Semen analysis - don't understand results . . .

[ZiggyForever]

So DP just got a call giving his semen analysis results (he's been trying to get them since he missed a call from the clinic at 7pm on Monday, but that's another issue.)

We're both a bit confused - apparently everything is normal, apart from something that should be 4% but is actually 2%, and he's been told not to smoke (he doesn't), drink (he hardly ever drinks), and do more exercise (he does regular exercise already, and is fit and healthy) to get "it" back to normal.

Having not been party to the conversation, and DP's automatic shyness/fear of asking questions where medical professionals are involved, I have no idea whether this is good or bad. Can anyone offer any insight please? Thank you!

[Scottishgirl85]

They will be referring to morphology, which is the percentage of sperm that look normal under the microscope. Normal is 4%. My husband has 0% morphology and abysmal count of 100,000. We're starting ivf in may for number 2 but did somehow manage to conceive our little girl with those results, so shows anything is possible! If his count was good you could still have a chance of conceiving naturally, but I'm sure another more knowledgeable lady will be along soon! Good luck xx

[MrsDarcy4092]

We have severe male factor infertility so I'm used to it but not expert.

I think If other parameters are normal then he Still has millions of healthy sperm in each sample and I think morphology is the easiest to correct but I might be wrong.

Try some vitamins as they can have a positive impact on sperm - proxeed and fertilisan are expensive but well regarded vitamin supplements.

I think it's worth asking the clinic to send you a copy of the results so you have them.

[ZiggyForever]

Thank you both - and good luck in beating the odds again, Scottishgirl!

Mrs Darcy, are you trying IVF? Donor sperm . . . ? We know we have to use donor eggs due to my premature ovarian failure, so to have to use donor sperm as well would have been a huge blow.

It must be the morphology then, as apparently they didn't say anything specifically about a count, just that everything was normal except for the 2% thing. He's got to give another sample in a month's time.

So, I'll get MrZiggy some of those vitamins you suggested and ban him from riding his mountainbike for a while . . . that's not going to go down well

[Scottishgirl85]

Ziggy if you need to have ivf anyway for donor eggs, your hubby's sperm should be fine to use at 2% morphology. They will probably do icsi so they can select one of the 2%. Obviously no harm in trying to improve it, but with normal numbers they'll have plenty to choose from. Good luck!

[eurochick]

I agree that it sounds like morphology. This should be able to be improved through lifestyle, hence the advice. Various supplements may also help. Good luck!

[ZiggyForever]

Thank you, that's what I was hoping . . . I mean, they just need one, right . . . ?

[Londonjam]

Yep that's morphology. My DH had 2% then 1% last year. He started taking Proxeed (and I nagged him to drink less) and his most recent semen analysis he got 4%.

Waiting to find out if we still need ICSI. We've been trying 16 months so probably will.

[Londonjam]

Oh - and heat is not good for his balls / sperm. Make sure he's not using heated car seats or using his laptop on his lap or using a hot tub etc.

Stop smoking, reduce booze, get a good balanced healthy diet. I believe stress also plays a part. Look into proxeed if you are interested - it's the only supplement our consultant mentioned

[ZiggyForever]

On it . . . !

Thank you, I'm preparing a list of instructions as we speak

[MrsDarcy4092]

We are doing ivf with icsi. The numbers are extremely low but he does have some and that's all you need.
If you are having ivf anyway then his sample sounds like it will be fine. There are still millions of healthy sperm in his current sample so you should be ok to use his Sperm. Good luck!