Low sperm count, low mobility....please tell me that there's hope

[reflection]

We had a horrendous time with our doctors, lost results refusal to chase them up and then a doctors PA calling to tell us that yes the results are showing that he is subfertile but that she could tell us no more....

I'm horrified and am now waiting till next Friday to speak to the GP about what exactly the results are. But I'm also so very afraid that this means we won't ever have a baby of our own :-(

Please tell me is you have any experiene of this

First of all it is unforgivable what your GP has done. Second, you must insist on another test in a few weeks time as results can change and most importantly you must be sure the results being read out to you are actually those of your DH.

Your DH will undoubtedly have to give many more samples as you go through the ensuing process. As for what can be done, there are some ways of enhancing sperm count dependng on the cause and even if it cannot then ICSI where a single sperm is injected into the egg is an obvious solution.

I am not actually in favour of GPs doing such tests (particularly the semen analysis one) for precisely the reasons you cite. One poor semen analysis though is not fully indicative of there being a male factor problem though. That needs to be borne in mind. Usually around 3 tests (perhaps more) are carried out once every month.

I would certainly complain about the shoddiness of care to date from your GP - I'd be speaking to their practice manager.

I would also now insist to the GP that you are referred as a couple to the hospital's subfertility unit. Do not back down on that.

Such tests (both for men and women) are specialised and these are better done under a gynae's supervision at hospital.

BTW if you do get the results next Friday do consider going along there with your H.

Thank you. We did write a formal letter of complaint and have sent it to the practise manager. Also we changed surgeries to a smaller practise as we just couldn't feel comfortable going to discuss such a matter with people that have a total lack of compassion.

My husband and I will be going together next Friday. We know from pathology that the results have already been sent to the fertility specialist and they are waiting for a referal from the GP. This has frightened me...could they be so bad that they sent the results without a referal??? It drives you mad to think about what might be and not actually have any results. How low is low? & are there any good ones? I'm just so so afraid

Easy to say, but try not to panic until you have seen the results for yourself and spoken to someone who knows how to interpret them. Everyone is right; results can and do change quite significantly from one test to another. In particular count can be affected by a few different things, not least when you last had sex before the test. My husband had an isolated result with a low count (he's had 5 SAs by now and only one showed low count - he has other problems but that's another story). Count was massively, massively higher the next time he was tested.

You could always get him on a routine of some multi vitamins to help boost production. From memory, go for things like zinc, selenium, vitamin C, folic acid...if you get him on those at least you will feel you are doing something good while you wait.

Hope the appointment goes well and it might be an idea to make a note of a few questions before you go along, as your mind can go blank on the day and only later do you think of the things you wished you'd remembered.

Hi reflection,

Just read your post and my heart goes out to you - I know exactly what you are going through.

You need, need, need to get a referral to your local sub-fertility clinic (dontcha just love that phrase...).

Earlier in the year I went to the doctors because my periods hadn't come back 18 months after coming off the pill. The doctor referred us straight away (I wasn't expecting that at all - was completely shocked cos I thought he would just send us away - but so glad he did). As part of the standard referral process my husband had to do a sperm test.

When we got the results back the doctor said that they were absolutely fine. When we got to the sub-fertility clinic they said that the results weren't fine at all.

BUT you can't just tell from one test - you need to test at least 3 times to get an average. One bad test could just be a "bad" day!

Unfortunately for us the first test turned out to be a "good" day and we're going to be starting a course of ICSI early next year - so all is not lost (hopefully).

I'm not going to say "be positive" or "it's all going to be okay" etc, etc, becuase to be quite frank I'm sick of people saying that to me - it really doesn't help or make me feel any better!

But what I will say is be kind to yourself and be kind to your husband - be nice to each other, have lots of cuddles and don't forget to eat chocolate every now and again (it nearly makes up for not being able to have a big glass of wine at the end of a long day!).

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Cerubina thank you for sharing your experience. It's encouraging to think that it maybe just a single occurance. However I do feel concerned and sense that this may not be the case. H has already said that he wants to get more active and that he wants to take some suppliments to boost his chances. Your very right that it makes you feel that your 'doing' something to help the situation! I have the note pad at the ready...

PrincessFeatures I feel such a relief that you have freed me from the grin I have every time someone says don't worry I just know you'll get pregnant.Thank you for the information. It's a job to keep control of my thoughts so that I don't run away with negative thoughts...Bless you I hope that your attempts are successful. Enjoy that chocolate.

We just have to wait now, & hope.