Sperm analysis - please help!!

HayMay · 2022-04-16T06:10:43+00:00

Morning x My partner had his sperm analysis results last week which were really really low: Volume: 4.2mls Initial count million/ml: 1.5 Progressive motility: 28% Rapid %: 16% Total motile count: 1.764 Normal forms: 3% I know the above is really bad and I just can't stop thinking about it! My partner is fit and healthy and exercises a lot and eats well (ish) - we are tightening things up there. He doesn't smoke or drink excessively. He's been taking vitamins for a few months but isn't great at taking them (I have to remind him!) and I've bought a few more for him to try after reading loads on here and elsewhere. So.. have you/your SO ever had a repeat semen analysis and got better results (even with results like the above?). It took him about an hour to get to the hospital with his sample, so was cutting it fine and we had abstained for much longer than recommended for various reasons (about 14 days!) - but trying not to kid myself in thinking this could change the results (as If anything, surely longer absistence increases column and count etc) I know we've just got to hold it out and wait for the next appt and referrals etc I Just feel so down and don't want to talk to my partner too much about it as he feels awful already so trying to take the pressure off him - he's already doing what he can to try to improve himself. It just came as such a shock and unfortunately, my nature is to think the worst. Thanks so much reading & responding x

Nora11 · 16/04/2022 07:45

Such a long abstinence can definitely have a negative effect! We were told no more than 5 days I think. Being so close to the hour cut off could have had an impact too. Did he keep the sample warm on the way to the hospital?

My husband had borderline count/motility and only 1% morphology, the first two have improved slightly after 3 months of vitamins and diet changes. Also if your partner has had a virus or illness in the past 3 months that can have a temporary negative effect too.

What sort of vitamins has he been taking?

It's really hard getting a bad result and I felt the same as you with needing to talk about it but not wanting to make my OH feel worse! It's really tough. Sending you love and hope things improve on his next test!

Original poster

HayMay · 16/04/2022 08:00

@Nora11

Such a long abstinence can definitely have a negative effect! We were told no more than 5 days I think. Being so close to the hour cut off could have had an impact too. Did he keep the sample warm on the way to the hospital?

My husband had borderline count/motility and only 1% morphology, the first two have improved slightly after 3 months of vitamins and diet changes. Also if your partner has had a virus or illness in the past 3 months that can have a temporary negative effect too.

What sort of vitamins has he been taking?

It's really hard getting a bad result and I felt the same as you with needing to talk about it but not wanting to make my OH feel worse! It's really tough. Sending you love and hope things improve on his next test!

Thanks so much for responding and for your lovely message. It actually brought a tear to my eye, I'm obviously emotional!!

In terms of vitamins, this is what he's taking now:

*CoQ10 - 300mg (+ vit c 150mg, vit e 15mg)
*Vitamin C - 1000mg (+ rosehip 20mg)
*Vitamin D3 - 2000 IU
*Zeta West men fertility tablets containing:
Vit D3 - 25ug
Vit E - 100mg
Vit C - 100mg
Vit B6 - 10mg
Folate - 400ug
Vit B12 - 20ug
Zinc - 25mg
Selenium - 100ug
L-arginine - 100mg
L-carnitine - 100mg
Taurine - 100mg
Coenzyme Q10 - 30m

But I have just added the following from yesterday:
*Zinc - 15mg

Maca root - 125mg *Ashwagandha - 1100mg

Are there any others that you'd recommend?

I've also got some Brazil nuts, walnuts, asparagus etc and will just try to be better generally! We both had Covid just before Christmas, but I think it should be out of his system now, hmm, who knows! I guess I'm looking for a glimmer of hope but also don't want to trick myself, it's so hard!

Hope you are okay x

OP posts:

FlyOnTheWall89 · 16/04/2022 08:34

Hi again @HayMay I commented on your other thread.

