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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

Anyone good a reading semen results?

40 replies

Maybe2014 · 13/05/2014 20:40

Anyone able to help interpret the results if I were to share them? Our GP didn't really explain them and will be months til we get app at fertility clinic...

OP posts:
Original poster
Maybe2014 · 19/05/2014 20:58

Hi victoria401
It's probably well worth you getting him tested too, we like you been actively trying for 18 months with no joy, I'd assumed the problem was with me until we got his semen results. The only tests I've had done were blood to check I ovulate, smear and std check which were all ok. I'm still waiting for visit to the IVF clinic for my tube tests etc. now my man knows he's got a problem he's vowed to cut down on coffee/booze take his vits but I'm sure it'll all creep back in soon!
Hopefully not, but if your man got tested and the results weren't great he might try and make some changes too? But rant away lovely this has been the most miserable 18months I don't know how people TTC stay sane! :-) xx

OP posts:
victoria401 · 19/05/2014 19:01

Hi ladies, just poking my nose in here just in case! Should be getting my hubby's sperm results tomorrow and I'm anxious. We've been ttc 18months now and I've been given the all clear so it surely must be him. I've been trying to make him healthier but he's not into it, frustrates me that he's not putting in the effort I am. He never exercises, is on the border between overweight and obese, smoked since he was about 12 and thinks changing to e-cigs back at Xmas is satisfactory. I've tried cooking diet meals but then he scoffs desserts and has the occasional fry up with the lads at work! I despair of him sometimes!

Sorry just needed to vent!

Original poster
Maybe2014 · 19/05/2014 13:08

Thanks bumblebee85 and naty1. naty1 if you don't mind me asking, we're you successful first go ICSI? We were referred to the IVF clinic in November but still haven't had a first appointment or had me checked out yet we know it's a long process but feels like it could take years. I've been telling spouse he might want to relive himself every couple of days when were not at it, he thinks It'll make no difference, feels a bit weird encouraging your man to masterbate more often!!

OP posts:
naty1 · 17/05/2014 12:47

We've had successful icsi with only 0.5mil so its possible.
We saw no improvement with wellman but maybe it helped quality.
He has had another test now 4 years later and still the same

Bumblebee85 · 16/05/2014 20:41

Oh and make sure he ejaculates fairly regularly too- 'saving' it up when the proportion of immotile, and therefore possibly dead sperm, is higher won't do the living ones any favours. The world health organisation recommends 2-7days between ejaculations; too often also isn't good. The general rule of thumb is masturbation/intercourse every second or third day should yield the best sperm quality.

Bumblebee85 · 16/05/2014 20:27

Hi maybe2014
I'm in andrology and eurochick has explained it correctly there. It is a fair bit below an average sample, but there are swimming sperm there. GPs don't generally know all that much about interpreting a semen analysis result in detail as it's not necessarily a speciality of theirs, but they are correct in your case saying ICSI is probably the way forward for you...however trying naturally whilst you waited certainly can't do any harm-your chances of conceiving naturally will be lower because the parameters are below average, but the only way it's zero chance is if there are no sperm there at all OR if you don't have sex!

Good luck with everything :)

Original poster
Maybe2014 · 14/05/2014 09:48

I've actually just bought the Zita West book! I'm trying to find a fertility book for him so I's not me nagging him to change his (already pretty good) lifestyle.. Has anyone found a good 'man fertility book'?

Good luck with your IVF hope it's all going ok xx

OP posts:
Turquoisetamborine · 14/05/2014 07:20

I'm no expert but going through the ivf mill.

My husbands first test was something like 15 million, not that good. Through lifestyle changes the last sample increased to 44 million. To do this he is avoiding stress, no laptop on his knee, drinking plenty water, eating well, exercise and taking Zita West supplements.

Best of luck xx

Original poster
Maybe2014 · 13/05/2014 23:03

Thanks eurochick, this is his second sample and it's much the same as the first. He's never smoked, hardly drinks, exercises etc (I'm the one with the bad habits!) we've both been taking the wellman/woman vits so I'm guessing these are the best results we'll get?! Thanks for your feedback Hun x

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eurochick · 13/05/2014 22:54

OK, I'm not a dr but have been through the fertility mill so I will say what I can.

The good news is that there are live sperm there (it only takes one and all that). The bad news is that most of the parameters are below normal. The volume is ok, but the sperm count (total number of swimmers in the sample), motility (swimming ability) and morphology (how many look like normal sperm should) are all below the lab's reference levels. I suspect your partner will be asked to repeat the sample. If it stays the same, you might be referred for IUI or IVF with ICSI.

Is he doing everything he should to optimise conditions for his swimmers? Good diet, low alcohol, no smoking, exercise, loose pants, no laptop on lap and so on? Some people seem to have had good results with certain vits and supplements. Swimmers take 90 days to renew, so if he starts now (assuming he is not doing all of this already) by the time of the retest any effects should be noticeable if your next appt is a few months away.

Original poster
Maybe2014 · 13/05/2014 22:45

Volume 3.3
Concentration 1.8
Total number 5.8
Non sperm cells 0.11
Rapid progressive motility 13 %
sluggish progressive motility 8%
Non progressive motility 6%
Immotile 73%
Morphology 1 %

OP posts:
Original poster
Maybe2014 · 13/05/2014 22:40

Ah don't think you can see that.. I'll type them out..

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Original poster
Maybe2014 · 13/05/2014 22:37

Thanks popcopearl! GP offered no advise really other than ICSI was probably the only option.. man has gone into meltdown he thinks we have no hope :-( I'm not ready to give up yet... And ovulating!

Anyone good a reading semen results?
OP posts:
pocopearl · 13/05/2014 22:28

Share hun can help

McPhee · 13/05/2014 20:41

Is it like the football results?

I can do that!

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