Low sperm count

[SheWillBeLoved]

DP has a pretty low sperm count which isn't helping our plans for a mini-us! We got pregnant in Aug 06 but found out I had suffered a missed miscarriage at our 12 week scan. Since then - nothing. I got him to try Zinc and Folic Acid supplements last year which lasted for a whole month before he got bored and forgot each morning.

We've been talking and have decided that we're going to really try everything we can (naturally) this year to give us the best shot, and if nothing happens, then see the doctor.

So, besides the already mentioned supplements, is there anything else he could take to give his swimmers a little boost?

Thanks

[whomovedmychocolate]

Looser pants, avoidance of alcohol, exercise three times a week but not at too high intensity, weight loss if he's overweight, acupuncture - there are a lot of options.

But honestly, try not to worry too much, sperm problems are really common and quite often people have a miscarriage first time and then the next time have no probs whatsoever, you were probably just very unlucky that time.

Keep having sex, if you make sure sperm is available every three days or so, it doesn't matter if some of them are a bit crap, or if there aren't very many because only the best get through anyway (and that's what you want, the best ones to get through).

Also it takes on average 13 months for a couple to conceive - even with perfect eggs and sperm.

[jaynz]

Coffee and ciggies have to go!

My bil had low sperm count, so low that on the day they went to gather them up to fertilise the eggs they harvested, there were only 2! Not the 30,000,000 or so that there's s'posed to be.

They now have the most beautiful boy, but ivf was hard work. Get him to an osteo or chiro too - tip top shape

Good luck!

[SheWillBeLoved]

He does drink alot of tea and I know too much caffeine isn't good. And he is very fond of long baths while he reads a book. Those are the only things he can change really - he isn't overweight, barely ever drinks, doesn't smoke, and goes commando

It took us 6 months of trying last time, but has taken nearly 2 years so far, getting frustrated now We've said that if come this time next year, we haven't had any luck we're going to get some medical help but we're both very keen for nature to work it's magic before we go down that route

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Would not rely solely on nature because she can let you down. I would urge you as a couple not to leave this problem yet another year. Its just unduly delaying things further.

Generally speaking as well gynaes like to see people after a year of ttc without success. Also as well fertility does decline with age; that applies equally to both of you.

Sperms are complicated things and there is much about them that is not understood. Simple remedies to improve count etc are unlikely to have any real effect.

Your man and your good self should now be further tested by a gynae at a subfertility unit and if necessary for him to see a urologist as well. He should be examined by such a person to see if there are any varicocele as these can cause problems with ttc. Its not just the count that matters; the motility as well as morphology (how the sperms look when formed) is also vitally important as well. Generally speaking as well the outlook is better when morphology rather than motility is good.

[Heron23]

How about going for a consultation with Zita West? she not only helps women but men also.

good luck

i agree with Attila, i would not waste another year. you have given nature even time already.