Low Sperm Count - confused

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We've been TTC for just over a year and today went for checkups. Everything is ok with me (age 35) but DH has low sperm count. This is a big surprise as he has 3 kids from previous marriage, although fathered last child when he was 32 - he is now 45. Also confusing is that although count low at 4million per ml, motility very high at 87%. Doc says he needs to redo the sample in a few weeks time (DH also said he only abstained for one day, which might have influenced the result). What's your experience? Is it highly unlikely I will get pregnant naturally? Are we looking at ICSI (doc hinting at this)?

Hi, has your dh been advised to make some lifestyle changes and have a retest? Avoid alcohol, general healthy lifestyle, avoid tight fitting clothes round that region and avoid hot baths/showers etc?

It's perfectly possible to have a low number of sperm (low count) but for those that are there to be healthy (high motility). Despite you being disappointed at the low count if he's got any healthy, motile, normal shaped swimmers that's a good thing!

Can I also check that when producing the sample, your dh refrained from ejaculating for a few days before? And def gave the whole sample (not a partial sample) in the pot?

Best wishes.

Ah sorry didn't read op properly. Yes, if he didn't abstain from sample production like he should have been asked to, it will give lower results.

If he knew he was meant to abstain, tell him to not waste nhs time and do things properly next time.

He needs to abstain for at least 48 hours ( but no more than 7 days) to get an accurate result.

Looks like he'll have to re-do the test with a sample produced under the correct conditions - did he not know what the instructions were?