New to Board! Sperm Motility and Morphology Issues

LGW2015 · December 2015

Hi all. I am new to this board. DH and I have been TTC for 1 year now, unsuccessfully. I was on BCPS for 10 years but stopped August 2014 in prep for TTC. My cycles are irregular, long and very painful which has been frustrating. We are in the process of going through some tests. I went for blood work on CD 25 (low progesterone indicates I hadn't O'd-I usually O around CD 23 based on BBT) and will be going for a hysterosalpingogram at the beginning of my next cycle (to make sure my tubes are open). Yesterday we got the results of the semen analysis. The nurse said DH has good sperm count but low sperm motility and morphology. He is scheduled to go to a urologist on the 21st. I guess I was hoping to hear from anyone who has similar issues, and generally what the options are. Based on my internet research, everyone seems to say IVF is the only real hope. Trying to stay positive until we at least get more info. from the urologist but I'm feeling quite hopeless right now and frustrated the nurse didn't give me any specific numbers.

Thanks everyone

chicandbubbly · December 2015

Hi @LGW2015 and welcome. I am in a similar situation as you, I am so sorry you are going through this. I know it is really tough. We have been TTC for about a year (Jan 2015). I have long/irregular cycles as well and thought maybe the problem was with me. Shockingly though, we found out last month that my DH has severe MFI. Our problem is mostly with the count but the other areas are low as well. Our RE told us that based on his initial SA, IVF is our best option. However, the follow up SA showed improvement in all areas and we have decided we are going to try IUI first in January.

Getting the news about the first SA was devastating and I know how overwhelming it is. Once you meet with the urologist and learn more, I would suggest getting a second SA done in a few weeks. Are you working with an RE? I hope you get some answers soon!

LGW2015 · December 2015

@chicandbubbly thanks so much for the reply! I'm very sorry to hear you are in a similar position. I wish you the best of luck on the IUI in January!! We don't have an RE, as we are still undergoing the tests my GYN scheduled, but I'm assuming that will be the next step (I go back to GYN on the 15th to go over the results). Did your husband take any supplements between SA 1 and 2 or did it improve on its own? I've seen some people mention that they could help.

The waiting and not knowing are seriously the most frustrating parts! Good luck again xoxo

chicandbubbly · December 2015

My DH only made a few lifestyle changes in between SA's I think there was 2-3 weeks between or so. He stopped drinking alcohol, gave up fast food, drank more water, ate healthier and also took a multivitamin. That is basically it. Our RE mentioned a few supplements (vitamin a, c...) that could help but said honestly there isn't much. I have recently ordered a few more supplements fertilaid or something like that. There are also some foods that may help sperm. Maybe some other ladies have more to add... Since it has only been about a month for us. Thanks for the support! I appreciate it.

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

I'm sorry you both are dealing with sperm issues! I was devastated when we got back our SA results too, even though we had already suspected there would be a problem. My DH has low T and takes testosterone supplements which actually hurts sperm count, however he is a hot mess without them so he was very much against stopping the supplements. We will be meeting with a urologist if our first IUI doesn't work (currently in 2ww) to see if there's something he can take that will improve his T without hurting sperm count. I've heard of men being prescribed clomid for that specific issue, so maybe that is an option. In the meantime I've been cooking a lot of foods that are supposed to increase sperm count (lots of asparagus!! glad my DH isn't a picky eater). I often feel really down because I feel like there is so much more they can do to help women with infertility, but when it's male infertility they usually say IVF is the only option.

@LGW2015, I would suggest trying to get a copy of the SA so that you can look at it more closely. I've learned from talking to my RE and by doing my own research that the important number to look at is the number of motile sperm. Total sperm count and motility percentage don't matter much since only the motile sperm have a chance at completing fertilization. If you do an IUI they wash the sperm and will only insert the healthy, motile sperm. My RE told me that the bare minimum to be considered for an IUI is 1 million sperm post wash (motile sperm).

LGW2015 · December 2015

Thank you both so much for the info! I will definitely look into those options, diet, etc.

@wifeinraleigh28 I'm sorry you're going through a similar situation as well. Again thank you for all of that info, that's really helpful! I will definitely look at those things when I get the report. Yeah, I was pretty shocked when I did research about motility and found that most of the time IVF/IUI is the only recommended course. It is very disheartening. I've read that low T could cause MFI but I didn't know (I don't know much as this is all new to me) that the meds for low T could also make MFI worse. That sounds incredibly frustrating, I'm sorry you're going through that. I am SO hoping you have a + with your IUI, Fx for you!!

chicandbubbly · December 2015

It is definitely really disheartening that IUI/IVF is "our only option". The urologist and our RE both have said it is possible to get pregnant naturally though. "It only takes one...."

