Help - low sperm count, motility, morphology

[ttc12025]

Hi looking for some reassurance please as DH has had his sperm analysis results back and we’re really freaking out..

Background - we have been trying for our first baby since November 2024. I’ve been tracking my cycles with ovulation tests (have used CB smiley sticks but now using Premom strips) and started BBT testing in February. We’re on all sorts of supplements for fertility - DH has been on Wellman since November and is about to swap to zita west ones. He also takes omega 3.

Fast forward to today - the sperm count (19), motility (rapid a - 17 / slow progressive b - 37) and morphology (0.5) are all low. This is totally new to us as I thought the issues would be with me as I have a short luteal phase of 8 days.

DH can’t get a doctors appointment until late this month and can’t do the sperm analysis test again until early may (if they can fit him in then) so it’s waiting and worrying.
It feels like things are stacking against us and we are both feeling sad and stressed as we know people who have gotten pregnant so quickly.

Any similar stories that worked out ok or any advice would be so appreciated

My husband’s sperm analysis was very similar and his repeat analysis came back with similar results again. We were told we had a less than 1% chance of falling pregnant naturally and would need IVF to conceive. We stopped tracking everything and trying to actively conceive while we figured out a plan. We found out I was pregnant five weeks later and now have a happy and healthy 13 week old. I know it’s really hard, especially when you want something so badly, but try to manage your stress levels as best you can as we really think that’s what was working against us. We don’t think it’s a coincidence that we conceived shortly after we stopped focusing on conceiving so much. Sending you both lots of love and I really hope your luck changes soon. Xx

We had a similar issue and as happy as I as am for the PP, you hear a lot of people with these types of stories - and it didn't happen for us.

We are currently 12 weeks pregnant with our IVF baby conceived through ICSI which is where they hand pick the best sperm and inject it directly into the egg to give you the best chance of fertilization.

Our GP referred us to NHS fertility without even seeing us (my husband's test results were enough, he had to do 2 sperm samples 3 weeks apart) and we had our first appointment with the NHS 2-3 months later, funding was approved quickly and we got going. I had also had amh testing privately which showed I was eligible which sped up the process.

It took 5 months from referral to pregnancy.

We also investigated private ivf in the meantime as we had no idea our NHS referral would be that quick. Sadly it's luck of the draw. Even if you don't go private, a lot of clinics will do open days or give you a free consultation which we found really helpful. I paid £300 for a scan and amh blood test to ensure my uterus was suitable and I had good egg reserves.

There are definitely options! Don't despair. Do a bit of research and keep hounding your GP to give you an appointment or refer you.