We did a second SA and got morphology from 0% to 9%. Could have been genuinely better / it's quite a hard one to accurately count. My OH is taking Proxeed and has tightened up lifestyle habits although is generally healthy and fit. Other areas didn't really change sadly.

The urologist we saw thinks covid is having an affect but it does depend how badly he had it. If it was fairly light, it's probably not impacting massively. As I said before, I urge you to get him checked for a varicocele - this is a big common problem for low sperm count. Repeat next month with only 2-5 days abstinence and tbh, if you're that far from the hospital, I'd really push him to do it one of their rooms, not at home. An hour is pushing it.

I know how you feel and I've goggled everything about the subject. I started a thread with my OHs numbers which are better than yours, but still below 'normal' guidance and pretty much everyone said IVF is what they needed (or they advised moving to IVF rather than trying for too much longer) ...but there is absolutely a small chance of pregnancy every month so don't give up but expect a bit of a longer road ahead. It is totally horrible and so hard on a relationship.

I read a lot about pycnogenol which you haven't mentioned above... have a read. Good luck x x

Decaffe · 16/04/2022 10:36

My thread may help.

That said, did you tell the clinic that he’d abstained for 14 days? I don’t think they would have proceeded with the analysis had they known.

Decaffe · 16/04/2022 10:39

edited at poster's request
In your OP you have it the wrong way round - longer abstinence negatively affects sperm quality.

That’s why clinics won’t run the analysis if the abstinence been longer than five or so days.

I’d bet anything that if the test was redone after three days of abstinence, his numbers would be a lot better.

Original poster

HayMay · 16/04/2022 11:12

@Decaffe

edited at poster's request In your OP you have it the wrong way round - longer abstinence negatively affects sperm quality.

That’s why clinics won’t run the analysis if the abstinence been longer than five or so days.

I’d bet anything that if the test was redone after three days of abstinence, his numbers would be a lot better.

Thank you so much. No he didn't mention anything to them about it. I hadn't realised and he'd not mentioned anything about the abstaining period - it was only when I found the leaflet that I told him! (Silly I know!)

I'm off to read your thread now. Honestly, this is just consuming my mind 100% at the moment, I'm just so emotional and thinking the worst.

Thanks for responding x

OP posts:

thislittlebird · 16/04/2022 11:24

The hour cut off is fine, that won’t be the issue, unless he didn’t keep it warm. We did an hour to the hospital with the sample in my bra and was worried they’d all die, but the clinic were very chilled and said some people have to travel 2 hours plus and it’s fine. Anyway, long story short, the one hour of travel was fine on the day of our ivf.

I wouldn’t have abstained for that long though, as others said. Just the amount they say. My dh doesn’t have low count, he has low quality, and he has to ejaculate every other day/every day to refresh the supply as such. But that’s not normally the case for low count, which is why your best bet is to run the test again, abstain the advised amount of time, and then see a urologist/andrologist for next steps. It’s all very individual and there could be a number of things at play. Good luck, and try not to worry too much @HayMay

Original poster

HayMay · 16/04/2022 11:35

@Decaffe

My thread may help.

That said, did you tell the clinic that he’d abstained for 14 days? I don’t think they would have proceeded with the analysis had they known.

Just commented on your thread and now just researching vitamins!

This is what my partner is taking currently:

◦	CoQ10 - 300mg (+ vit c 150mg, vit e 15mg)
◦	Zinc - 15mg
◦	Vitamin C - 1000mg (+ rosehip 20mg)
◦	Vitamin D3 - 2000 IU
◦	Maca Root - 125mg
◦	Ashwagandha - 1100mg
◦	Zeta West men fertility tablets:

Vit D3 - 25ug
Vit E - 100mg
Vit C - 100mg
Vit B6 - 10mg
Folate - 400ug
Vit B12 - 20ug
Zinc - 25mg
Selenium - 100ug
L-arginine - 100mg
L-carnitine - 100mg
Taurine - 100mg
Coenzyme Q10 - 30mg

