My Vasectomy Reversal

After the miscarriage and Rich’s last dismal semen analysis, we decided to consult with the doctor who performed the vasectomy reversal about our options. He was helpful and laid out our choices and a suggested course of action.

Our first option is just to keep trying. After all, we were successful in getting pregnant once. As he put it, “having achieved a pregnancy may be more significant than the semen analysis results.” Despite that, he also suggested that Rich get his hormone levels tested. Low testosterone can certainly be an explanation for low sperm counts and motility. He’s sending us lab orders, and as soon as they arrive, I’ll be pestering Rich to get the tests done.

He also suggested that I have a fertility work up, particularly to see if there is any medical explanation for the miscarriage. My sister has had several miscarriages and has been diagnosed with several blood clotting disorders that increase the risk of miscarriage, so this seems like a great suggestion. As part of this evaluation, he suggested we ask a reproductive endocrinologist about IUI. However, he did say that with Rich’s semen analysis results, IUI is not likely to work.

The final option mentioned was IVF. To me, that’s just a big, scary concept and I’m really hoping it doesn’t come to that. The idea of having to take all those hormones and have surgery just to get pregnant, plus the cost, seems like a lot. I know people do it, and who knows, after a conversation with a fertility doctor it may not be so overwhelming, but right now, I don’t want to think about it.

One thing the doctor didn’t mention that Rich and I have discussed is using donor sperm. Although I’d rather have a child that is biologically both of ours, we’d be willing to consider having a donor. I’m still hoping it won’t come to that.

Anyone know of a good fertility clinic in Northern California?

Technorati tags: Vasectomy reversal, infertility, testosterone