Semen analysis results - does anyone know what these numbers mean?

[acaciabluebell]

Can anyone please give me some advice around what these results might mean for us? We've been TTC for 12 months now.

Semen Analysis results

Volume: 1ml
Appearance: normal
Viscosity: normal
Liquefaction: complete
PH: above 8.0
Debris: +
Agglutination: isolated, tangled

Total count per ml: 105million

Vitality: 83%

Motility:
Total: 65%
Progressive: 55%
Non progressive: 10%
Immotile: 35%

Antisperm antibodies:
igA

That's a bit crap that they don't explain as if you're supposed to know! OK, just to reassure you. It seems fine. Re morphology, yes, 4% is considered the threshold however there's lots of conflicting evidence, some gynecologists argue that it doesn't have any incidence on fertility if the sperm count is good enough (your husband's is). Secondly, my DH had a test done that came up with 1% morphology and I have fallen pregnant three times very quickly (and sperm count was pushing 15 million). So I wouldn't worry about those results. Vitamins and diet can also up the percentage but in your case, if there's nothing at your end either, it could just be a question of time! Best of luck!

@Dilemma8188 Thanks for replying. I didn't realise the 4% numbers were contested. Since we've been trying for 12 months without any success we are obviously a bit concerned, given that my husband and I are both in our mid-20s and should be in peak fertility.

I'm also a bit concerned about the round cells % as apparently they are white blood cells which can indicate some kind of infection?

I would say the most important numbers to look at are for motility, looks like 55% are swimming in straight lines to large circles, that’s good as those are the ones that will make up there haha my DH had cancer treatment on his inner thigh a few years back and I did a lot of googling from his results. Basically my ob said the strongest ones are gonna get there, regardless of the numbers it only takes one (cheesy I know) but we were told we wouldn’t be able to conceive naturally and I’ve fallen pregnant 2 times in the last 6 months (unfortunately both miscarried) but we’re still going! I would def recommend the fertilaid vitamins for men, those help with both quantity and quality also Brazil nuts if he manages 😉 they are very good for morphology and maintaining the genetic material integrity so they aren’t abnormal.
How are you feeling? Will you also test or just DH? X

I don’t know how to interpret them and no non medical person should be expected to, you haven’t even been told what a normal range is. I’d go back to GP and ask them to go through them with your partner or to put you in touch with a fertility Dr. Are you waiting on another appointment? My husband had semen analysis done similar to yours we didn’t get given full results but were told ‘results are within normal ranges and wouldn’t be affecting conceiving’

I’m sorry I’m not any help but just wanted to say that it’s crap you’ve been given results but haven’t got an explanation of what they mean. Not very good.

Hope someone can make sense of them for you

@gingerglitter4ever thank for all the advice I really appreciate it. I will try to get DH to eat Brazil nuts etc! So I've already had all my tests, my hormones came back normal except my day 21 progesterone in January was slightly low and indicated I maybe didn't ovulate. But then I clearly did ovulate in February as I had a chemical pregnancy. So I think I may have inconsistent ovulation, not sure. I also have very low AMH (egg reserve). But hopefully my egg quality will be good as I'm 25.

Even though the chemical pregnancy was sad it's reassuring to know that the sperm was able to get up my fallopian tube and fertilise the egg. I havent had a HSG yet so I always wondered if my tubes are blocked or not.

So, basically round cells are both white blood cells and other unidentified cells but yes over 1000000 white blood cells could indicate an infection. This is why, really, your doctor should have followed this up with at least an explanation. But even if that's the case, an infection is treatable and doesn't have to then impact your fertility. I would ask to be referred to a urologist or at least speak to your GP!

I will also note that I went on a gluten-free diet again as I have a sensitivity and that can trigger some auto immune things that I didn’t want to risk. It’s helped me a lot and though it takes 6 months-1 year for my intestines to fully recover it could have really good impact on our chances 🙂
Anyway I would def rule out the infection as @Dilemma8188 suggested and try to stay positive even though it can be shit and feel hopeless sometimes..
also on another note for sperm stuff, I read some med journals on studies about low count / quality and how having sex more often led to the sperm not sitting and decreasing in quality rather, that having sex more often showed improvement with second sample. I think the group was small but it may worth a shot next cycle round a bit of SMEP 2.0 if you will haha

Round cells and high pH could indicate infection.
He's got a high sperm count, so the % morphology won't really be an issue because of this. He can try to improve his % morphology with diet, supplements, exercise, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking etc etc etc

Another thing which is confusing me...

It says progressive motility is 55% but the comment at the bottom says "progression is mainly erratic"? What could this mean? I thought progression meant sperm is travelling straight?

@acaciabluebell from what I could find online that seems like great news! “ Sperm are a lively bunch to begin with, but they become even more excited when they zero in on an egg. They swim faster and their tail movements become more forceful and erratic. Now scientists have linked this behavior, called "hyperactivity," to selective protein channels in the sperm's tail.”

I guess they just have a weird way of naming stuff? Haha

LOL I hope you're right!! That would be great hahaha

Thank you btw everyone, defo going to book an appt with GP to look into the possible infection/inflammation issue.