[daisy2006]

We have been ttc for over a year and I was just recently diagnosed w/ pcos. My husband went for his first SA which came back w/ a 0% morphology, an average sperm count, w/ a slightly low motility. The major concern being the morphology. He is being sent for a 2nd SA w/ a ??hemizoma??, but I am very doubtful that there will be any improvement. This test is also supposed to be able to tell if his "abnormally shaped heads" can fertilize and egg. Is there a chance that the morphology can improve on the next SA and what are the chances that a sperm with an abnormal head would be able to fertilize and egg naturally? A few months ago we were so hopeful every month and now that we are facing a double whammy of issues we are devastated!

[jenedens6102]

We suffered with male factor infertility as well. DH's morphology to begin with was 1%. We looked all over the internet for ways to improve morphology or to determine what could cause the poor shape. From what I was told a badly shaped sperm (regardless of whether it's head, tale or otherwise) cannot penetrate the surface of the egg. So when we did our IVF we did it with ICSI to help the guys along. However, do not give up hope. Morphology can change. In between our IUIs and our IVF was a span of a year and a half and DH's repeat SA showed an 8% morphology which for us seemed like a huge improvement. Still wasn't the 30% they like to see but it was more then we thought we'd see. Also, this year DH took Fertility Blend from GNC which does advertise that it can help morphology along with motility and count and the whole works. Might be something to look into. We were always told to wait three months between SA because of how things can change. Best of luck to you guys, don't give up hope.

[syd76]

Hi Daisy,

My DH also has 0-1% morphology with good counts and good motility. Our RE told us that when the do SA the ususally use very strict parameters to measure morphology. He also said even those that aren't the "perfect" oval head shape are able to penetrate the egg especailly if they have good motility to help push them in. He told us that if we have 2 out of the 3 (morph, mot, and count) then we have a good chance with IUIs. We were told by my OBGYN and my husbands male infertility MD that we definitly headed for IVF with ICSI. Just hearing the wonderful news that we MAY have a chance with an IUI really made us feel better! Hang in there

[Sarah_84]

I just want to wish you luck! There are a few things out there that he can try to improve his sperm such as fertility blend (as Jen said), there is also a new multi-vitamin out called menevit (my Dh has just started on it so I don't know if it's any good yet) and I've even heard of some of the partners on here being put on clomid. I'll be praying that it improves for you and that you recieve no more nasty suprises!

[daisy2006]

Thank you so much for the responses! You have no idea how much better I feel hearing that. It really gives me some hope. We have to wait until after the new year to get results from the 2nd SA and it feels like forever! It's good to know that IUI may not be completely out of the question. He started to take a multivitamin but I am thinking of having him supplement w/ some of the other recommended vitamins. I wish you lots of luck!!

[kbarley]

Daisy, Sarah, and Christy,

Thanks for all of the info! We should try to keep this thread alive and help each other along because it seems like we're all in the same boat with PCOS and a male factor. What are you call doing to manage the PCOS side of the equation?

Jen - You're such an inspiration! Thanks~

[Anastasia]

I am another PCOS and MF. My DH has 1%. We did three IUI's with no success. He is taking Fertility Blend at Jen's suggestion and he quit smoking 3 mo ago, so I am hoping it improves. My PCOS doesn't effect my ovulation at this point, I take Met and Parlodel for high prolactin, but I O every 30-33 days. I don't think IUIs will work for us with his morph so we are moving on to IVF in March. Good luck to everyone.

[kbarley]

Anastasia,

I'd love to know how your DH quit smoking and if the doctors think it has been helpful. Because our RE made it sound like that wouldn't make a big difference but with all of the stuff found in cigarettes, I disagree.

[daisy2006]

I was given a prescription for Metformin for my pcos, but I did not start taking it yet. I'm not too familiar w/ the diagnosis, so I am a little hesitant about taking it. My RE said that I had an elevated total testosterone level and dheas. The first test showed I had high insulin resistance, but 2nd one came back normal, so I'm kind of confused. I have never missed a period. My cycle is anywhere from 26-33 day and the bloodwork confirmed that I ovulated. I am currenlty trying to lose weight. Does anyone know why they would put me on the Metformin if my insulin resistance is normal? Does it help lower the testosterone level also?

I also agree we should keep this thread going. I look forward to hearing about everyone's progress.

[Anastasia]

Kbarley, My RE also said there would probably be no change b/c of the smoking; however, I have read some studies that disagree. My DH made the decision in September and took some gum and two weeks later he was smoke free. He is so happy about it. It also helps that he is started playing tennis again. He will get another SA done in January and I will keep everyone posted.

Daisy, I was never found to be insulin resistant; however, I started taking met over a year ago, and one thing I have noticed is that I used to get a couple of yeast infections a year and I haven't gotten one since I started. I even had a major dose of antibiotics after my hysteroscopy a couple of weeks ago and no yeast infection, whereas before, I would have gotten one for sure. The reason i am saying this is that, for me even though I wasn't IR, I definitely had too much sugar in my system and so I think the Met is helping to regulate me. I would have also loved met to help me lose about 5 lbs, but it really didn't do anything in that department (LOL). I am not overweight though (5'5", 137) and I have heard that unless you are overweight it doesn't really help with those of us who are simply a "healthy" weight and may still harbor fantasies of our "dream" weight.