TTMA Male Fertility

[lgraceh]

I hope this doesn't come across as borrowing trouble, but I'm beginning to feel like the cards are stacked against us.

DH is 28. He has always had high-ish blood pressure, but was put on medication for it in June. Today he had an appointment with a sleep specialist who is concerned about apnea and has ordered a home sleep study. He has an ENT appointment on Thursday to most like get his tonsils out. That being said, his PCP and sleep specialist (as well as my gynecologist) have talked about side effects of his health and medications on his fertility. Since they are bringing it up, should we push for more specific fertility related testing? If we get it and they do find any issues, is there anything that can be done? FWIW, my gynecologist confirmed that since I have regular periods that she won't pursue any testing for me until a year. She suggested I cut caffeine and lose weight. Weight loss is something we would both benefit from regarding overall health.

TLDR; DH has several medical issues that can potentially be tied to fertility issues. Should we request testing for him before a year of TTC?

[notagoddess]

Since this has been brought up by several doctors and the test for MFI is noninvasive, I would have him do it for peace of mind. If he's not willing to do it before a year, I wouldn't push, but if you're both concerned, I don't see why wait.

[requiressnacks]

Lurking to give my anecdote.... MH had a SA at around 8 months of actively trying because his PCP mentioned that his BP meds could have an adverse affect on his sperm count. We are 100% OOP, so it mattered very little to me when we did it. In the end, his SA was fine, but I'm glad we did his testing first to rule any issues out. And it's so much easier than the IF testing for ladies.

[pismoduo]

I think in this case you have a valid reason to seek testing before the year mark. If he's on medications that have specifically been called out as impacting fertility, it seems more than fair to monitor and see if that's happening or not.

[cheezee]

I would definitely push for a SA given that he was on meds that could effect his fertility. We were kind of in the same boat and DH had a SA after about 4 months of ttc...and we didn't good results. I was so glad I pushed for one sooner than later. There are meds (clomid, HCG) to help increase sperm count if that is the issue but it can take several months for the sperm to mature once on the meds. It is a simple test (even though your DH will probably whine about it) and you should get quick results. Definitely worth the peace of mind IMO.

[lgraceh]

Thanks! He is actually the one who brought it up, even though I was thinking it. I just didn't want it to come across like I was "blaming" him, or to stress him out. So, I'm glad it is on his mind. He is going to go back to his PCP to see if her can get and order for it.

[ohinvrtedworld]

If your docs are recommending getting him tested, I say go for it since a SA is not invasive and that he can try some supplements in the meantime as you continue to TTC.

ETA: I reread and see they didn't specifically advise to test, but since they say there's a chance it affects his fertility, I think it's reasonable.

[thechickencoop]

Yea, I agree with PPs. I mean, I'm sure he can just call his PCP and ask for an order, if he even needs one, I doubt there'd be any 'pushing' involved. Are you OOP? Or does your insurance cover it? That would be the only thing, is that it's probably considered 'unnecessary' before the year mark if they cover it, which makes sense.

But otherwise, it's noninvasive, inexpensive, and certainly couldn't hurt if he has other health issues going on. H has a standing order pending me not being KU this cycle so we'll see what happens next week. His overall health is fine but he is on some medications that can affect his sperm quality so that would be interesting to check if we need to.

ETA so I see now that you've only been TTC for 6 months. So I don't know. I would think that getting both yours and your H's weight and overall health under control would be the best thing to do first since it hasn't been that long. Weight can have a big affect on BP and sleep issues so maybe he would find that they are controlled with less medication if he worked on his general health?

[lgraceh]

Nov 17, 2015 15:19:49 GMT -5 thechickencoop said:

Yea, I agree with PPs. I mean, I'm sure he can just call his PCP and ask for an order, if he even needs one, I doubt there'd be any 'pushing' involved. Are you OOP? Or does your insurance cover it? That would be the only thing, is that it's probably considered 'unnecessary' before the year mark if they cover it, which makes sense.

But otherwise, it's noninvasive, inexpensive, and certainly couldn't hurt if he has other health issues going on. H has a standing order pending me not being KU this cycle so we'll see what happens next week. His overall health is fine but he is on some medications that can affect his sperm quality so that would be interesting to check if we need to.

ETA so I see now that you've only been TTC for 6 months. So I don't know. I would think that getting both yours and your H's weight and overall health under control would be the best thing to do first since it hasn't been that long. Weight can have a big affect on BP and sleep issues so maybe he would find that they are controlled with less medication if he worked on his general health?

Today is the start of our 8th cycle. I believe a SA would be covered under my insurance. If not, it is thankfully open season and something I could consider for our benefits next year. I guess I found it interesting that his doctors are point blank asking him if we are trying to GKU and telling him that both the medication he takes and having sleep apnea can have a negative effect on his fertility. Like, should we ask for one if 3 doctors now have brought it up? Up until today, I accepted waiting a year for anything to be done. My doctor did say she always starts with the men. We have both been able to start losing weight, but since he has had higher blood pressure since high school when he was at a healthy weight, it is not likely that it will help a ton. But we do want to both continue to improve our overall heath for sure while we are TTC.