Good for Me...

Yet, bad for him...

I went to my Doctor appointment today and was super prepared with all my questions in tow. Written down on two nice little sheets of paper to reference if I were to forget one of them. When the Doctor came in, he was just as prepared as I was :), which made me very happy. Here's a rundown of the visit...

Him - "I see you have some questions for me, so lets get started"
Me - "Well, I was really wanting to know if you had any ideas as to why the past two cycles, especially this last one, did not work."
Him - Immediately opens my chart and pulls out his pen. He starts thumbing through DH's SA from the samples he gave for the inseminations. Basically in a nut shell he informs me that DH's morphology is not where it should be, which is what is causing the lack of pregnancy. He was going through all of his numbers (very confusing I might add, especially as fast as he was talking) and saying that he is below normal on almost all of them. He then informs me that all of my hormone levels, egg quality/maturity, have been excellent. He states that he couldnt ask for a better response from me (whoo hoo!).
Me - "So, what exactly might influence the morphology? DH works out daily and takes some supplements (that I named), would that have anything to do with it?"
Him - "No. However, if he is taking any stimulants before he works out to get his energy up, then that would effect."
Me - "Im pretty sure he doesnt do that. I think I have threatened him pretty much with his life if he goes to that measure."
Him - "Alcohol could be a factor also. Even if he doesnt drink all the time. If he has a beer when he gets home from work, or when you go out to eat, or even just chatting with friends, that could definitely make a difference."

**Sidenote** We have totally discussed this in depth since like Day 1 of TTC. He had even done his research and found it out for himself. What guy doesnt like to have a few beers when they are watching some sports event on tv? Or after they mow the lawn? Yeah, Im sure there are MANY that do. So on with the appointment...

Him - "Tell him to go 90 days without having a drink and then we will see what happens. You may even get pregnant on your own. Another factor could be chemicals that he breathes in, smoke (even if he doesnt smoke) can effect, and also if he is around someone smoking marijuana."
Me - "You said breathing in chemicals? DH works at a plastics plant here in e-ville and has for over 4 years now. It is more than likely effecting him?"
Him - "Yes. We have done a few studies....blah, blah....and found that most men who work in that industry have trouble TTC. He needs to start wearing a mask every day for the next 90 days and then we will see what happens."
Me - "DH doesnt wear a mask I dont think. We will definitely have a nice long discussion about this."

So...as I said, good for me, but bad for him. Basically, without blaming, it's hubby's fault. And that really sucks! However, now that we have some answers to what may be causing it, we may be able to somewhat fix it. That's positive. So after the 90 days, if we arent pregnant on our own, Im supposed to call and let him know so that I go back on BCP. He was highly insistent on this at the end because my endo will start to come back before too long and he wants to keep it at bay as best he can.

And the last question I asked was about how long we could wait to do another cycle. He said that it didnt matter how long we waited that I was responding well with everything. He said they may even lower the hormone levels in the injections I was doing. Then he went back to saying that DH needed to have the 90 days under his belt when we do decide to come back if we dont get pregnant on our own, otherwise, we would have to think about IVF. Ha! Yeah, cant afford that at all. It would be several years before we could do that, unless I switch jobs to a State job where I can get the fertility insurance coverage (which Im trying to do anyway!).

Im ready to be extremely proactive about this. Im just scared that hubby may not be quite as proactive as I am. He really likes his beer during football season. And I cant monitor him 24/7. I am just going to have to trust that he will do what the Doctor suggests. Im gonna keep a calendar and maybe do some special things for him if he does both of these after so many days. If you have any ideas, throw them my way!! Im up for whatever :)

Did I mention I absolutely love my Doctor? He is super nice and took all the time that I needed today to make sure to answer all of my questions. I also really love the office staff. They are wonderful! They are always so nice and every time I walk in the door, the receptionist knows exactly who I am. Im really glad that I was referred to Dr. B. Hunger has hit me...I need to go eat something for supper.