Low Sperm Count and Morphology - TTC 20 months

[jadebz10]

We have been trying to conceive for 20 months. We have had my partners semen analysis back today. He has 2% morphology and low sperm count (can't remember the figure). His motility is 32%.

We are going to make some lifestyle changes and start supplements again. I just want some hope from people who have got conceived with the same issues?

I personally wouldn’t worry so much about morphology in isolation. My husband had 2% and then the test 6 weeks later was 6% and we conceived our second baby during that 6 weeks anyway but his count and motility were normal at that point.

having said that, we had a SA 12 months ago (been trying for a third for 18 months) and everything was normal or at least above the WHO thresholds but the most recent one was below on everything which is quite depressing. We are trying proxeed now and repeating the test in 3 months. We are also trying loose boxers, Mediterranean diet, zero caffeine and alcohol but we were already healthy so can’t imagine it’s going to do much.

is this your first baby? Xx

My husband found out the same recently. GP was super positive it wasn’t going to end our journey and to keep going, a friend of mines OH got the same result but made lifestyle changes and they got pregnant in 3 months! So it’s plausible possible it’s just small tweaks and time unfortunately x

Thank you so much for your replies!

@Anonbaby yes this is out first baby. Really sorry to hear your OH semen analysis results, I hope the changes help! ❤️

@lottieb92 im sorry to hear your OH had similar. It's devastating isn't it. I'm trying not to make a deal about it at all as he will become stressed then. How was your husband with the results?

@jadebz10 morphology becomes a bigger issue a low count. What were the numbers? What was his progressive motility?

20 months is a long time? Have you also had all your tests done? I would recommend Proxeed for sure. Your OH may also want to get a check up with a urologist if you can afford to do so as there may be an issue causing the low count and morphology. At 20 months, if it's your first, in most CCGs, you'd be eligible to start looking into IVF if that is something you'd consider.

We got pregnant after 15 months with low count per ml, borderline overall sperm out and initially 0% morphology that jumped to 9% with supplements and lifestyle changes. The hospital said the morphology is the easiest to fix. So much of TTC is luck. We could have ended up having to do IVF with ICSI, but we got lucky I think.

@FlyOnTheWall89 ill have a look at urologist, thank you.
The problem wi

Posted too soon, sorry!!
The problem with NHS IVF is that my BMI is too high.
I've lost 9kg but need to lose a bit more. My OH could be healthier too but his BMI isn't too high for NHS help.
I have had tests done though, numerous times. I started having them through the NHS and all came back OK, I've also had them privately and all OK. This was a while ago so just booked some more, for a whole hormone check. I ovulate regularly and every month. I do have suspected endo though so on the waiting list for that too!

My husband had similar results but improved massively, initially through lifestyles changes and then after having a procedure to close off a varicose vein in his testicle. Ironically, he ended up getting near normal sperm results when I was already pregnant through IVF! But we both had infertility factors. We now have a gorgeous baby girl and 6 frozen embryos, so it's absolutely worth the effort. The key changes my husband made we're taking supplements, cutting down on alcohol, wearing loose boxers and reducing cycling. Good luck!

@jadebz10 he hasn’t called to find out numbers if that’s anything to go by, he said he’ll do want he can until our referral comes through! But I might get on the phone to them myself 🤭
As far as I know his morphology is okay! But again he took the phone call I guess to keep us both positive!
He is healthier than I am… so also just made changes re: keeping cooler, looser boxers. But the cycling was a new one to us - we have a peloton so it isn’t road cycling and Tbf he isn’t a frequent user it’s mostly mine. But I’ll tell him to keep off for a bit (he’ll probs like that 🤣)

small but simple changes can be so effective - we have a child together so won’t qualify for ivf or Icsi - so we are doing all we can whilst saving for the possible need for that!

My fertility consultant advised us having a low sperm count dosent mean you can't get pregnant but it just might take a bit longer.
What percentage of his sperm is progressive vs non progressive? As long as the few sperms are swimming the right direction is all that matters.
After 20 months you may require assistance with conception .
I would be pushing for a referral straight away rather than wasting time with supplements. We've tried all the supplements that's supposed to help and our repeat sperm test was absolutely no different. Obviously lifestyle changes if needed can't do any harm