[PenelopeParker]

I wrote in another area, but I wasn't getting any responses, so I'm going to try here as well. Sorry for the slight repost!

DH and I just found out that he has low count/motil/morph... His exact results are below. We're waiting for the retest in a couple of months, but the doc was quick to mention ICSI/IVF. Does anyone have experience with these numbers, or know if we would be a candidate for IUI instead? I know it says that it can be used in "mild" male fertility, but I wasn't sure if our case is considered mild, or "severe" (scary word!)

Results:
Count: 6 mil
Morphology: 18%
Total Motile: 19 mil (normal > 60 mil)
Motility: 80% (seems right?)
Progressive sperm: 4mil (suppose to be greater than 20mil)

We'll be going back to the doc in a couple of months, but it'd be nice to hear from people who've gone through it vs. a doctor.

Thank you!

[aidan'smom]

From what I've read anything under 10million per ml is considered severe. Doctors will tell you that ICSI is your best option and it is. But it is super costly. If your insurance covers it then go for. We have a very similar story. and here is what I would suggest.

get your DH on Supplements. Either fertile aid or fertile one or proxeed. Something. Also, see if they would consider putting him on clomid for 3 months. These seemed to help my husband. I would have him do that (plus go organic and eat healthy) for 3 months. Then retest. I would bet you that at that point you could do IUI.

We got pregnant IUI in 2006. Our post wash was 7 million. But now we are struggling to get good numbers. We spent 8K on IVF with ICSI and got a BFN. So we are taking a break. GOing on supplements, and clomid and we'll see. Don't waste your money on ICSI if it isn't neccssary!

[PenelopeParker]

Thanks for the advice! Yes, actually following the results, I immediately ordered some stuff from Amazon. Fertility Blend? Also he's a huge coffee drinker, so he's cutting down to only one glass, with only 25% caff in it. So for our recheck in November, hopefully the numbers will be improved. One of our clinics also has acupuncture on site, so he's tempted to try that as well. We already eat mostly organic, and no GMO's (hydrogenated oils, soda etc).

I figure if his numbers don't improve, we may explore the possibility of ds. I have some money in savings (health insurance doesn't cover) - but that was for when the baby is actually born : (

He's pretty bummed... been sleeping all day and just looking sad... starring out the window. I did find this just now that mentions some actual numbers: Infertility Blog: Is There Enough Sperm for IUI?

[aidan'smom]

I know it is really hard for the guys. Be patient with him. He is grieving right now. When my husband had his first semen anaylsis - he was hopeless and in a lot of pain. He was also very angry. Now (5 years and 1 baby later) it still bothers him. He feels like it is his fault. Remind him that you love him.... not his sperm. And that you are a couple and it is no ones fault.

Donor sperm is certainly an option and cost effective. But just make sure your husband is totally ok with that.

Hang in there! I know what you are going through. Some way or another it will get better!