2% Normal Function/ What to even do next?

LO95

I posted on the TTC board because that's where I am supposed to be.  But of course the new reality is that DH's SA came back today with the most shocking (to us) news.  His SA showed, according to the nurse, "2% normal function".  I was in Target when I got the news and I was trying to ask her the right questions, but she was so unhelpful about giving me the results slowly enough that I could process what she was saying. She finally said, "Do you want me to just mail you a copy?"  

Can anyone tell me what "normal function" is?!  I remember the number 20% coming up and the fact that DH was 2%.   He also had some number that was 62% and the normal was 50% so she said, "Oh, that's good." 

I am going to call tomorrow and ask that they walk me through the numbers one more time because I don't know how to not have all of the facts for several more days, but can anyone translate a bit of this for me? 

And WTF next?  I am so sad.    I know no one ever thinks infertility will happen to them, but DH and I are both 26, nonsmokers who were too dorky in high school/college to drink and have normal BMI who are dealing with fertility issues.  (I was diagnosed with Endo in October.)   I don't know how to process all of this information.  I know everyone will say not to jump to conclusions but I feel like we just got a fertility death sentence.  

jaztastic

It's a lot to take in... But it's not a fertility death sentence. I can't answer your questions about what it all means, but it jus sounds like you might be headed down the treatments road. Are you seeing an RE? What prompted you to get a SA? Once you get your SA in hand, call for details and explanations. I really wish you the best. And if you need support there is a whole board of women who have been where you are.

Lillovebug79

I'm so sorry, I know that feeling. I was at work when I took the call with my husbands results and I just started crying. I think I cried for a few days then I met with my OBGYN to discuss the results. The 2% you are referring to is probably the morphology (the amount of sperm with normal shape). A lot of doctors don't put much stock in that. My RE doesn't really even care about it. The motility is probably what should be 50% and it's good that your husband is good in that area! that's where mine is bad. I am not sure what the other numbers were referring to but they should have given you volume and count.
Don't get too upset, it was just 1 SA. Most doctors require 2 before diagnosing or treating any male factor infertility issues. It could have just been a bad sample, it can change a lot from one sample to the next. But even if it turns out that there are issues, seeing a urologist that specializes in male infertility can be helpful. There are supplements and meds that can help many issues.
Try to stay positive, it was just 1 sample. I would definitely make an appointment with your doctor to go over the results and what he may recommend. Good luck.

TTCBabyJ

@NariaDreaming‌ my RE said the same exact thing...but the only men that find out are those that have an SA. Yes I would suggest retesting before you get too upset. Good luck...my DH is retesting next week.

KT416

I agree that a lot can change vary from one SA to another, and he may want to go in for another one and/or meet with a Urologist.

 

My hubby also has sperm woes, and he did a few things and between the first two tests and saw an improvement in results for some of the categories. He drinks maybe a beer a week now, if that. He also no longer keeps his cellphone in his pants pocket, and doesn't use Bluetooth anymore. He used to stream music via his phone for his entire train ride commute both ways, and now just keeps his phone in his backpack. Obviously some tricks aren't medically proven or anything, but it doesn't hurt to change a few different things and see if there's an improvement in the next SA.

 

Good luck!

MissEm15

Don't lose hope. We are MFI. My husband has borderline count/motility & low morph of 2-3%. My RE said that the average male has 4%. Morphology is the shape of the sperm, abnormal sperm have a hard time getting into the egg. I have read tho if a man has a high count and/or high motility that the morphology becomes less of an issue. I'm not a doctor tho.. that's just from my research. My RE basically said that IVF w/ ICSC was probably our only option but recommended 2 IUIs first. Our 2nd IUI (first w/ injects) worked (ended in chemical). I did start my husband on Coq10 & Fertility Blend so I'm hoping that helps for our next round. Good luck!!

jaytee16

I'm sorry, I know that it's tough to get that kind of news.  I think the first step is to get all of the correct information so you know what you're really looking at.  The 3T blog has some good info on the numbers and what they mean, ideas on what you can ask your RE about doing (supplements for example).  I think it's fairly common practice to get a second SA done too.  Wishing you the best of luck moving forward!

LO95

Thanks to everyone so much!