Am I Pregnant Forum - Did varicocele and hydrocele lower sperm count?

Pregnancy Forum > Am I Pregnant Forum > Did varicocele and hydrocele lower sperm count?

Birth control is helpful in preventing pregnancy. Need to know more about birth control? Start here to learn more about popular methods of birth control....

Q: Did varicocele and hydrocele lower sperm count?

asked by: gracie37 on October 29th, 2007

New User

Hi everyone!
I just found this site Very Happy

I have a question I am hoping to get some guidance on....

My husband and I have 2 children (14 and 12) and after 12 years have not conceived again. For a while it bothered me, however now that my babies are older and I just turned 38 (plus just lost over 65lbs) we have decided that it is best we really not take any risks and send my husband for a vasectomy. He had a varicocele and hydrocele in years past, so we tend to guess that those issues are what has lowered his sperm count and that is why I have not concieved again, however, now we don't feel we want to add on to our family and want to permanently take care of it.

That said, last night we were "intimate" as we usually are; the first time in about a month (don't usually go that long). My cycle usually lasts 26 days however last one was only 23 days. I have not had any visible symptoms of ovulating (I usually get that mucus discharge-hasnt started yet) and I figured if my period started a week ago then I was probably safe. Now, though I am so worried that I mistook that, and worry about pregnancy.

I really would appreciate your advice. Would I be fertile without symptoms? So soon after my period? If my husband had "Taken care" of his need the day before, would that help with lowering my chances of conception?

Please tell me!

PS I havent really lurked the board, so I don't know if anything I am asking is inappropriate. I am just looking for wisdom. Please let me know privately if this was not appropriate for this board. Thank you Smile

Replies(10)

Georgia59

replied on October 29th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

Masturbating would not have lowered his sperm count. I'm not sure about the previous surgery though.

Since your period cycle was shorter than normal, I wouldn't rely on the cycle timing to decide your chances of being pregnant. Really, I suggest just getting a test. That's the only way you can really know.

PS You're questions were fine, and welcome to the forum!!

gracie37

replied on October 29th, 2007

New User

Thanks

When he had those two surgeries, he did have tests that said his sperm count was low-not absent, but on the low side. That was about 10 years ago.

Is there a test I can take this early?

Also, is the fact that I don't have any physical signs of ovulation helpful? I don't have that mucus discharge yet at all.

The other thing (I cannot believe I am posting this!), whenever we have been intimate in the past, I always am so messy after. This time, nothing. I went to the bathroom and nothing. In fact, I usually kinda stink the next morning and not at all.

But he said he did ejaculate. Confused

Georgia59

replied on October 29th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

Well, the amount of semen he ejaculates can be different from time to time, so it is possible that he didn't ejaculate very much (which would explain why it wasn't so messy). Usually, it doesn't really lower your chances by much because there are still so many little sperm in the semen.

It could be that you haven't ovulated, if you usually pay really close attention to your body like that you might be right. But every woman is slightly different, so I couldn't really say.

hey- since you just had sex last night, you can take plan b and not worry about pregnancy. You can get it at the pharmacy, just ask for it at the counter. It's not an abortion or anything, it's just an upped dose of birth control. Then you could be sure you wouldn't get pregnant.

You can test 2 weeks after sex, and it will be more effective three weeks after sex.

gracie37

replied on October 29th, 2007

New User

I never heard of that.
Its called Plan B? What does it do exactly?

Georgia59

replied on October 29th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

Plan b, or EC (emergency contraception), or the morning after pill. You take it and it basically stops the implantation of the egg into the uterine wall, so a pregnancy never happens. You can take it up to 5 days after you have sex, and it is most effective the earlier you take it.

You can get it without a prescription at a pharmacy (behind the counter) if you're over 18 (which you are!). It's just a bigger dose of regular birth control hormones. It usually costs around $35-$50 (in my experience) and is really effective at preventing a pregnancy.

Tylanas

replied on October 29th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

It also prevents ovulation.

gracie37

replied on October 29th, 2007

New User

Thanks! I will certainly do that! It will make me feel alot better I am sure Smile

As long as I know that its not an abortion, I am okay with it.

gracie37

replied on October 29th, 2007

New User

Update:
Okay, I purchased the Plan B and took the first pill. I should be okay now, as it was less than 24 hours before, so I am right in the ball park.
I am so appreciative for your help today! I was really upset and scared. Thank you so much Smile

Tylanas

replied on October 29th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

Good to hear it Smile

We're here if you have more questions.

Georgia59

replied on October 30th, 2007

Especially eHealthy

You'll be fine. Now get that vasectomy!!

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc