IUI

[ElizabethlovesChris]

I totally had the same question that you did originally (we are in the same boat, non CF wife, CF husband). We started our first round of IVF in April this year (afer 8 yrs of marriage and much debate on whether or not we were okay with this... whole different thread!) and I found a local fertility clinic that I was comfortable with.

I asked about IUI and was told, like Julie & Hannah already said, that it is not a possiblity with a CF male because of the small amount (relatively) of sperm they were able to extract from his testicles. He had to go in and have a sperm retrieval done in an outpatient setting... we thought it was going to be a needle that pierced his testicle and retrieved the sperm... NOPE! It was basically a slice open the testicle and literally squeeze out the sperm..... OUCH!!! I don't mean to be too graphic, but it was definitely much more invasive than we were told beforehand. Chris was begging the dr to get as much as possible with that one procedure because he knew he never wanted to go through that again. We were able to get about 5 vials of sperm... our clinic told us that basically they use one vial per round of IVF. So we have 5 tries, if we want to. Apparently, IUI is not an option because you need millions of sperm to inject in the woman, and with a CF male they only get hundreds (or maybe thousands?, but definitely not enough statistically speaking).

In our case, we did IVF with ICSI and got 2 viable embryos transferred. I became pregnant with one, but unfortunately I miscarried around week 9. So, we are trying a second round now. In fact, my egg retrieval is scheduled for day after tomorrow (Friday) after being on shots for the last month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Hope that answers your question, Lisa. I know how incredibly difficult this decision is, so my heart goes out to you. I'm still scared (to put it mildly), but just trying to live our lives the best we know how.

Take care!
Liz

 

[ElizabethlovesChris]

I totally had the same question that you did originally (we are in the same boat, non CF wife, CF husband). We started our first round of IVF in April this year (afer 8 yrs of marriage and much debate on whether or not we were okay with this... whole different thread!) and I found a local fertility clinic that I was comfortable with.

I asked about IUI and was told, like Julie & Hannah already said, that it is not a possiblity with a CF male because of the small amount (relatively) of sperm they were able to extract from his testicles. He had to go in and have a sperm retrieval done in an outpatient setting... we thought it was going to be a needle that pierced his testicle and retrieved the sperm... NOPE! It was basically a slice open the testicle and literally squeeze out the sperm..... OUCH!!! I don't mean to be too graphic, but it was definitely much more invasive than we were told beforehand. Chris was begging the dr to get as much as possible with that one procedure because he knew he never wanted to go through that again. We were able to get about 5 vials of sperm... our clinic told us that basically they use one vial per round of IVF. So we have 5 tries, if we want to. Apparently, IUI is not an option because you need millions of sperm to inject in the woman, and with a CF male they only get hundreds (or maybe thousands?, but definitely not enough statistically speaking).

In our case, we did IVF with ICSI and got 2 viable embryos transferred. I became pregnant with one, but unfortunately I miscarried around week 9. So, we are trying a second round now. In fact, my egg retrieval is scheduled for day after tomorrow (Friday) after being on shots for the last month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Hope that answers your question, Lisa. I know how incredibly difficult this decision is, so my heart goes out to you. I'm still scared (to put it mildly), but just trying to live our lives the best we know how.

Take care!
Liz

 

[ElizabethlovesChris]

I totally had the same question that you did originally (we are in the same boat, non CF wife, CF husband). We started our first round of IVF in April this year (afer 8 yrs of marriage and much debate on whether or not we were okay with this... whole different thread!) and I found a local fertility clinic that I was comfortable with.

I asked about IUI and was told, like Julie & Hannah already said, that it is not a possiblity with a CF male because of the small amount (relatively) of sperm they were able to extract from his testicles. He had to go in and have a sperm retrieval done in an outpatient setting... we thought it was going to be a needle that pierced his testicle and retrieved the sperm... NOPE! It was basically a slice open the testicle and literally squeeze out the sperm..... OUCH!!! I don't mean to be too graphic, but it was definitely much more invasive than we were told beforehand. Chris was begging the dr to get as much as possible with that one procedure because he knew he never wanted to go through that again. We were able to get about 5 vials of sperm... our clinic told us that basically they use one vial per round of IVF. So we have 5 tries, if we want to. Apparently, IUI is not an option because you need millions of sperm to inject in the woman, and with a CF male they only get hundreds (or maybe thousands?, but definitely not enough statistically speaking).

In our case, we did IVF with ICSI and got 2 viable embryos transferred. I became pregnant with one, but unfortunately I miscarried around week 9. So, we are trying a second round now. In fact, my egg retrieval is scheduled for day after tomorrow (Friday) after being on shots for the last month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Hope that answers your question, Lisa. I know how incredibly difficult this decision is, so my heart goes out to you. I'm still scared (to put it mildly), but just trying to live our lives the best we know how.

