Varicoceles

After looking at DH's semen results our RE at Cornell told us we have an excellent chance with IVF/ICSI (we only have male factor and I'm 31) He told us to go to a urologist though, to see if we could "fix" something for future children.

So we go to a top Cornell urologist last night and he literally had us both crying. He diagnosed DH with several varicoceles and wants him to have surgery (which could take 6 months to a year for results.) I mentioned that we'd like to do IVF/ISCI now, surgery soon after for future children. He then told us that IVF might not work. We both lost it- right there it was pathetic. He mentioned something about DNA fragmentation and a special test and truthfully, I don't remember much else accept that a top urologist at Cornell told us IVF w/ISCI might not work.

Adding insult to injury, DH's latest analysis came back with 0% morphology. Another RE lab (not as reputable as Cornell, but good nonetheless, had him at 12%)

Does ANYONE have some advice or words of wisdom?

Re: Varicoceles

My DH has bi-lateral varicoceles. We were given almost 0 hope of conceiving on our own and almost no hope of IUI working for us. I'm 28 and Dh is 31..we got pregnant on our first IVF/ICSI. IVF/ICSI is usually the way to go because all u need is one healthy sperm to fertilize the egg. Maybe your DH should get a second opinion from another urologist. My DH is also giong to get the varicocele repair surgery so hopefully any future children will be conceived naturally. I'm not sure of DNA fragmentation but I know that there are vitamins your DH can take to improve count and even morphology. FM me if you need more info. Keep your head up...I know its alot to take in at once and it's overwhelming....trust me I've been there. I've screamed cried and questioned why me...it's totally normal.

Re: Varicoceles

DH only has one testicle, as the other was removed because he had testicular cancer. He had a varicocele in the remaining testicle, which was affecting testosterone levels, sperm count, morphology, etc. The doctor said the varicocele was so large that eventually he could lose the testicle. We decided to have the varicocelectomy in January and everything (including morphology) improved. however, his morphology is still pretty poor so we're meeting with a RE at Cornell in a few weeks. We don't regret the decision and know that while he is still healing, it was the best decision.

Hope this helps!

Re: Varicoceles

my DH has a bilateral varicoceles as well and he has a pituitary tumor and I have PCOS and we got pregnant with IVF with ICSI unfortunaletly I miscarried twins but I did get pregnant with 3 factors working against us and I know I will get pg again I wouldn't let that Dr get ya down...

Re: Varicoceles

Hi there, my DH is having the surgery for varicocele repair tomorrow and we were told that it could take up to a year after that but we should conceive naturally. I don't know that I am willing to wait a year from tomorrow, I think more like a year from when we started trying and then we will look into IUI or IVF. Our Dr. said that either way it will happen, so we have been very positive about the process. I would go for a second opinion. Good luck!