Sometimes, people just know something might be off. Whether it’s intuition or past experiences, many couples suspect there could be a fertility issue before a doctor confirms it. For those who have this nagging feeling, exploring fertility options can be a relief.
Take, for instance, Mark.
“We had a sense there was a problem… I just didn’t know how serious it was,” Mark, a man in his thirties, reflects on the time before he sought help. After years of uncertainty, he and his partner, Lisa, decided it was time to explore fertility treatment.
The Challenge
Mark had been diagnosed with diabetes over a decade ago and admits he didn’t manage it as well as he should have. He later discovered he also needed treatment for high blood pressure.
Over time, both diabetes and hypertension can impact various bodily systems. According to a fertility specialist, “Patients with these conditions may experience a higher risk of retrograde ejaculation, which can stem from either the disease itself or the medications used to treat it.”
Retrograde ejaculation occurs when sperm enters the bladder instead of being expelled through the urethra during ejaculation. Other factors, like spinal cord injuries or surgeries on the prostate, can also lead to this condition. Mark was aware of the potential impact of his health issues on his ability to conceive and felt that fertility treatment might be necessary when he and Lisa were ready to start a family.
Taking It Slow
The couple, who have been together for 15 years, dreamed of having children after their second year of marriage. As they watched family and friends become parents, they sometimes wondered, “Why not us?” Mark recalls, “We always wanted kids… but we didn’t set a deadline.”
Initially, during their first attempts to conceive, Lisa remembers feeling something wasn’t right, prompting them to seek medical advice. “I didn’t need a doctor to tell me it was me,” Mark admits. They consulted a fertility expert but paused treatment due to a lack of information and concerns about costs. “It felt overwhelming,” Lisa shares.
Five years later, circumstances changed. A family member had success with fertility treatment, and friends encouraged them to revisit the idea. “It was a different time, and the options seemed better,” Lisa reflects, acknowledging that perhaps they weren’t ready before.
Mark felt a growing urgency to have a child, especially as he faced health challenges related to his diabetes. “My brother just had a daughter, and I always wanted to be a dad. It was time,” he states confidently.
The Decision-Making Process
After some tests to identify the root causes of their infertility, they opted for IVF using Mark’s sperm with a focus on improving its quality. The doctor explained the process of retrograde sperm recovery, which sometimes involves retrieving sperm from urine after ejaculation and adjusting its acidity. “I had to drink a lot of Alka-Seltzer,” Mark jokes, recalling the discomfort of the process.
Having neglected his diabetes in his youth, Mark became more proactive about his health as he matured. He communicated his urgency to the medical team, who had concerns about the potential pain from a surgical sperm retrieval. “I told them, ‘Pain isn’t a problem; we want a child. Let’s just do it,'” he recalls.
The Journey
While the couple’s infertility was primarily due to male factors, both partners needed to actively engage in the treatment. IVF often involves significant physical and emotional demands on women due to hormone treatments and monitoring.
“It wasn’t that bad,” Lisa laughs, recalling her injections, while Mark jokes about hindsight. He was heavily involved in the process, attending IVF education sessions, where he realized his presence was crucial for both him and Lisa. “I noticed how much she needed me there,” he says.
The couple received exceptional support from their medical team. Mark found the sperm retrieval procedure to be surprisingly easy, undergoing it under sedation. “It was quick and painless,” he shares. At the same time, Lisa was undergoing egg retrieval.
In just 45 minutes, they had 18 eggs retrieved, with 15 successfully fertilized. After discussions with their doctors, they decided to transfer one high-quality embryo, considering Lisa’s smaller frame and the risk of multiples.
The outcome? Lisa is due to give birth to their first child soon.
Looking Ahead
“We don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl,” they both agree. “We’re just excited to be having a baby.” If they choose to try for more children using their remaining embryos, they plan to do so soon. Mark’s kidney disease is manageable with medication and diet, but he knows he wants to be a young dad. “I want to enjoy my kids,” he says.
Reflecting on his past, Mark admits he would’ve taken better care of himself. Yet, as the arrival of their baby approaches, those regrets fade in light of the advancements in fertility treatments and his newfound clarity.
For more insights into fertility issues and home insemination, check out our other blog posts at Experiencing Symptoms and Issues During Pregnancy. If you’re considering at-home options, Make a Mom provides valuable resources on artificial insemination kits. For further information about IVF, NHS IVF Resources is an excellent guide.
Summary
Mark and Lisa’s journey illustrates how male health factors can impact fertility, but with the right support and interventions, couples can navigate these challenges successfully. They now await the arrival of their first child, feeling hopeful and prepared for the future.