Seriously low sperm - please help!

[kalixxx]

Hey everyone,

I'm feeling really down after chatting with our fertility consultant. My OH and I have been trying for over 3 years, but decided to put a pause on IVF to prioritise buying a house. We're now deciding to proceed so I spoke with our consultant today. She's ordered my OH to have another semen analysis as his 2nd one showed seriously low sperm, I can't remember the results as it was well over a year ago but I think the results were a bit inconclusive. His 1st analysis was a bit before this and sperm was present but very low, under 1 mil per volume (or whatever it's called lol).

Anyway the consultant today started talking about the possibility of IVF not being possible because of his sperm results and donor sperm routes (something my OH would never agree to). She's asked him to have another analysis but I'd never considered this might not work.

I feel super down now and if anyone has any success stories of IVF with super low sperm please do give me some works of encouragement!

My hsuband is classed as low sperm. Under 2mil. We have to have icsi. He also has some sort of crystallising in the sperm which I have no idea what that is but its like clumps of sperm and fluids that are not free swimming, thats the only way I can explain it. My clinic said they can work around it and find good sperm and we do icsi. We have had 3 successful live births with a lot of effort of course and takes a few rounds to find a sticky embryo . We have currently been trying again without much luck., I also have low egg reserve which means also my eggs arnt perfect .

Hi @kalixxx I am sorry for this news but please know that IVF ICSI is possible with this result. . My partner has less numbers and we have done icsi. This is different to standard ivf where they let the sperm and eggs swim together whereas ICSI they inject directly but they can still use your partners sperm. Also I know people with 0 sperm who do something called microtese which is like an operation to get sperm directly from the balls and they have had success so don’t lose hope!

I would say it’s worth speaking to a urologist who specialises in fertility as they may be able to help increase the numbers or find out a cause which will also help with the journey.

whatever road you take I wish you all the best

@Miraclemuma03 This could be TMI (sorry!!), it's interesting that you say that, his sperm seems to come out clumpy, however wasn't mentioned in analysis so maybe it's nothing but I might mention to our consultant anyway.

Thank you so much for your message though, hearing success stories from others does make me feel so much better. Wishing you all the success! ❤

@SprinklesOfHope Thank you soo much for your message, it honestly makes me feel so much better knowing others have been successful! She did mention surgical sperm removal, so fingers crossed that can also be an option.

He did see a urologist and they found a varicocele, however during our follow up they confirmed it was only mild. Which for me was a little disappointing as I thought we might finally be getting somewhere with why his results are so poor.

Thank you again, it's made me feel a bit better!

Have you talked to your clinic about the process of icsi?

@Miraclemuma03 not yet! We did all the initial tests about a year and a half ago and then paused as it wasn’t the right time for IVF. So we’re back to the start a bit, he needs a new analysis and I’ve got to have another blood test. Hope they don’t make me repeat the HYCOSY 😅

I think if you can id talk about icsi. Most clinics should offer this option but I could be wrong.