Question about normal ranges with semen analysis

jrnelson627

I posted this on the Infertility board, and haven't gotten a response yet.  I thought I would try here too...

My husband had an analysis done on Tuesday, and so far I've only gotten 2 pieces of information back from his doctor (long story, still working on getting the rest).

The letter states:  The report shows a low total sperm count of 4.6 million, and the sperm motility is also low at only 18%.

He had a vasectomy reversal last June, which is why we had the analysis.

Can someone please tell me what the normal range for these are?  How low are these numbers really? 

Thanks in advance....

Delphianraven

I can't remember the normal numbers my husband told me (I am thinking it was right around 20-40 million so I don't want to say for sure), but he and an ex wife who were trying to conceive had fertility work done because they were having difficulty. I'm sure he's going to love me sharing this, but his sperm count was right at about 2 million, I never asked him about his motility number. 

So far we have been able to conceive three times, though two ended in miscarriage. 

jrnelson627

Thank you for the reply. 

bluebird0521

A "normal" sperm count is anywhere from 20 million to 150 million (according to justmommies.com) and motility should be at 20%. If you google this there is plenty of information to explain what this means for those TTC.

sphinx24

bluebird1109:

A "normal" sperm count is anywhere from 20 million to 150 million (according to justmommies.com) and motility should be at 20%. If you google this there is plenty of information to explain what this means for those TTC.

This is true but you also have to consider total count vs. count per mililitre of fluid.Its not so much the count as it is the concentration. For instance, if the amount of fluid is 2 ml in actuality the count is cut in half. Therefore, the more ejaculate he produces the worse the numbers actually are. You would need that information along with morphology to actually have an accurate picture.

The numbers aren't great but there are options out there to help boost numbers and they will probably do a repeat SA to make sure of the numbers.

jrnelson627

Thank you spinx....we have a 2nd SA scheduled for next week.....there are a few things we did that may have impacted the count....wishful thinking I'm sure, but it can't hurt to give it another shot. 

KdgTeacher

jrnelson627:

Thank you spinx....we have a 2nd SA scheduled for next week.....there are a few things we did that may have impacted the count....wishful thinking I'm sure, but it can't hurt to give it another shot. 

That soon?  Usually repeat SAs are done 2-3 months to allow time for any treatments to have the chance to work

sphinx24

KdgTeacher:

jrnelson627:

Thank you spinx....we have a 2nd SA scheduled for next week.....there are a few things we did that may have impacted the count....wishful thinking I'm sure, but it can't hurt to give it another shot. 

That soon?  Usually repeat SAs are done 2-3 months to allow time for any treatments to have the chance to work

I am surprised as well that they would schedule another SA so close to the previous one. My understanding is that changes in diet, lifestyle, adding vitamins etc. can take 3 months or more to have an effect on sperm count.

GL. Let us know what the results are!