Take care!
Liz

 

[ElizabethlovesChris]

I totally had the same question that you did originally (we are in the same boat, non CF wife, CF husband). We started our first round of IVF in April this year (afer 8 yrs of marriage and much debate on whether or not we were okay with this... whole different thread!) and I found a local fertility clinic that I was comfortable with.

I asked about IUI and was told, like Julie & Hannah already said, that it is not a possiblity with a CF male because of the small amount (relatively) of sperm they were able to extract from his testicles. He had to go in and have a sperm retrieval done in an outpatient setting... we thought it was going to be a needle that pierced his testicle and retrieved the sperm... NOPE! It was basically a slice open the testicle and literally squeeze out the sperm..... OUCH!!! I don't mean to be too graphic, but it was definitely much more invasive than we were told beforehand. Chris was begging the dr to get as much as possible with that one procedure because he knew he never wanted to go through that again. We were able to get about 5 vials of sperm... our clinic told us that basically they use one vial per round of IVF. So we have 5 tries, if we want to. Apparently, IUI is not an option because you need millions of sperm to inject in the woman, and with a CF male they only get hundreds (or maybe thousands?, but definitely not enough statistically speaking).

In our case, we did IVF with ICSI and got 2 viable embryos transferred. I became pregnant with one, but unfortunately I miscarried around week 9. So, we are trying a second round now. In fact, my egg retrieval is scheduled for day after tomorrow (Friday) after being on shots for the last month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Hope that answers your question, Lisa. I know how incredibly difficult this decision is, so my heart goes out to you. I'm still scared (to put it mildly), but just trying to live our lives the best we know how.

Take care!
Liz

 

[ElizabethlovesChris]

I totally had the same question that you did originally (we are in the same boat, non CF wife, CF husband). We started our first round of IVF in April this year (afer 8 yrs of marriage and much debate on whether or not we were okay with this... whole different thread!) and I found a local fertility clinic that I was comfortable with.

I asked about IUI and was told, like Julie & Hannah already said, that it is not a possiblity with a CF male because of the small amount (relatively) of sperm they were able to extract from his testicles. He had to go in and have a sperm retrieval done in an outpatient setting... we thought it was going to be a needle that pierced his testicle and retrieved the sperm... NOPE! It was basically a slice open the testicle and literally squeeze out the sperm..... OUCH!!! I don't mean to be too graphic, but it was definitely much more invasive than we were told beforehand. Chris was begging the dr to get as much as possible with that one procedure because he knew he never wanted to go through that again. We were able to get about 5 vials of sperm... our clinic told us that basically they use one vial per round of IVF. So we have 5 tries, if we want to. Apparently, IUI is not an option because you need millions of sperm to inject in the woman, and with a CF male they only get hundreds (or maybe thousands?, but definitely not enough statistically speaking).

In our case, we did IVF with ICSI and got 2 viable embryos transferred. I became pregnant with one, but unfortunately I miscarried around week 9. So, we are trying a second round now. In fact, my egg retrieval is scheduled for day after tomorrow (Friday) after being on shots for the last month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!

Hope that answers your question, Lisa. I know how incredibly difficult this decision is, so my heart goes out to you. I'm still scared (to put it mildly), but just trying to live our lives the best we know how.

Take care!
Liz

 

[blondelawyer]

Thanks ladies...I thought that was the answer--but hoped that there might be another option besides IVF...oh well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

Thanks ladies...I thought that was the answer--but hoped that there might be another option besides IVF...oh well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

Thanks ladies...I thought that was the answer--but hoped that there might be another option besides IVF...oh well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

Thanks ladies...I thought that was the answer--but hoped that there might be another option besides IVF...oh well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blondelawyer]

Thanks ladies...I thought that was the answer--but hoped that there might be another option besides IVF...oh well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[julie]

Lisa, there is a scholarship for IVF if that is a big chunk of the issue. Check out "From Inciid the heart" at www.inciid.org

Mark and I were actually selected for a scholarship, but I was already pregnant by the time they notified us so we forefitted. The whole process takes about 12 months, so I'd recommend if you are thinking about it, you apply now...you can always turn them down if you are selected. I even have a "personal" letter (which they require as part of their packet) that I can forward to you so you can have some assistance in writing it. Let me know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

If you do decide that IVF is right for you, I HIGHLY recommend the doctor that I used, as did Hannah from this site.... Dr. Opsahl and Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences in Kirkland (on the Evergreen Hospital property) we choose him for his experience with sperm retrievals. He does a needle biopsy, which is a lot different that what Liz was explaining, although at the Naval hospital in San Diego Mark did have his testicles cut into. He said the needle biopsy was MUCH MUCH MUCH better (plus, he was sedated).

