[Erin84]

Edit: Morphology came back, so I just went ahead and edited it into the results. For anyone who didn't see the original version of this post, Morphology just said "Pending."

Ok, soooo... Here I am. Even though I said I was going to take a break. But I need help understanding these results.

First off, we've decided to go for a "second opinion." There are a LOT of reasons we don't trust Navy Medicine in general, and this lab specifically. I understand that chances are, these results are correct, but we don't want to move forward on anything until we have results we 100% trust.

I'm posting this in TTCMA too since this may be more of an MA question, but TTCAL feels like home, I've been here so long...

And just to throw it out there, we did follow their instructions, EXACTLY, and abstained for 72hrs prior to the collection.

So I'll post what this paper lists as normal ranges, then his result.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Volume: 1.5-5.0 :: 4.5 (normal)
Color: White or gray-white :: gray-white (normal)
Semen appear: Opaque :: Opaque (normal)
pH Semen: 7.0-8.3 :: 8.0 (normal)

Okay, so here's where stuff gets sad:
"Many WBCs" (feels like I should have a NUMBER on this, not just "many," but could also be a possible explanation for the following...)
Motile slow: 0-15% :: 18% (high, therefore bad)
Non-motile: 0-5% :: 60% (very high, therefore bad)
Morphology: 0-20%: 94%
Total count: 60-150 million/ml :: 11 million/ml (low, therefore bad)
Motile active: 85-100% :: 22% (low, therefore bad)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

If this is correct, do these look like IUI numbers? IVF numbers? I'm lost. I'm thinking IUI...? But he's knocked me up on our own THREE TIMES with NO medical assistance for EITHER of us. These numbers just seem strange to me. I'm not mentioning anything to my RE until we have our 2nd set of results for DH, so I wanted to know if you guys had any thoughts.

****

If it's a prob bc of the WBCs, then antibiotics might do the trick, but that will be a three-month wait to find out, right? Or will things slowly improve every month? If his WBC is up, I'm assuming my RE will RX him antibiotics and kind of put TTC on hold till his numbers get better. Sound about accurate? I want to go that route before I put DH on any kind of vitamin regimen, so if we get a second set of results that confirms this one, and if we do the antibiotics, and if he doesn't respond to those, then I'll probably ask for input on vitamins.

Thanks for anything you can offer <3

[.:Shortcake:.]

Erin try not to freak out. (Trust me I know it's hard) DH had his SA done and his numbers the first time came out pretty similar to your DH's. First off he really did not want to do the SA in the first place. Then when we had it done his numbers were TERRIBLE. So my doctor had us re-do the test and at a different lab and his numbers are wonderful. So here is what my OB told me. There are 2 different ways to get the sample. Have your hubby put his stuff straight into the cup OR use a special "condom" looking thing have normal sex and then cut the tip and use that into the cup. The first try we used the have sex method and she said that isn't as accurate for whatever reason. Second is the lab we used. If the lab technician does not do these on a regular basis there is a lot of room for error. If they do not do the test until longer than the time allowed. If the sample was not kept at the temp required. There is so much room for error. The second time we had him make his deposit right into the cup. I put the sample tmi (in between my boobs) and drove straight to the lab. (about 10ish minutes) I had called ahead and they were waiting for my sample. They took it right back and did the test. So hopefully that gives you so peace of mind.

[LindseyE117]

DEFINATELY do not freak out. My husband and I were pushed into IVF because of his numbers (which were worse than yours let me say), and it was not even needed.

First off, get him some Fertile Blend vitamins for men, and see if your doctor can prescribe him clomid. My DH's motility went from 15% to 95% in one month of taking both. He was just on the Fertile Blend when we got pregnant.

You know that you can get pregnant with his sperm, so do not let those numbers freak you out. Those still are not that bad of numbers as weird as it may sound.

I know it sucks when you just want answers as to why everything is not happening. I've been there too. I also know that nothing I can say will make it better. Just know that we are here for you no matter what.

[ninja_mommy]

I don't know anything about SA or numbers. I agree there is a lot of room for error. So, is DH okay with doing another one?

[Doodle_Jr.]

I can only comment on the WBC results. Where I work, that's how the results are given. For example, when we suspect one of our patients has a UTI and we send a urine sample, it will say many bacteria. We don't get a number unless it's blood. HTH.

[LoverlyJules]

Sorry about the frustration. My DH numbers were on the low side of "normal" and we've only been able to achieve one pregnancy (loss) in the past 3 years. I know that it's frustrating, I'm sorry!!

[joanna26]

I completely agree with Lindsey in that you have gotten pregnant 3x with this sperm, so don't freak out yet. Secondly like Katie said, if you have an inexperienced technician or just an outdated lab the results are likely not valid. DH's SA at our local hospital (very nice hospital - modern, etc) varied dramatically from the SAs done by his male fertility specialist. I have no idea why they wouldn't have read morphology at the same time as the rest of the variables. They always have for DH. Ideally I would find a male fertility specialist in your area (or at least a lab that specializes in SA) and have the test repeated 3x, 3-4 weeks apart each. Individual SA can vary drastically so you have to have multiple tests to see if there is really an issue. DH's doctor wouldn't consider any course of action without 3 SAs. Don't worry too much sweetie, even if there does seem to be an issue there are a lot of things he can do to improve motility and count. Morphology is the tough one (that is what we are dealing with).

[martilynne]

I don't know anything about this. There is a girl in my playroom who's DH has some male factor infertility and they were about to get started with IVF when they got pregnant on their own with their DD. Now they are expecting their 2nd (a surprise. again)

[MountainMomma]

OK, I should first say that I did not read the other replies. When I went to the RE we were SURE that the issue was going to be with DH so before they ever even did a SA, we discussed all potential outcomes. With these numbers it could even be something as simple as a specific vitamin regimen and spacing out intercourse to every other day or every two days. If IUI is an option for you that would give you better chances than just timed intercourse, but it also may not be necessary. Remember, it only takes one of those little guys!

[wishfulgal]

You know, I've been pregnant naturally 3 times now too and my DH has had some pretty gloomy sperm counts (as low as 3 million total). It does take longer to get pregnant with low sperm counts (which is super frustrating), but it CAN happen (obviously). My DH is on a hardcore vitamin regimine...if you want more info just PM me. It did improve his results quite a bit, especially the motility.