Sperm analysis results - normal followed by 2 abnormal tests. Help! Any ideas what might be happening?!

[TKPepperpot]

My DH has had 2 recent abnormal sperm analysis results although he received normal results for the same tests 3 years ago. He's been under a lot of stress recently so I'm hoping it's that and we're going to test again in several months. I just wondered if anyone had any similar experiences and if there is anything that can be done to 'improve' sperm quality. Any advice very much appreciated! Thanks

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Any test result done over six months ago should be discounted. He needs up to date test results which should also be repeated on a regular basis (you should not wait several months before having another lot of tests done).

Has your DH seen a urologist to date; is there perhaps a physical problem like a varicocele that is affecting sperm production?. He should see a urologist in any event.

Simple remedies are unlikely to make much if any difference to overall semen quality so please do not spend lots of money on drugs that claim to increase both count and or quality of sperm. Sperms are complicated things and there is much about them that is not understood. He can cut down on alcohol and tobacco (if he smokes) as both of these can and do have a deleterious affect on semen in terms of both quality and quantity.

[TKPepperpot]

Thanks very much Attila. He did have a variocele several years ago but had it treated. However, I think we should investigate that again. He has also been smoking quite a bit recently but has now stopped after the results. We wanted to wait a few months to let his system clean up a bit but probably won't now after what you've said. Thanks for the advice - very useful