MFI - low motility and DNA fragmentation

[ThisPerkyCrab]

Hi everyone,

My partner and I had fertility checks earlier this year and found out that my partner has very low sperm motility (2%) and morphology (4%), but à very high count. After trying all the usual recommended lifestyle changes, there have been no improvements in two tests over 6 months since then. We have come to terms with the fact that we will have to have ICSI and are now on the NHS waiting list.

In the meantime, my partner went to see Dr Ramsay last month (who ruled out varicocele) and we were due to go in for results next week for everything else (DNA fragmentation, blood tests, possible prostatitis), however we received an email yesterday saying the DNA results were so bad that they are hoping it’s an error - though based on other samples in that batch it is likely not. My partner now has to go back in for repeat tests next week, and there are no appointments for results until the end of October so it’s a long old wait. He has no history of STI/UTI but he is experiencing worsening aches and tightness in his pelvis - which could be psychosomatic given the stress of the situation, or could genuinely be related to what is causing the problem.

I’m completely spiralling and worrying about both him and what will happen if the DNA fragmentation really is that bad. Will we still be able to have ICSI or is that likely to have poor results? I’ve heard of IMSI and ZyMot - does anyone have experience of success in a similar situation?

I’m 33 with an AMH of 9.2 and I’m also worried that my AMH will only worsen as we wait (though I appreciate in the grand scheme of things we’re still young - he’s 33 too).

Any thoughts or experiences really welcomed and appreciated xx

Sorry I don’t have much advice except that I know that surgically extracted sperm typically has better DNA frag than ejaculated sperm. If you Google you will see studies. They can extract it using a needle.. it’s called a TESA procedure. Then TESE is where they take a small biopsy. Just thought id flag in case this helps you at all. Dr Ramsay is fab so I am sure he will have a plan in place to help x

Thanks @Mrsplants I’ll look into that - hopefully that could be an option for us even if DNA damage is as bad as it could be.

As PP said, an option is a testicular biopsy to extract sperm directly from the testicle therefore avoiding fragmentation. But we were told that, usually the sperm is immature, it has a lower fertilization rate, and doesn’t freeze & defrost well. So be prepared for your egg extraction and his biopsy the same day. Another option, just to throw it out there is donor. Please don’t stress about things, look after each other, have patience with one other because it’s a hard journey you’re both on. Men tend to deal with things differently than we do and it’s sometimes hard to communicate. Like you said, you are both young don’t stress about time, there’s plenty of it left!
Good luck 🍀