Sperm analysis low volume and abnormal forms. Tips to improve?

[digitalgirl]

We have one DS (2.4) and have had 3 recurrent miscarriages while trying for number 2.

I'm still waiting for my blood results back (am 32), but DH (39) just got his sperm analysis results today.

They wouldn't go into specifics, just that he had low volume and abnormal forms were present. They want him to repeat the test 6 weeks after his last test, and said the next test might show that it's all fine.

First of all, we had 3 mc's within 12 months - so clearly his sperm quality/quantity isn't preventing us from conceiving. But does anyone have any experience of low sperm quality/quantity causing miscarriage?

And what can he do to improve it? He's already taking zinc supplements. Should he give up alcohol and caffeine altogether?

[Miffles]

As far as I understand, poor sperm can't cause miscarriage. His sperm has already done the job by fertilizing your egg. So it got there and was good enough to allow the fertilized embryo to embed and start producing pregnancy hormones. I may be wrong, but wouldn't have thought his low sperm quality/quantity could be the issue there.

My DH also has poor sperm, but the fertility consultant said not much will change it. However, I've read zinc supplements, definitely stopping smoking. Alcohol and caffeine - probably, but don't want too much stress either!! Temperature of the testes, so loose boxer shorts, not lots of hot hot baths, not having the laptop on his lap.

But really, if you've conceived 4 times, he can't be doing too bad!!

Good luck

[digitalgirl]

Thanks Miffles. Has your DH had any repeat tests since his first one showing any change? And if lifestyle changes won't have much effect did your fertility consultant recommend any medical treatment such as IVF?

And am now a little confused, If sperm quality isn't an issue with recurrent miscarriage then why would our consultant refer DH for testing?

Will keep on with the zinc and ask DH if he doesn't mind cutting down on the coffee (think no booze is a given for a while after the last few weeks!). DH could do with upping his exercise as he does very little at the moment, so perhaps this will spur him on to get fit for a reason other than his own health.

I know it may add to stress, but having 3 miscarraiges in 12 months is pretty stressful already - so feeling like we're doing something takes some of the anxiety of helplessness out of it.

[Miffles]

Yes, bless you, I can't imagine what 3 MC must be like. You poor thing. I know what you mean about feeling like you're taking some control of it.

I'm sorry that I can't answer you about why the FC wanted the tests.

In our case, I knew I had PCOS, but before we could get the referral to the FC, DH had to have his SA too. They have to know the full picture. He did a second one and that was also low. But it was almost immediately after the first, before we did any baggy pants or pills!!

I'm on clomid, as we decided to try that first to at least get me ovulating and if not, then we'll go down the IVF route.

Sounds like it's worth embracing the spur for fitness and it's always better doing the health kicks together.

Good luck