Just looking at ordering the omega 3+6 capsules now. I am taking a B complex vitamin already which contains:

Vitamin B complex (B1 - 10mg, B2 - 15mg, Niacin 25mg, pantothenic acid - 100mg, B6 - 10mg, B12 - 25ug, folic acid - 400ug, biotin - 100ug, choline bitartrate - 250mg, inositol - 250mg, PABA - 50mg)

Do you think it would be too much for him to take the vit B complex as some of them are already included in the zeta west fertility vitamins? Hope it's not a silly question, just worried as he's taking a lot! Thanks again for your advice x

OP posts:

Original poster

HayMay · 16/04/2022 11:36

@thislittlebird

The hour cut off is fine, that won’t be the issue, unless he didn’t keep it warm. We did an hour to the hospital with the sample in my bra and was worried they’d all die, but the clinic were very chilled and said some people have to travel 2 hours plus and it’s fine. Anyway, long story short, the one hour of travel was fine on the day of our ivf.

I wouldn’t have abstained for that long though, as others said. Just the amount they say. My dh doesn’t have low count, he has low quality, and he has to ejaculate every other day/every day to refresh the supply as such. But that’s not normally the case for low count, which is why your best bet is to run the test again, abstain the advised amount of time, and then see a urologist/andrologist for next steps. It’s all very individual and there could be a number of things at play. Good luck, and try not to worry too much @HayMay

Thanks so much. Just in this in between period until he can have the second test where my brain just automatically takes me to the worst case scenario!

x

OP posts:

Original poster

HayMay · 16/04/2022 11:37

@FlyOnTheWall89

Hi again *@HayMay* I commented on your other thread.

We did a second SA and got morphology from 0% to 9%. Could have been genuinely better / it's quite a hard one to accurately count. My OH is taking Proxeed and has tightened up lifestyle habits although is generally healthy and fit. Other areas didn't really change sadly.

The urologist we saw thinks covid is having an affect but it does depend how badly he had it. If it was fairly light, it's probably not impacting massively. As I said before, I urge you to get him checked for a varicocele - this is a big common problem for low sperm count. Repeat next month with only 2-5 days abstinence and tbh, if you're that far from the hospital, I'd really push him to do it one of their rooms, not at home. An hour is pushing it.

I know how you feel and I've goggled everything about the subject. I started a thread with my OHs numbers which are better than yours, but still below 'normal' guidance and pretty much everyone said IVF is what they needed (or they advised moving to IVF rather than trying for too much longer) ...but there is absolutely a small chance of pregnancy every month so don't give up but expect a bit of a longer road ahead. It is totally horrible and so hard on a relationship.

I read a lot about pycnogenol which you haven't mentioned above... have a read. Good luck x x

Thank you so much. I wish I could just relax a bit and think what will be will be, but it's just fully consuming me as came as such a surprise!

Will look up the vitamin suggestion now x

OP posts:

thislittlebird · 16/04/2022 11:54

@HayMay it’s hard, we’ve been there too and it’s really not fun. Just keep your partner on the vitamins in the meantime, maybe try proxeed or impryl (my DH’s morphology improved a lot on that) which is what we were recommended by various fertility docs but make sure he’s on them for 3 months + before you look for any improvement.

And yes, in answer to your original question my DH’s results did get better after six months to a year of supplements and following doctor’s advice. Not perfect, but better.

It’ll feel better once you have the second test and a plan of action, it just might not be the exact journey you expected. Good luck!

Original poster

HayMay · 16/04/2022 12:56

[quote thislittlebird]@HayMay it’s hard, we’ve been there too and it’s really not fun. Just keep your partner on the vitamins in the meantime, maybe try proxeed or impryl (my DH’s morphology improved a lot on that) which is what we were recommended by various fertility docs but make sure he’s on them for 3 months + before you look for any improvement.

And yes, in answer to your original question my DH’s results did get better after six months to a year of supplements and following doctor’s advice. Not perfect, but better.

