DH has low morphology...what does this mean for TTC?

emgem819 · October 2015

Hi ladies. Just got my DH's SA back and the numbers were all good except for his morphology which was 2%. The nurse said they like to have it at 4% or higher. Question is: what does this mean for us TTC? Will we have to do iui most likely now (we've been doing ti because everything is oop)? Will ivf be our only option? Just trying to plan because re hasn't talked to us yet and the nurse wasn't very helpful.

agriffin92013 · October 2015

I do not remember the exact number but my DH also had low morphology numbers. It has to do with the shape. RE wasn't concerned with the numbers but we started TI in Feb and just had 3rd IUI last week with no BFP. If we don't get one this go round we have another sit down with him

HBamama2B · October 2015

***bfp mentioned***

My DH has 2% as well, but very high count and motility. We still had to do IVF, but it worked first try! Luckily IVF is a great option for those of us struggling with morph issues.

You can do IUI or TI, the studies are mixed about how much morph affects your chances, but my RE told us to move on after two IUIs rather than pay out of pocket. Our chances of BFP via IUI with that low of morph was only about 5% each cycle whereas IVF was closer to 45%. I feel very lucky. GL and I hope you are lucky too!!!

claire1884 · October 2015

Hello there, hopefully they will give you options but in our case we had to go straight to IVF (no TI or IUI). My DH numbers were 2% normal morphology on one sample and 0% normal on the repeat (we double checked it to make sure it wasn't a fluke!), but his numbers and motility were always great. We have combined problems because I am starting to have diminished ovarian reserve. I'm 31 and he's 30. It was a shock and disappointment to hear only IVF from the start, but now that I'm in the midst of it I'm glad we are moving forward with whatever gets me a baby fastest! We are OOP too so I feel your pain!
The important thing is that your RE thinks through the risks vs benefits of all options, and puts it all out there honestly for you guys to process through. Hopefully your egg quality is better than mine and that might help your case here. However I'm so glad my doctor was a "straight-shooter" and went the agressive route so we wouldn't be wasting our valuable time and money on less promising treatments for our specific combined problems though!

emgem819 · October 2015

Thanks ladies. I appreciate all the feedback. We unfortunately will never be able to afford IVF since paying oop so I suppose IUI's are our best shot. We will wait to hear what the RE says and move forward taking it one step at a time!

riveridgional · October 2015

@emgem819 It doesn't hurt to explore the resolve website and see if you and DH can qualify for any grants that may make IVF a reality for you if finances are the issue. There are quite a few out there and hopefully you can at least apply and see what they say. There are also programs available to assist with the cost of medication, if needed. I believe these are also on the resolve website.

Good luck!

katie121209 · October 2015

MyDH had4 and 5 % morphology at his SAs. We are having our second IUI today but we've discussed that we will not try iui anymore and start saving for IVF if this one is unsuccessful. We are oop for all costs so I feel your pain. FX for you and IUI!

tbyars07 · October 2015

My husband has 3% morph. My RE is reluctant to talk about IVF as he feels it is just a timing issue with IUI's. He has had many successful IUI's with 1-2% morph. He also put me on Clomid in hopes to have more follicles. Surely one of those good dudes will hit ONE OF THEM! The chances are low yes but if all the stars align he thinks it can happen! We just had our 3rd IUI so fingers crossed this one did the trick.

Every RE handles morph differently. Some care and some don't.

Good luck to you!!! Don't give up! My friend went 3 years with unexplained infertility and then just randomly got pregnant naturally. Keep trying at what ever "financial level" you are comfortable with!

wifeinraleigh28 · October 2015

My DH's sperm count wasn't high enough to even do morphology testing so I'm super nervous about this as we head into our first IUI, but our RE told us he isn't concerned about morphology % and has plenty of success doing IUIs with low morphology. I find it unsettling that there are so many differing opinions here, but I guess that's the case with just about anything in the medical field...

smitty18 · October 2015

My DH's morphology was 2%, but he had a high count, so theoretically, the count should have outweighed the morphology issue. It didn't seem to matter however. Keep in mind that there are numerous male factors can weigh together, one item alone is not a killer. RE said we were appropriate candidates for IUI, but it didn't work x3. We moved to IVF and are now in cycle. Don't worry if IUI doesn't work. It should and often does for many couples with morphology issues. But if it doesnt, you can do something called ICSI in IVF where they help only the healthiest swimmers get into your eggs. It worked so far for us (cross your fingers) as we had several eggs fertilize through this process. We don't know the outcome yet, but I was very nervous it wouldn't work. Good luck to you- sending baby dust!!

