Husband's sperm analysis...help

musicsmysoul

Hi ladies,

After a year of TTC, my husband got a sperm analysis. I was kind of irritated that the doctor did not take the time to explain the results and had his admin do it. The end result: we're left feeling confused and defeated. He does have an appointment with a urologist in a month but for the time being, can anyone enlighten me with these results? Does this mean we'd have difficulty conceiving naturally w/out treatments like IVF? 

Can any of these things be fixed naturally? Any info would be a huge help, as we're both feeling really down. Thanks so much....

Sperm motility: 36

Progressive motility: 0

Sperm count: 6.1 (does this mean in the millions)

BandM14

Hey there. I'm sorry that you and your husband are feeling down. I'm certainly no expert on male factor infertility (there are other ladies here who I'm sure can jump in on that), but from what I know, anything less than 20 million is low count, and my clinic likes to see over 65 percent motility. As far as your options moving forward, it's great that your husband has an appointment with a urologist. Some people try natural remedies such as FertilAid supplements, but the urologist will be able to discuss any underlying issues that could be causing the low numbers (be it low testosterone, an issue with the testicles, etc) and hopefully have some suggestions for how to improve his numbers.

Another thing I will definitely say is that if you have been trying for a year with no success, it's time to get yourself and your husband to a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). They will do a lot of testing on you as well to make sure that your tubes are open, that you are ovulating, and that your hormone levels are okay. They will also be the ones to advise on treatment options such as IUI or possibly IVF depending on their findings and the reports from the urologist.

I know this is a very frustrating and scary process, but taking the step of seeing an RE will help you get answers and come up with a game plan. And if you stick around here, you will get some great support and knowledge from the ladies in this community. Good luck!

musicsmysoul

Thank you so much for your kind response... I appreciate it. I guess my next question is... do we see a urologist AND a reproductive endocrongolist at the same time?  One before the other?

deelopi9

My DH had his first analysis done thru the hospital outpatient center instead of one that specializes in Fertility, in which case was thru the RE. Most RE's have a Urologist they recommend since they specialize in Infertility. You can see both at the same time.

BunnyBerry

That looks very similar to my DH. He has 35-70% motility (depends on the day - that's why they always need a repeat SA) and 0% progressive motility. Our numbers tend to be higher, but if you have 6 mil/mL, then there's a good chance you'd have nice strong numbers post-wash if you do IUI (by using all the sperm from all his mLs and concentrating them into 0.5mL for insemination). [Edited to clarify: Just wanted to point out why I think you don't automatically have to think IVF due to that SA...there are possible treatments for the low #s, plus our RE decided the #s were good enough that it was medically worth doing 3 IUIs.]

Yes, you'll keep seeing the RE while working with a urologist. The uro is the expert on the guy side, and he'll inform the RE of his recommendations. For example, our uro put DH on meds and then told our RE when he recommended it was worth it to continue treatment, giving the meds enough time to kick in.

PeonyPop

@musicsmysoul I second getting them to explain the SA results to you, even though it sounds like you'll be going to a Urologist (which hopefully will be able to help with any issues) - my DH and I didn't fully understand his SA for months until a new RE told us he had a morphology issue.  We were told everything is great, because that clinic only care about motility and numbers.  You deserve to be informed about your decision, and it could really change the game for your fertility!

GL!!

musicsmysoul

Thank you ladies.... all of your info has been so extremely helpful!

musicsmysoul

This is a random question and  I know it depends on insurance, but do you typically need a referral to see a RE? Can we get one from my husband's urologist or does it strictly have to come from my OBGYN? 

BandM14

My insurance company didn't require a referral but you need to call yours to find out for sure. I still asked my OBGYN though, because I felt like she would have good input as far as recommendations for who to see.

mshandlebar

I am sorry you and YH are going through this. I can relate to feeling completely baffled by SA results. We have severe MFI, and the way we found out was a phone call from a random nurse who had no knowledge or experience with abnormal SA results. It was devastating and frustrating and then devastating again. Basically, the worst sandwich topped off with a side of suckiness.

You've gotten some really good advice here, and like everyone has said the next step is a urologist and an RE. Once you have a treatment plan, things will not seem quite as insurmountable. I did not need a referral, but then again, I am OOP so that probably makes a difference. Best of luck!

musicsmysoul

Hi ladies,

Just an update --- my husband went to see a urologist today and will be getting several tests (another analysis, blood test for hormone levels and a testicular ultrasound).

One thing that kind of rubbed me the wrong way was that when my husband brought up all the lifestyle changes he's making, quitting alcohol, taking supplements, etc, the doctor just scoffed. He said nothing could change his count....vitamins won't help and cutting alcohol wouldn't make a big enough impact. Seriously? I was a bit shocked... is that true? I feel like EVERYTHING I've read says the opposite... 

TLooney17

Our uro recommended vitamins and said that diet and alcohol definitely had an effect. He wanted my Dh to have no more than 4 drinks a week. He seemed to think that was pretty important.