Not encouraging news/urologist (male infertility)

A few weeks back I posted that dh's SA came back abormal, no sperm found. So we got him an appt with a urologist and that was on Wednesday.

The dr seems to think that it is probably a production problem, and if there is any sperm being made, it would need to be biopsied and IVF done, for any chance of having a biological child with dh (my 9-year old is from a previous marraige).

And I'm looking at my insurance plan docs and while they cover IUI 80%, it doesn't appear that they cover IVF at all

This is a shock to me and quite a blow to both of us. I am not sure what to do or think at this point....
 
The dr says there is only a small chance it's something easily fixable, but he is wanting to be sure. So I guess for the moment we are just waiting on some of his test results (blood- testosterone and fsh, scrotal ultrasound) and they are also going to do 2 (i think) genetic tests, but an outside company has to send some kit to the home, a phlebotomist (sp?) to the home to do it, and then it's 4-6 weeks for results....

If anyone has any thoughts/experience on the matter, or just a prayer for us, it would be appreciated. It's been a really hard week for me as my gramma (95) passed away the very same morning we went in to see the urologist...

Thank you,

Lisa

Sorry you're both going through this, Lisa...warmest thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Carrie, I appreciate that

Lisa

Sending you hugs and prayers.

Thanks, I need them :)

Lisa

I'm very sorry about the passing of your grandmother, Lisa!  I think about all the changes she must have seen her 95 years of life.  I hope the memories of your times with her will soon outweigh the grief you're feeling.

I can only imagine how devastating the SA news was for your DH (and you too).  Men, especially, identify virility with fertility.  When my DH had an abnormal SA, it was a tough recovery emotionally for him.  I'm hoping the issue indeed falls into that "unlikely" percentage the urologist mentioned.  Until it's ruled out, it's still an option, right?   

I only got as far as IUI in my TTC process, so I'm not much help.  At that time, our insurance didn't cover IVF (still doesn't) and I was so worried that if IUI failed we would not be able to afford IVF.  I guess my point is that I worried a lot unnecessarily instead of just taking things step-by-step.

I'll keep you and DH in my prayers and please keep us posted as you find answers.

Hugs,

Thanks Jo, I really appreciate all you had to say. Both about my grandmother, and about DH and the TTC process. I will try to take things step by step, and I will let you know when we know more,

Lisa

I'm really sorry to hear about your grandmother and the news about your husband.   


Our infertility issue is male factor.  My husband did not need a testicular biopsy to retrieve sperm, but we did require IVF both times to achieve pregnancy.    

Feel free to PM me with any questions.  

Also, my advice at this point would be to pause, take a deep breath, and not jump to anything at this point.  It's a lot to take in and it will take some time to figure it all out.  

I will also say that our insurance did not cover the IVF itself.  However, they did cover our meds and almost all of my testing (and my husbands testing).   So I would suggest that you pick up the phone and talk to your insurance carrier.   You never know what kinds of exceptions to their rules are.  

Thanks so much for your advice. You're right, I really do need to take a breath at this point.

I was pretty well shocked when I saw the exclusion in my plan (I work for the healthcare company that also provides my insurance). But I will call member services and ask them some questions... And if it comes to IVF, I will most definitely be PM'ing you, thank you.

Taking a breath,,

Lisa

I'm sorry the news wasn't better.  I will keep you and DH in my thoughts and prayers.