Surprisingly, my insurance covered some of my office visits and some of my labs (and they specifically exclude IVF) and I think Hannah might have had some luck in this area too. I can give you more details by email if you are interested.

Whatever you decide, it isn't an easy decision....

 

[julie]

Lisa, there is a scholarship for IVF if that is a big chunk of the issue. Check out "From Inciid the heart" at www.inciid.org

Mark and I were actually selected for a scholarship, but I was already pregnant by the time they notified us so we forefitted. The whole process takes about 12 months, so I'd recommend if you are thinking about it, you apply now...you can always turn them down if you are selected. I even have a "personal" letter (which they require as part of their packet) that I can forward to you so you can have some assistance in writing it. Let me know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

If you do decide that IVF is right for you, I HIGHLY recommend the doctor that I used, as did Hannah from this site.... Dr. Opsahl and Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences in Kirkland (on the Evergreen Hospital property) we choose him for his experience with sperm retrievals. He does a needle biopsy, which is a lot different that what Liz was explaining, although at the Naval hospital in San Diego Mark did have his testicles cut into. He said the needle biopsy was MUCH MUCH MUCH better (plus, he was sedated).

Surprisingly, my insurance covered some of my office visits and some of my labs (and they specifically exclude IVF) and I think Hannah might have had some luck in this area too. I can give you more details by email if you are interested.

Whatever you decide, it isn't an easy decision....

 

[julie]

Lisa, there is a scholarship for IVF if that is a big chunk of the issue. Check out "From Inciid the heart" at www.inciid.org

Mark and I were actually selected for a scholarship, but I was already pregnant by the time they notified us so we forefitted. The whole process takes about 12 months, so I'd recommend if you are thinking about it, you apply now...you can always turn them down if you are selected. I even have a "personal" letter (which they require as part of their packet) that I can forward to you so you can have some assistance in writing it. Let me know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

If you do decide that IVF is right for you, I HIGHLY recommend the doctor that I used, as did Hannah from this site.... Dr. Opsahl and Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences in Kirkland (on the Evergreen Hospital property) we choose him for his experience with sperm retrievals. He does a needle biopsy, which is a lot different that what Liz was explaining, although at the Naval hospital in San Diego Mark did have his testicles cut into. He said the needle biopsy was MUCH MUCH MUCH better (plus, he was sedated).

Surprisingly, my insurance covered some of my office visits and some of my labs (and they specifically exclude IVF) and I think Hannah might have had some luck in this area too. I can give you more details by email if you are interested.

Whatever you decide, it isn't an easy decision....

 

[julie]

Lisa, there is a scholarship for IVF if that is a big chunk of the issue. Check out "From Inciid the heart" at www.inciid.org

Mark and I were actually selected for a scholarship, but I was already pregnant by the time they notified us so we forefitted. The whole process takes about 12 months, so I'd recommend if you are thinking about it, you apply now...you can always turn them down if you are selected. I even have a "personal" letter (which they require as part of their packet) that I can forward to you so you can have some assistance in writing it. Let me know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

If you do decide that IVF is right for you, I HIGHLY recommend the doctor that I used, as did Hannah from this site.... Dr. Opsahl and Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences in Kirkland (on the Evergreen Hospital property) we choose him for his experience with sperm retrievals. He does a needle biopsy, which is a lot different that what Liz was explaining, although at the Naval hospital in San Diego Mark did have his testicles cut into. He said the needle biopsy was MUCH MUCH MUCH better (plus, he was sedated).

Surprisingly, my insurance covered some of my office visits and some of my labs (and they specifically exclude IVF) and I think Hannah might have had some luck in this area too. I can give you more details by email if you are interested.

Whatever you decide, it isn't an easy decision....

 

[julie]

Lisa, there is a scholarship for IVF if that is a big chunk of the issue. Check out "From Inciid the heart" at www.inciid.org

Mark and I were actually selected for a scholarship, but I was already pregnant by the time they notified us so we forefitted. The whole process takes about 12 months, so I'd recommend if you are thinking about it, you apply now...you can always turn them down if you are selected. I even have a "personal" letter (which they require as part of their packet) that I can forward to you so you can have some assistance in writing it. Let me know <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

If you do decide that IVF is right for you, I HIGHLY recommend the doctor that I used, as did Hannah from this site.... Dr. Opsahl and Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences in Kirkland (on the Evergreen Hospital property) we choose him for his experience with sperm retrievals. He does a needle biopsy, which is a lot different that what Liz was explaining, although at the Naval hospital in San Diego Mark did have his testicles cut into. He said the needle biopsy was MUCH MUCH MUCH better (plus, he was sedated).

