Seman Analysis Results

[Orchid12]

Hi,
I've tried doing a quick search but everyone calls these tests different things so it's hard to track back. I'm just rushing out but before I go I thought I would run Mr O's test results by those who are in the know to see what you think:

Volume 1.1
Initial count million/ml 77
Progressive motility 53%
Rapid 39%
Total Motile count 44.891
Normal forms 13%

I think these look ok but would welcome a second opinion or two if you have time?

Thanks!!!

Orchid

Volume is low end of range but considered
normal

Count is good as is anything over 15 - 20 milliom / ml

Motility in normal range

Normal Forms is low end of range but considered normal

How interesting - opinions seem to vary!!

My DH had volume on 1.1 and we were told this was half what it should have been. Should've been over 2ml. But for him, we think it was cos we weren't told to "abstain" for at least 48 hours before.

I also disagree on the normal forms. Our doc told us that over 8% was good - so your 13% is great. (ours were only 3%, so will be re-trying!)

As our doc said - it only takes one!!

The volume range that is considered 'normal is 1 - 6.5 ml.

There are no absolute boundaries though.

Spreading your wings wider than Le Palais, OrchidFlower?

How come you have the results and no comment from the GP?

Volume seems on the low side. I have not got the hang of morphology myself, so if someone can help with this?

I never get the normal forms bit. Our doc told us that 37% was low (!), because WHO guidelines were 60%. Later on in turned out that 37% was indeed ok.

I also thought that normal volume was 2ml? Not that I want to spread any panic: hence my question about seeing a doc.

The problem is with the word 'normal'.

Almost all data, including semen analysis, has a typical bell shaped distribution with most most men having volume, counts and morphology grouped around the average with far fewer men with counts, volume, morphology at either extreme low or high end of the normal range.

However, there is no absolute cut off point to define what is 'normal' or 'abnormal'.

All the numbers everyone has quoted above are 'normal' but some are at the low end of normal.

There is no absolutes in this but obviously, higher volume, higher count, higher morphology, etc is better.

There is no point on the normal semen analysis scale that anyone can say this side of the scale you will not get a baby and that side you will not. Its just that low volume, low count, low morphology all reduce the probability. Only if there are no viable sperm present can you say it is impossible.

Orchid - I would strongly recomend you/DH talk to the doctor about advice on enhancing volue, count, morphology with lifestyle changes. Your DH has viable sperm. A thread from a week or so ago has good advice on this.

Been, while I entirely agree with you, I suppose the cut off point for practical reasons is when they send you to the FC. I am NOT saying this is the case for you, Orchid, I am responding to Been and saying that for practical purposes 'normal' is the count that does not warrant a referral to the FC. At least IMO.

Yes for practical purposes I agree. I think the problem is that doctors dont agree where to draw that line.

I guess this is yet another postcode lottery.

Yes, in which case I guess the best advice for Orchid is to go and see the GP / consultant, as useless as that is!

Thanks all - was out all last night which is why I posted and then ran!

The reason we have the results and no dcos appt is that we asked for this to be done privately at the local hospital, so we just get the results and not the GP. I called them last week and they said the results were fine and would send a letter with the details. We got the letter yesterday and all it gave us were these results, some lower limits (of which yes, some seem to be in the lower range) and then an overall one line conclusion that the findings were normal. I looked at a few websites before posting here and I too worried about the normal forms bit.

Do you think it would be worth phoning the clinic back, or taking the results to the doc, even though the overall summary is that they are fine?

The overall conclusion you have been given is correct. The sample results are normal but lowish in the normal range.

A trip to the clinic to ask what can be done to enhance both your and DHs fertility is well worthwhile. Also asking about the potential impact on probability of pregnancy for peace of mind will be useful to you.

It definitley only takes one though and there are millions there. Good luck.