. Hang in there!

@wifeinraleigh29, thinking of you and hope you get good news next week!!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

@LGW2015 and @chicandbubbly - Thanks ladies! I will be taking a pregnancy test on Wednesday so I'm hoping for the best but also not expecting a positive. I know it's a long shot. And I know, I didn't think it made sense that testosterone treatments can actually hurt sperm production, but when I read more into it it made sense. Only natural testosterone stimulates sperm production, and taking testosterone treatments actually decreases the amount of natural testosterone the body makes. Treatments to improve sperm count are actually estrogen treatments (hence the clomid) because that triggers the body to produce more testosterone naturally. Forgive me if I mixed up some facts, but that's the way my brain understands it!

Here's hoping we all get our BFPs soon!

roxgibbons · December 2015

@LGW2015 My husband has Low T and borderline low motility 30% but our RE wasn't too worried about it and since all his other numbers were good he said we were good candidates for IUI although I got my BFN today on our second IUI cycle.

It's very frustrating that meds for low T can cause male infertility issues. My husband was on a testosterone gel for a few years but has been off of it for 4 so I think that helped his SA but definitely not his libido. Since we are trying to conceive our RE suggested he try Fertile Blend (I get it on Amazon) which is an herbal supplement he takes everyday now and his post wash count significantly improved from our last IUI. He also takes a multi vitamin which has extra vitamins for sexual performance and stamina and those help big time.

LGW2015 · December 2015

@roxgibbons Thanks so much for the info! I will definitely look into those supplements. So sorry to hear of your BFN

will you be doing another IUI cycle? Fingers crossed for you!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

@roxgibbons - Glad to hear there are other treatments to help in this area. I'm hoping when we meet with a urologist they will have some answers for us!

roxgibbons · December 2015

@LGW2015 We are taking this month off from IUI to do more tests for me. I am doing an HSG and saline ultrasound. We will still try for a BFP naturally but with an un-medicated cycle to give us more time for testing. I just wanted to add that the brand for my husband's multi-vitamin is Rainbow Light which is available at most health food stores and online. We tried another brand but this one seemed to give better results .I also starting him on Maca as well which I've read is helpful for stamina and sperm quality.

@wifeinraleigh28 hope all goes well for you this week and you get your BFP just two more days!! FX!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

Unfortunately I'm out everyone. AF showed up today, so I won't be testing.

LGW2015 · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 I'm so sorry to hear that. I got AF today too </3 Will you be going to an RE? I hope they can suggest something to help with the low T.

@roxgibbons thanks for the brand name! I'll definitely look for that. I'm also going for an HSG (next thursday). When are you going for yours? I hear it's not too bad, but I'm not looking forward to it. At least we'll have some more answers one way or the other, right?!

I'm super frustrated because my cycle was long again so my follow-up appt with my doctor to go over all the results (SA, bloodwork and HSG) is 2 days before the HSG, so we won't know the results of the HSG. I'm also frustrated because I feel like my bloodwork was a waste of time seeing how it was on CD 25, the day after I O'd (I couldn't get an answer from the nurse but it seems like from what i'm reading that the bloodwork can only confirm O if it is done 7+ DPO). Feeling like most of the tests were useless this cycle ugh. Really hoping we find out more information on the 21st at the Urologist appt. I hate not knowing!!

Thank you all for your support, it's really making such a difference going through this process knowing i'm not alone and having people to talk to

roxgibbons · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 again I am so sorry for your BFN. I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation. What are your next steps?

@LGW2015- My HSG is 12/15 and my saline ultrasound is 12/14. When I went in for my follie scan last cycle my nurse thought she may have saw something in my uterus when she was checking the lining. It may be a fibroid or as she said just a shadow but she wanted to get it checked out. As for your HSG results I was told the tech can tell me right away if the tubes are clear or not. Maybe you can ask. Either way I hope you get all your results at once. This whole journey is a true test of patience.

chicandbubbly · December 2015

I am so sorry to hear that @wifeinraleigh28

Thinking of you! Hopefully we will all get some good news in January

Question for anyone that has done IUI... What are reasons for doing a medicated vs a non-medicated cycle? I will be calling my RE to confirm but last time we spoke about this topic they didn't mention that I would be having any meds. They basically just said I will need to do OPKs (as I already do) and when I get a positive then I call them and will go in the next day....