Surprisingly, my insurance covered some of my office visits and some of my labs (and they specifically exclude IVF) and I think Hannah might have had some luck in this area too. I can give you more details by email if you are interested.

Whatever you decide, it isn't an easy decision....

 

[denise25]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and ask a question. Me and my husband found out we are both carriers for CF. I have a mild mutation (not sure of the actual mutation) I believe is what they said however my husband has a rare mutation that there isn't much info on. I have seen a genetic counselor and spoke regarding the options. I am 8 weeks pregnant and patiently waiting to get a CVS test to determine if the baby has CF or is just a carrier. I actually have 2 questions.. First to the woman who found out during pregnancy that they and their husbands were carriers. Did you experience anything abnormal while pregnant or with the babies growth? Also, my husband and I did IUI with sperm wash and wondered if washing the sperm can decrease our chances of the baby having CF by taking only my husbands healthy sperm and eliminating and bad forming or not as good sperm. I actually asked that to the genetic counselor and she said they have not really studied it but it is a possibility and a very good question. I am so nervous about the future of this pregnancy. It took me years just to get pregnant now I am faced with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[denise25]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and ask a question. Me and my husband found out we are both carriers for CF. I have a mild mutation (not sure of the actual mutation) I believe is what they said however my husband has a rare mutation that there isn't much info on. I have seen a genetic counselor and spoke regarding the options. I am 8 weeks pregnant and patiently waiting to get a CVS test to determine if the baby has CF or is just a carrier. I actually have 2 questions.. First to the woman who found out during pregnancy that they and their husbands were carriers. Did you experience anything abnormal while pregnant or with the babies growth? Also, my husband and I did IUI with sperm wash and wondered if washing the sperm can decrease our chances of the baby having CF by taking only my husbands healthy sperm and eliminating and bad forming or not as good sperm. I actually asked that to the genetic counselor and she said they have not really studied it but it is a possibility and a very good question. I am so nervous about the future of this pregnancy. It took me years just to get pregnant now I am faced with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[denise25]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and ask a question. Me and my husband found out we are both carriers for CF. I have a mild mutation (not sure of the actual mutation) I believe is what they said however my husband has a rare mutation that there isn't much info on. I have seen a genetic counselor and spoke regarding the options. I am 8 weeks pregnant and patiently waiting to get a CVS test to determine if the baby has CF or is just a carrier. I actually have 2 questions.. First to the woman who found out during pregnancy that they and their husbands were carriers. Did you experience anything abnormal while pregnant or with the babies growth? Also, my husband and I did IUI with sperm wash and wondered if washing the sperm can decrease our chances of the baby having CF by taking only my husbands healthy sperm and eliminating and bad forming or not as good sperm. I actually asked that to the genetic counselor and she said they have not really studied it but it is a possibility and a very good question. I am so nervous about the future of this pregnancy. It took me years just to get pregnant now I am faced with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[denise25]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and ask a question. Me and my husband found out we are both carriers for CF. I have a mild mutation (not sure of the actual mutation) I believe is what they said however my husband has a rare mutation that there isn't much info on. I have seen a genetic counselor and spoke regarding the options. I am 8 weeks pregnant and patiently waiting to get a CVS test to determine if the baby has CF or is just a carrier. I actually have 2 questions.. First to the woman who found out during pregnancy that they and their husbands were carriers. Did you experience anything abnormal while pregnant or with the babies growth? Also, my husband and I did IUI with sperm wash and wondered if washing the sperm can decrease our chances of the baby having CF by taking only my husbands healthy sperm and eliminating and bad forming or not as good sperm. I actually asked that to the genetic counselor and she said they have not really studied it but it is a possibility and a very good question. I am so nervous about the future of this pregnancy. It took me years just to get pregnant now I am faced with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[denise25]

I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and ask a question. Me and my husband found out we are both carriers for CF. I have a mild mutation (not sure of the actual mutation) I believe is what they said however my husband has a rare mutation that there isn't much info on. I have seen a genetic counselor and spoke regarding the options. I am 8 weeks pregnant and patiently waiting to get a CVS test to determine if the baby has CF or is just a carrier. I actually have 2 questions.. First to the woman who found out during pregnancy that they and their husbands were carriers. Did you experience anything abnormal while pregnant or with the babies growth? Also, my husband and I did IUI with sperm wash and wondered if washing the sperm can decrease our chances of the baby having CF by taking only my husbands healthy sperm and eliminating and bad forming or not as good sperm. I actually asked that to the genetic counselor and she said they have not really studied it but it is a possibility and a very good question. I am so nervous about the future of this pregnancy. It took me years just to get pregnant now I am faced with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.