[~sweetangelgirl~]

OUr DD is about to turn 7 and we started trying for #2 when she was 5 months old. After 2 years of trying we found out DH has low sperm count.

We saw a naturopath and tried menevit and other 'herbs' etc etc-basically anything we could.

A few months ago DH had another test and the count was still low although the morphology had improved but motility was bad and it showed anti bodies.

We got results back this week from another test he had 2 weeks ago. The count has halved 72% are immotile and the count was less than 1 million with the viscosity abnormal.

So we have decided we will got to the ivf clinic and see what they say-we have a willing donor if we need it aswell. I am absolutely terrified of the whole ivf process-GA, surgery, injections, blood tests etc-doesnt help that it usually takes over an hour per blood test as my veins are hard to find and they collapse as soon as a needle goes in. I am so desperate for another baby that I am willing to give ivf a go no matter how hard it is-I am thinking of seeing a hypnotherapist about my fears too before we start

My questions are:

Does the mother have to be a certain weight to start? I am overweight but have lost 11kg so far and I dont plan on stopping it until I am where I want to be

The ivf clinic said *if* we can use hubbys sperm we need to use ICSI - what is the procedure like for DH and myself? Is there alot of pain afterwards? (given we have a 7yr old to care for/get to school/sports etc and out our is split level and can not avoid the stairs due to room placements etc and we dont really have someone that can help out much)

What are side effects of the drugs most likely to be used?

How long does the process take-say from 1st appt to insemination? (average guess)

[bright*future]

Hi ~sweetangelgirl~

Good luck to you and hope your journey is super quick!!

In answer to your questions:
- You don't need to be any certain weight with most clinics, though some do have a BMI cut off. Best to check with the clinic.
- ICSI is the same process as IVF but they take one strong looking sperm and inject it into the egg manually rather than putting the sperm and one egg in a dish together and letting nature happen
- The process can take a few months if nothing else goes wrong. You have to have a lot of tests etc to work up then when you are all ready you have to wait for your period.

[domestically~cha...]

As far as your DH is concerned the only thing he will need to do is provide a sperm sample in a cup on the day of your egg collection. That's it, no physical pain or recovery required for his side of things. It is also the only appointment that he has to attend to take off work or caring for your DD.

The stairs wont be an issue at any stage of your cycle. As for driving the only thing that will effect that is the anasetic from the egg pick up day surgery.

[kez71]

Its scarey before you start it as its all unknown..but personally, I found the whole thing to be pretty easy. Im in country Vic and attended a satelite clinic that comes to town once every 2 months, so for us it took a couple of months to get started.

Once we were given a start date I was put on the pill for one and a bit months so they could time my cycle with everyone else in the group..so I don't know how long youd have to do that, depending how your clinic works..there was only about 10-11 days of injections. then the egg pick up (its a bit painful..but not horrendous), then the worst parst in my opinion, waiting to see how many fertilized and would they survive. then transfer on day 3 or 5. all up from start to finish was about 2 months.

Your DH pretty much only needs to give his sperm sample (and its amazing how your DH will moan about it even thought thats all he has to do..lol) the ICSI is done in the lab, so no pain at all.

I started my cycles with a BMI of 29, it went up to 31 after the drugs, but Im back down to 29 now. My weight was never mentioned. I guess if its way high then they may say something.

Side effects. depends what youre on..for me Ive had syneral, ganirelex, gonal F and ovidrel..oh and crinone cream. My only side effects really were bloating and the occasional headache. But some people do get a lot of side effects.

Hope that helps and good luck!