Anyone have any insight?

roxgibbons · December 2015

@chicandbubbly Both IUIs I did were medicated and the only reason I was given is that they wanted to pump up my ovaries to produce more eggs so that our chances increased. I was put on Femara for 5 days starting on CD 3 and I didn't have any side effects. The meds did work as I produced 3 mature follicles the first IUI and 4 on the second. The second round we added the trigger shot to pinpoint ovulation so I wouldn't have to rely on OPKs. Of course BFN on both IUIs, I think every clinic is different and I believe mine starts with medicated cycles as their first step protocol for everyone. My friend went to the same clinic and they adjusted her meds a few times and she got pregnant on her 5th IUI.

BrightenMySky · December 2015

@chicandbubbly I had basically the same reason as @roxgibbons. I have no known issues (but there are, of course, things we might not be able to tell), but DH has a poor morphology score. My RE wanted to use meds to increase the number of eggs to increase the chance that a normally-shaped sperm would find an egg. I responded well to Clomid. I am on my 3rd IUI (Clomid + Ovidrel trigger), and if it comes down to it, I think my RE has persuaded me to do 6 total, and we would plan to use the same meds each time.

Based on your sig/dx, I am surprised you are not doing meds (or at least the option was not discussed). Yes, IUI gives the sperm a boost in terms of washing & getting it to the right spot, but meds for you would give an even bigger boost. I would ask your doctor about it--they may have a good reason that you will be satisfied with (what happened to me when I asked my RE why I wasn't doing more aggressive meds, injectables, etc.), or they might not. But there are so many things out of control in this process, and for me, information-gathering helps me feel better about it all, so I would ask.

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

@LGW2015 - We are already working with an RE, however we made an appointment to see a urologist next week who specializes in male infertility. I'm hoping we'll have some options for increasing sperm count! Will keep you all posted.

@roxgibbons - The plan is to do our next IUI in January with the same meds since I had a good response. I wanted to jump right into our second IUI in December but unfortunately since we won't be home from our vacation until Sunday, we will miss our window for a baseline ultrasound and starting injections. It's a good thing though. Giving my body a break for a month will be nice.

@chicandbubbly - I asked my RE about the meds as well since we were dealing with low sperm count. He told me that the meds result in super ovulation (producing more than 1 follicle) which increases your chances of conception. This is especially important when sperm numbers are low. Think of it as giving the little swimmers multiple targets. Also with medication they can completely control the time of your ovulation for making the timing optimal for your IUI. My RE put me right on injections because he said they are twice as effective as oral meds and don't thin your lining like Clomid can. Hope this helps! Let us know what your RE says!

Thanks for the support everyone. I'm not feeling so down about it anymore. Just moving on as I know I must!

chicandbubbly · December 2015

Thanks everyone for your feedback... seems like meds are very common/helpful.. I will be calling my RE tomorrow and seeing what they have to say!!

roxgibbons · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 pending test results next week, I should be able to do a January IUI as well and most likely the same med protocol. Cycle buddies! I'm glad you're feeling better and like you said this month off is definitely a good thing.

LGW2015 · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 my apologies, I meant to write urologist in my last post, not RE! Hoping we both get some positive help from the urologist in the next couple weeks. I will keep you all posted as well on what info we get. Also glad to hear you are feeling better. Hope you are enjoying your vacation, sounds fabulous!

@chicandbubbly I hope you get more info from the RE, let us know what you hear!

@roxgibbons fingers crossed for you next week!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

@roxgibbons - Let us know your test results next week! Would love another IUI buddy for January. It's so awesome having others to talk to when going through this stuff!

@LGW2015 - Here's hoping our urologists can help us get KU!!

roxgibbons · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 yes fingers crossed we will be IUI buddies in January. I have the first test tomorrow and I'm starting to get nervous. I just want things to be uneventful, you know?

Anyway- will keep you posted. Good luck to you and @LGW2015 on your appointments.

ehanssmann · December 2015

My husband had a low count and low motility and I do not ovulate so we had multiple obstacles. The doctor said IVF was going to be our only option, so he started him on basically a prenatal vitamin for men at the end of September. I believe the brand was ConceptionXR. By the middle of October his numbers were much higher!

chicandbubbly · December 2015

Update! I just talked to my nurse and my RE DOES want me to do a medicated cycle. So I will be doing Letrozole (sp?) day 3-7 of my next cycle.

