Motility question

Kissmark

So last July DH did a semen analysis, which showed that he had no count problem, and motility was about 70%. Then after a few more cycles of unsuccessful TTC, we had our first IUI in Nov. At that time it showed that he only had 36% motility, after washing it was up to close 70%. Then few days ago we did IUI #2 and his motility was only 40%, after washing 60%. I'm just wondering how the motility could drop so much in a few months. There are no major changes to his lifesty, diet, stress level, etc. If his motility are really only 30-40% normally, would it be very difficult to conceive naturally on our own? 

katib77

There is no telling if that first s/a was just one of his best ever samples and he's had 30-40% motility this whole time.  But yes, it's slightly diminished from the "normal" 50% (note, some say normal motility now is 40-45%).  But if his volume and count are good to great, it matters less.  But since you are AMA I would stick with treatments.  

I guess since you are doing IUI now, I'm unsure why you're asking if it would be difficult to conceive on your own.  Obviously you've been trying on your own before these IUIs and it hasn't happened.  Big ((hugs)), I know adding one more thing to worry about is hard when TTC.  But his post wash is the best of the best and if near or over 10 million post wash - you need not add worry.  

Kissmark

NariaDreaming good question, first time I dont remember, but this most recent one it was maybe 1 week, because he had influenza right before the procedure. So I guess that might've contributed to low motility?

katib77 thanks dear, I am asking because if it's hard for us to conceive naturally with 40% motility, then 1. it might explain why we were having trouble TTC on our own all those cycles before. And 2. we will not bother BD on our own on the day after IUI, which we've been doing. 

By the way, I read somewhere that one disadvantage of IUI is that, normally only the healthiest and strongest sperm gets to swim pass the CM and get fertilized. But with IUI any sperm will have equal chance. But if they are all washed, doesn't that mean all that's left are healthiest and strongest anyway? Then the point is sort of moot? Here is the actual sentence:
"It is important to note that with intercourse, only the best and strongest sperm make it through the cervical mucus and up into the uterus and fallopian tubes. With IUI, more sperm will be available for fertilization."

Mommalawyer

My RE told me that with the wash only the "warriors" are the ones that make it to iui. He also said that with regular TTC about 1,000 make it up to the meeting pint. However, with iui, you've got about 10,000 that make it to the meeting point. My DH has normal/low normal count & motility & I have no issues. RE is pretty confident because the iui takes away our "issue" by getting the slippery suckers up there where they need to be!

Lillovebug79

One thing I have learned through our 2 SA and now 7 *sigh* IUIs is that count, motility, and volume vary so much each time. We had generally had 4.8 mil to 8 mil (only once) post wash, then last month we only had 300,00 (WTF), and this month had 12.5 million post wash. My RE said that sometimes are bound to be worse than others. My RE wants at least 10 mil post wash and even though our count was lower this month, the motility was higher (but still not normal), and the volume was awesome so we ended up with our best one yet. FX that you won't even need to think about those numbers anymore after this month!

Mommalawyer

Well, I know that in my DA SA he was at 23.8 million per ml with only 25% being progressive active.... 45% were "slow" and the other 30% didn't move at all. My RE said this was certainly enough to do IUI.... Hope that helps....

katib77

Even with MFI issues on count and motility were told to have sex after IUI because it can help (uterine contractions, endorphines, etc.). And sorry I didn't see you were undiagnosed.