Confused by SA

emilykbw

So, we had IUI #4 this morning. We have had this weird decreasing SA problem so we were prepared for low numbers again today. The RE said they are "better, but still low" - at 3 mil. Where I'm confused, though, is that he said "but, because of the volume, we are able to wash it down to 20 mil 40% motile." Now, 20 mil with 40% sounds much better than 3 mil, but I'm confused. I know it has something to do with per mL, but the math doesn't add up to me?! Clearly, though, it was still low and we have our WTF appt scheduled for Monday "just in case."

Lillovebug79

20 million with 40% motility sounds more like a pre wash count, 3 million maybe post wash? We have never had a post wash count with such low motility because the bad swimmers are usually washed out. The post wash motility should be higher. I think the lowest we have ever had was like 75% after wash. I would definitely ask for clarification, if the 3 million is post wash you might want to think about having your husband see a urologist. Especially if his numbers are getting worse.

emilykbw

Yeah, you're right, the 40% motility wouldn't be the post wash number. I'll call tomorrow, but now I'm stewing about it. Does it make sense that he would give us the per mL number? So, if we had 3 mil per mL and we had, say, 6.5mL we would have 19.5 mil?

Lillovebug79

I have only ever been told the actual count per ml (ex total 22mil per ml, 3.4ml with 35% motility) and then just the total post wash count and motility (ex then we ended up with 6mil post wash 80% motility).
the post wash count is always much lower than what the total amount of sperm are because they wash out the bad sperm. Like when we had 22mil/ml and 3.4ml we still only ended up with 6 million post wash but the motility was higher and they were the best ones. I have never had one come back where the post wash number was higher than the count per ml. But I suppose it's possible.

BunnyBerry

I, too, thought the 3 million was per mL, or maybe even motile per mL if motility is the concern? If so, it might explain why only 40% motility would be present post-wash to get 20 million sperm, although it's strange because I always heard they would use swim-up test to get better  motility.

Good look at your appointment, I hope you get clear answers and a helpful plan if needed!

Cindal

It sounds to me like there was quite a bit to the sample volume wise so even though they weren't alot per  mil you still had a good amount of actual swimmers because there were so much to work with. At least that's how it sounds to me.