NicWalker10 · October 2015

emgem819smitty18 mentioned, that would increase our chances of fertilization of the eggs retrieved--and it did--at my ER 11 eggs were retrieved, 8 mature and all mature eggs fertilized so ICSI delivered as promised and was a great work around for morphology issues we faced.

If your RE is confident that and IUI may work,, and your insurance covers it you have nothing to lose and your RE can talk you through the likelihood of success Hopefully, it works and you never have to worry about any of this after that! Best of luck to you and keep us posted!!

HBamama2B congrats on your BFP! Great news! I was following all the BFPS on the Set/Oct board and it was great to see all of the BFPS--so much activity I couldn't keep up to post!

emgem819 · October 2015

Thanks for all the comments guys and for support and encouragement! I'll try not to lose hope and @riveridgional I'll look into those grants you mentioned as see if that might work for us. Like you said, doesn't hurt to try! @tbyers07 thanks for the pep talk about going with what I'm financially able to afford..If the stars align it could happen!

I'll keep everyone posted as to what my RE says after we meet with her about the SA diagnosis and what she recommends.

NicWalker10 · October 2015

@ emgem819 -- sorry I was responding from my phone and somehow the whole first part of my response got deleted--

what I had written was my RE did give us IUI as an option for dealing with our low morphology issue-we had low morph of 0-2%. We opted not to do it because we do have some IF insurance coverage and we didn't want the IUI to eat into it . Also, my RE has a finance department that can help you set up alternative finance arrangements, maybe check with yours if you have to go down that route?

Good luck and sorry my post looked all crazy!

BrightenMySky · October 2015

We also have morphology issues. I have heard that there is a lot of debate about morphology in particular. Our RE said we are candidates for IUI. Second IUI is on Saturday. I have taken Clomid both cycles to increase the chances that a good sperm will find an egg. Good luck!

emgem819 · October 2015

@BrightenMySky GL to you on your second IUI...thanks for giving us some hope that it can happen without doing IVF! FX that this IUI is the one for you:)

HBamama2B · October 2015

@emgem819 have you posted this question on PAIF or SAIF boards? Maybe those ladies have a similar Dx and have had success after IUI. It would be nice to hear some success stories to further boost your morale going in. We will get you chanting the rocky anthem! GL!! =D>

BrightenMySky · October 2015

@emgem819 thanks! I hope we will have success this cycle to give even more hope

taragust · October 2015

I'm so glad you asked this question, my DH was at a 2 morphology and his recent SA came back a 4 also. We are going to see the Fertility Specialist soon to discuss IUI, I'm praying we are candidates. Good luck to you and your DH! Please keep us posted on your journey!

emgem819 · November 2015

@taragust glad to hear your DH is in a similar situation. I am thinking they will say iui is recommended as long as his other numbers were ok. I'll keep you posted on what my re says and how I'm coming and please do the same! GL to you and your TTC journey!

Colleen0516 · November 2015

We had a similiar issue! We did 3 IUIs- all unsuccessful... My RE hinted hat IVF would be our pathway, and well- he was right! I'm currently fly doing IVF, hoping for my positive.

Get as much I for from your doctor and see what he/she suggests!

taragust · November 2015

@emgem819 thank you! Our appointment is scheduled for November 20th! Hopefully we will find out good news that we are able to do the procedure. Good luck to you!

emgem819 · November 2015

Just saw my re and got updated results so a little unsure of what to do next: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12641478/need-advice-please-take-a-break-or-push-through-with-iui-cycle#latest.

DH has low morphology...what does this mean for TTC?

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