It’ll feel better once you have the second test and a plan of action, it just might not be the exact journey you expected. Good luck![/quote]
Thanks! Would you use impryl or proxeed on top of all of the other vitamins above? I'm nervous about all of the vitamins he's taking.. could it be too many and mess things up?! x

OP posts:

thislittlebird · 16/04/2022 14:10

@HayMay it’s possible yeah, with impryl they say use that on its own, we didn’t, we used it with a select few others like ubiquinol and omega 3. But if you’ve already bought them (and Zita West isn’t cheap I’m sure!) maybe use some of those up before you move on to anything else? You’ve got some time between new test, appointments with specialists if needed and so on.

H2B2022 · 11/10/2022 21:39

Hi all,
My DH and I have been TTC with no joy as of yet. We have been to see the GP and they are undertaking some routine checks before referring us to a fertility specialist. One of the tests was a semen analysis for my DH. The GP gave him the results over the phone and said his sperm count was low, the consistency was not as they would expect and they detected a littler bacteria in his sample. What could this be? Has anyone else's DHs results come back with bacteria detection? I'm thinking the absolute worst here that he's been having it away with someone else and caught something 🙈 someone please put my mind at rest.

feelinglost22 · 11/10/2022 22:17

H2B2022 · 11/10/2022 21:39

Hi all,
My DH and I have been TTC with no joy as of yet. We have been to see the GP and they are undertaking some routine checks before referring us to a fertility specialist. One of the tests was a semen analysis for my DH. The GP gave him the results over the phone and said his sperm count was low, the consistency was not as they would expect and they detected a littler bacteria in his sample. What could this be? Has anyone else's DHs results come back with bacteria detection? I'm thinking the absolute worst here that he's been having it away with someone else and caught something 🙈 someone please put my mind at rest.

Try not to panic yet! What were his numbers like?

We are a bit further on our journey now - depending on where you go with the NHS, I would absolutely recommend seeing Mr Ramsey if you can do in London - he specialises in male infertility and sadly the NHS don't seem to do much research on mens fertility! You might need this depending on your position but we wouldn't have got answers we've got without seeing him and would have forever been wondering if things would happen naturally etc etc.

I've done so much reading on sperm bacteria etc and it's something that could have been unnoticed for ages that is totally treatable with just a course of antibiotics! Do you know if your husband has a varicocele? Any dull aches in his testicles?

This journey is so difficult but try not to panic until you've got some answers and you know what you can and can't control or you will see yourself crazy (like I did!).

Take care and best wishes on your journey xx

H2B2022 · 11/10/2022 22:23

Thank you so much for replying!
We've not actually had the numbers, the GP just told him over the phone low sperm count, consistency isn't what they'd like and a little bacteria found in his sample. I'm going to ask my husband to call the GP tomorrow and request the report so we know what his numbers are.

It's the bacteria that's bothering me, I'm thinking the worst ... Can it be something simple? My stupid mind is running away with me thinking he's been having it off with someone else and caught something 🙈

It's such a difficult journey isn't it!
Xxx

FlyOnTheWall89 · 12/10/2022 05:28

@H2B2022 did he give a urine sample to find the bacteria or was it in the semen sample. I wouldn't be worrying about that, it is probably the easiest to sort of the issues identified. As the other person said, most likely he will need antibiotics. These things can go along for ages unnoticed and really effect sperm.

You need to call and get him numbers so you know more of where you stand. Your next step will be a referral to the NHS fertility clinic but also as the previous person said, you won't get help for your husbands problems. We saw Dr Ramsay who I personally had mixed feelings about but he is very popular and there is usually a wait of 6-8 weeks for an appointment. Again, this all depends how low the count is ... I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable on the consistency side of things.