LGW2015 · December 2015

@chicandbubbly I'm in a similar boat, went to my doctor today and she is putting me on clomid day 3-7 of my next cycle to help shorten my long cycles. Will you be doing IUI next cycle or are you trying just the Letrozole first?

Got the semen analysis results today. Motility is 36% and morphology is 6%, so they're low but the doctor said that it's not too low to rule out natural conception. Going to try clomid for 3-4 cycles and if that doesn't work then she's going to refer us to an RE. Also waiting for the urology appt on Monday to make sure there aren't any other issues with DH. Going for my HSG on Thursday.

chicandbubbly · December 2015

@LGW2015 I have long cycles as well but my RE didn't seem very concerned about it. How long are yours? Usually mine are about 35 days. I am pretty impressed with my RE's office which is good, spoke to the nurse about medications for the cycle and then 30 mins later I got a text from my pharmacy saying it was ready! She wanted me to have it before the day I needed it. I am sure that was normal, but hey...

In case any of you are wondering, I asked which OPK they recommend (currently I am just using the cheapy wondfos because I have used so many

) and she said the Clearblue digital with the smiley. Apparently they have proven more accurate.

We are doing the IUI next cycle. Basically we were told our only options are IUI or IVF. We plan on doing 2 IUI's max before moving on but we will see! Our second SA showed similar motility and morphology- 35% and 5% but our count was very low.

Good luck with your appointments!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

GL you 2! @chicandbubbly that's good your RE is having you do a medicated cycle. With MFI especially I feel like it would be a waste of time and money to not give yourself as good a chance as possible.

@LGW2015 - I really don't want to worry you but I would never take clomid without being monitored closely by an RE through regular ultrasounds (not an OBGYN). A common side effect is thinned uterine lining and if this happens (especially for multiple cycles) the effects can be permanent. OB's are often very quick to prescribe clomid but then don't do regular monitoring with it. I would ask your OB what kind of monitoring she's planning to do with you while you're taking clomid and I personally would ask for an RE referral right away before even starting it. I would hate for you to end up in an awful situation!!

BrightenMySky · December 2015

@LGW2015 sorry to pile on what @wifeinraleigh28 said, but I agree with her that monitoring is important when you're on Clomid. You want to know if you're a good responder with b/w and u/s. If not, there are other drugs to try (and if you're having unpleasant side effects, why put yourself through more cycles with Clomid if it's not helping you?). Also, my RE will only do 6 rounds of Clomid total (and I think this is common), so if you do well on the Clomid, I would want to make the most of those cycles under the care of an RE.

roxgibbons · December 2015

Hi all, I wanted to give you a follow up on my tests as I said I would. I wish I had some better news but I don't. I had my saline ultrasound and there is in fact a polyp or a fibroid about 12x9 mm in my uterine cavity. The dr didn't seem to worried about it as he said these things are usually benign and we scheduled a hysteroscopy for January 13. He said this could be contributing to the fact that we haven't been able to conceive.Yesterday I had my HSG and they were not able to get a good visual of my tubes as the polyp was obstructing the right tube and nothing was going in the left. The nurse mentioned the tubes could have been spasming but when talking to the dr. today he thinks they could just be blocked but its hard to say since the images were obstructed. Anyway- he suggested I do a tubal cannulation so they can get a better look and if in fact the tubes are blocked he can attempt to unblock it. Unfortunately the schedule is booked in January which means I need to book in February. I asked the nurse to book it but she said I need to wait until I start my period which won't be till the first week of January.

Needless to say I am so overwhelmed and frustrated and just feel defeated in this whole process. I was really hoping I could get this all done in January and resume treatment, But now it looks like I won't be doing treatment until late February or March. I've been non-stop crying since yesterday as this all was so unexpected.

BrightenMySky · December 2015

@roxgibbons sending you hugs.

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

@roxgibbons I'm so sorry you didn't get better news. I'm glad they have a treatment plan in place for you though. Be kind to yourself and try not to think about conceiving for the next month or so and try to enjoy your little break!

LGW2015 · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 @BrightenMySky thank you both for the info! She is planning on monitoring me. I will be going for bloodwork a week after I O and she also said I need to come in for an ultrasound before starting each new round to make sure no cysts developed, etc. So hopefully this monitoring is adequate! I am a week into my cycle now and we are waiting for the all clear (well, at least that there are no more/physical problems with DH) from the urologist and HSG, so I won't be starting clomid for about a month until my next cycle. She said she wanted us to give it 3-4 cycles on clomid and then refer us to an RE if I'm still not pregnant by then.

