, DH was booked in for a surgical sperm collection. There are two types TESA and ??? (sorry cant' remember the other one).. They look in the tubes and in the area where sperm is produced. The operation is only about 1hr (from the time they wheel them in to the time they wheel them out). There is a scientist in the room who looks through the microscope in the theatre to see if there is anything there - they could be there, immotile etc). My husband said it was like being nackered - best to take a few days/week off work to recover - merely from it being uncomfortable.

We ended up going down the Donor sperm route because they found nothing at all there (due to the meds DH is on and the numerous ops he's had down there).

My advice would be to make an appointment with a FS and go to the next step for a SSC. They will also do blood tests to check for the genetic abnomalities etc.

[LisaL]

Thanks ladies, they are off to see their obgyn who will refer them to a fertility specialist, I believe they will be sending him to see Dr Gordon Baker, who is apparantley one of the best in Melbourne. So fingers crossed!

Good luck Tarkine with your ttc, hope you get a stick little one soon