My partner had low count per ml but borderline overall low count and it took 14/15 cycles but I did fall pregnant naturally and I'm now 21 weeks pregnant. I can give you lots of tips on supplements for your OH if needed x

feelinglost22 · 12/10/2022 06:53

FlyOnTheWall89 · 12/10/2022 05:28

@H2B2022 did he give a urine sample to find the bacteria or was it in the semen sample. I wouldn't be worrying about that, it is probably the easiest to sort of the issues identified. As the other person said, most likely he will need antibiotics. These things can go along for ages unnoticed and really effect sperm.

You need to call and get him numbers so you know more of where you stand. Your next step will be a referral to the NHS fertility clinic but also as the previous person said, you won't get help for your husbands problems. We saw Dr Ramsay who I personally had mixed feelings about but he is very popular and there is usually a wait of 6-8 weeks for an appointment. Again, this all depends how low the count is ... I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable on the consistency side of things.

My partner had low count per ml but borderline overall low count and it took 14/15 cycles but I did fall pregnant naturally and I'm now 21 weeks pregnant. I can give you lots of tips on supplements for your OH if needed x

Hi @FlyOnTheWall89
Congrats on your pregnancy! That's amazing news!

Please can I ask what numbers your husband has? We're not sure where to go from here - he currently has about 1.8-2million progressively motile sperm.

Do you mean that although your husband was low count per ml, his motility and volume was good enough to get to nearer the normal criteria for total motile sperm count?

So hard to know what to do!! Thanks and congrats again xx

Raindancer411 · 12/10/2022 07:22

I cannot tell you his numbers but my husband had one and was told be would need help to conceive as he had a low count and reduced mobility of the sperms. He even showed me the letter when I met him.

We were together for 9 months before I fell pregnant, so was a bit shock and be called our son a miracle baby.

The only thing he did differently was eating better and at a more reasonable time, was out and about a bit more, happier and was taking wellman vitamins.

8 years later and we had another baby... There is hope..

Vitabiotics also do a conceiving pack for both you and your other half to take together.

Raindancer411 · 12/10/2022 07:24

When I said happier, I meant in a more less stressed sort of way :)

FlyOnTheWall89 · 12/10/2022 11:49

@feelinglost22 he had 40 million total a few months before we conceived, always had high motility but morphology was terrible upon initial examination but increased drastically with supplements and lifestyle changes.

1.8-2 mill is pretty low but with time and some checks, there is no reason to believe that a) a pregnancy won't occur and b) that you can't improve those numbers. Where there is sperm, there is a chance always so don't give up hope.

I would book an appointment to get him checked for a varicocele - we ended up doing this via our private healthcare. He should do a urine sample to check for infections and begin supplements. Dr Ramsay was v clear about reducing coffee to one a day. He said we would be fine to share a bottle of wine a week and make sure he isn't cycling, or putting his laptop on his legs as that basically boils the sperm. No boxers at night, in fact scrap tight boxers altogether. Hope this helps - once you get going you'll feel like at least you're moving in the right direction!

H2B2022 · 12/10/2022 11:59

Hi!
They said they found a little bacteria in his semen sample?
I think I'm just thinking it's something like an STI lol but I hope not as we've been together 7 years and just got married so he'd have some explaining to do! I'll definitely get him to call the drs in a bit to request his numbers.

We're both currently taking the proceive tablets - we're only on our first month trying these though. I did try some others previously but they really affected my cycles!

Thank you xx

FlyOnTheWall89 · 12/10/2022 12:32

@H2B2022 sorry I tagged the wrong person. Don't think they are checking his semen for STIs and not sure which STI if any of them have an impact on fertility or sperm quality for a man. Oh right, 1st month - don't get yourself in a Tizz now hahah - it can be a v long journey! Get the numbers back and go from there. You wouldn't get any referral anywhere until you've tried for at least a year.

FlyOnTheWall89 · 12/10/2022 12:33

@H2B2022 gawddddd I have scrambled brain today - your first month of trying the tablets. Request numbers and go from there!

H2B2022 · 12/10/2022 12:38

Oh sorry, we've been trying a lot long we've just only been taking the supplements for the last month xx