@chicandbubbly my cycles are usually around 35-37 days, but in the past year I've had a 53 day cycle and this past cycle was about 40. The doctor basically said that my long cycles aren't helping the situation given DH's sperm issues, not sure how accurate this point of view is but what do I know! Good luck on your IUI next cycle! Sending you good vibes!!

@roxgibbons I'm so sorry to hear that

I'm sure this news is incredibly frustrating. However perhaps once those two issues are resolved it could be just what you needed for your BFP!! Hoping your procedures go well and are able to be scheduled sooner rather than later! hugs!!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

We met with the urologist this morning and it looks like our entire treatment plan is going to change. The urologist is having DH stop his testosterone gel completely and is putting him on 50 mg of clomid to increase natural testosterone and hopefully improve sperm count. Because of this we've decided to stop doing my injections and IUIs to see if this is all we need to do to get pregnant. But also, we don't want BOTH of us having our hormones messed with at the same time. It just sounds like a bad recipe for any couple!

DH is really anxious about stopping his testosterone gel and was having a mini panic attack at the urologist's office. Ever since he started it 8 years ago it has helped him feel human (difficult to describe) and he's so nervous about how he's going to feel when he stops it and starts a different medication. I'm REALLY hoping the clomid works to increase T levels so that he doesn't feel terrible for too long.

BrightenMySky · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 I understand his anxiety, but sounds like this could be a potentially great development for you guys. Hoping this is it for you!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

Thanks @BrightenMySky I hope so too! I understand his anxiety too and I feel so bad for him. I'm hoping it won't be as bad as we think it will be and that the clomid will increase his T levels quickly so he doesn't feel the effects of low T again. I'm trying to make him understand that I really don't want him to do anything he isn't ready for or doesn't feel comfortable doing, but he told me he is going to do this, no matter what.

roxgibbons · December 2015

Thanks for all the kind words and support. I'm starting to feel better today as I had a good talk with the RE and he walked me through everything.

@wifeinraleigh28 I'm so glad your urologist appointment went well and that there is a plan in place. I remember when my husband went off the gel it was a bit of an adjustment for him mentally as he did feel different but it all evened out. I'm excited for you guys! Hoping for some good results for the January SA.

This whole infertility process is such a journey, but I'm glad we have these boards for support.

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

@roxgibbons Was your husband on androgel? And did he start taking clomid? I would love to talk to you about that experience since we're both extremely nervous about the transition. My husband has a very low baseline T which is why he was prescribed androgel in the first place 8 years ago and he felt a million times better once he started taking it. The urologist pretty much wants him to stop taking it cold turkey, which is freaking us out. We left him a voicemail today to ask if there's a way to taper him off of it or do a less aggressive approach to the transition, so we haven't actually started the clomid yet since we want to wait to find out more information. How long did it take your husband to feel okay after stopping the gel?

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2015

Well, DH decided to go ahead and start the clomid this morning while I was at the chiropractor. He said ultimately he thinks this is our best plan and he's just going to deal with any side effects as best he can. I'm really proud of him and I know how hard this is. I hope we don't have to deal with too many crappy days!

roxgibbons · December 2015

@wifeinraleigh28 Yes, my husband was on androgel and he stopped abruptly but this was before we were considering TTC. The reason for the stop was because he changed providers and the new dr didn't prescribe androgel. A few months later we decided to get married and we knew we wanted to try for a baby and discovered testosterone supplements effect male fertility (all on our own research btw) so he didn't pursue trying to go on androgel again.

The one thing I will say is definitely be on the look out for mood issues. I know it was a side effect for my husband as we was in a funk for a bit but it all evened out over time. When we got to the RE this summer the RE mentioned Clomid would be an option for him, but when we got his SA results his numbers were good, and it was just his motility that was borderline low. So no Clomid was needed and the RE suggested natural supplements to help the motility and Cialis if he needs "help" since low T is still an issue. I am willing to bet if he had done an SA back when he first stopped Androgel, his numbers would be really low. Now that your hubby is on Clomid, I bet his numbers will improve drastically and over the next three months you guys should see some results.

My fingers are crossed for you guys

Want a personalized experience?

New to Board! Sperm Motility and Morphology Issues

Re: New to Board! Sperm Motility and Morphology Issues

Choose Another Board

Search Boards