When faced with a zero sperm count diagnosis, Emma and Jake didn’t let it deter them from starting a family. They want to share their journey to inspire others in similar situations to explore their options when they think all hope is lost.
Emma and Jake’s Journey
Emma, a 30-year-old nursery assistant, met Jake, a 43-year-old construction manager, in 2017, and it quickly became clear that they wanted children together. “Jake is older, so we knew it might not be straightforward,” Emma explains. “We decided to act sooner rather than later.” Eager to start a family, they sought medical advice without delay. “When you want a child so desperately, waiting a year feels like forever,” she adds.
In 2018, they were referred to Leicester Royal Infirmary for fertility testing. Emma underwent multiple tests, including a HyCoSy scan to check for any issues with her ovaries and fallopian tubes, all of which returned normal results. However, after three semen analyses, Jake received the heartbreaking diagnosis of a zero sperm count.
Understanding Zero Sperm Count
“I felt responsible,” Jake recalls. “Hearing that you have a zero sperm count and that your chances of having a child are limited is devastating.” He felt immense guilt, knowing the toll it took on Emma, who had undergone tests for no reason.
Following this diagnosis, they were referred to a specialist in London, who recommended microTESE (microsurgical testicular sperm extraction), a surgical technique for retrieving sperm directly from the testicles. During the procedure, the specialists extracted four samples of sperm tissue from Jake, which were frozen for future use. “We were lucky to have this done through the NHS. It was still early days for that treatment, and I think I was among the first to undergo it at that clinic in London,” Jake explains. “It was a challenging process with a two-week recovery, but in the end, it was worth it.”
Seeking New Options
After the procedure, they returned to Leicester Royal Infirmary for their first IVF attempt, which unfortunately didn’t succeed. “When we went back, they said we could try again, but with the same approach and hope for a different outcome,” Jake remembers. They were already down one sample of tissue, and it was daunting to think they wouldn’t be doing anything extra to improve their chances.
Though the NHS funded their first cycle, any future attempts would come out of pocket. “I couldn’t accept that there were no more options,” Jake stated. “I asked Emma to find another consultant. If they told us the same thing, we’d accept it, but I needed a second opinion.”
After hearing an ad for TFP Nurture Fertility on the radio, they scheduled a consultation. “My first question was, ‘Is it just the same process again?’ and the consultant said that was totally incorrect. There were many more options to consider,” Emma shares. They had initially planned to consult TFP Nurture and another clinic, but after comparing success rates, they felt confident in their choice. “The proof was in the pudding; now we have two lovely daughters.”
The Importance of a Single Embryo
With Emma’s previous tests still valid, they quickly began treatment in February 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a pause in their plans. “I was already taking my first set of injections when Nurture called to say I had to halt treatment,” Emma recalls. “They explained that other patients were further along, and my age worked in our favor.”
After four months, they resumed treatment, and everything progressed smoothly. At the egg collection, over 20 eggs were retrieved. A sample of Jake’s sperm was thawed, and fertilization occurred. By the fifth day, they were left with just one grade-A embryo. Thankfully, that was all they needed, and their first daughter, Mia, was born in April 2021.
Looking Toward the Future
In 2022, Emma and Jake decided to add a sibling for Mia, but with no embryos stored, they had to start afresh. “We had more blastocysts after the five days, but they weren’t as good as Mia’s. I think we ended up with a D and an E,” Emma said. They transferred both, but Emma started bleeding shortly after. “Looking back, I don’t think I was emotionally or physically ready; perhaps we should have waited a bit longer.”
With one final sperm tissue sample left, they faced a significant financial decision. They chose to go for a third cycle with TFP Nurture in 2023, which went as well as the first. Ultimately, they welcomed another baby girl, Ava, in August 2024, completing their family.
Spreading Hope
Reflecting on their experience with TFP Nurture Fertility, Emma and Jake feel they made the right choice. “The staff were fantastic. It’s part of their daily routine, but it changed our lives. Getting what we thought would never happen is an incredible feeling,” Emma says. Jake adds, “They helped us stay as relaxed as possible during our cycles. We highly recommend TFP Nurture to anyone considering fertility treatment.”
Emma recalls feeling isolated when Jake was diagnosed, struggling to find relatable stories that left them feeling hopeless initially. “I’m happy to share my story so other couples know there are options. Science is a remarkable thing,” Jake states. “People need to hear these stories to understand what’s possible. You can still build a family even when faced with the seemingly impossible.”
TFP Fertility is committed to raising awareness about male infertility, a factor in over 40% of infertility cases, through its partnership with Fertility Network UK. This initiative aims to break the silence around male infertility, encouraging men to discuss its impact on their lives and mental health.
In summary, Emma and Jake’s story showcases the power of persistence and the importance of seeking multiple opinions when faced with infertility challenges. Their journey illustrates that even in the face of daunting diagnoses, hope and options exist for couples aspiring to create their families.