[jjssite]

I'm pretty devastated at the moment as is my wife, as we have been checking ourselves out due to us planning to have a baby in the next year or so.

My dual sperm test results came back first and have stated I have a major infertility problem.

My sperm count is at 9.22 (<20)

Healthy Sperm is 7.54 (<30)

and mobile sperm a + b is at 2.36 (<50)

Now I saw 2 doctors, one was positive the other only showed doom and gloom.

The second doctor stated that with a change of lifestyle and other things related to more healthy living that the situation could improve considerably (but most probably not to normality) within 5 years.

I was a heavy smoker until around 1 month ago, when I quit due to us planning for a child within the next year r so. I also suffered a serious liver infection around 1 and a half years ago when I was hospitalized for 1 month, this being due to heavy drinking over a number of years. I have not drank at all since that time. I did not exercise regularly if at all, and have only took up regular exercise since I quit smoking. I am wondering if these things are still effecting my sperm morphology?

The first doctor seemed to think that it could be a genetic problem, but I find that rather difficult to believe as I am from a large family, my parents are both from large families, and each of my brothers and sisters has at least 2 children.

I am obviously not going to give up and have already begun my changed lifestyle, planning healthy foods, vitamins, exercise, and plan to move to a less polluted environment. I would like to know if others have had a similar experience and if this is solvable (even in the long term)?

I am desperate not really for me, but for my wife, as she is from a culture where a baby is a necessity, obviously I know this is serious problem, and if it is not solvable, my wife will be in a very difficult situation regarding her family.

I have read that zinc intake may help (I have checked and have signs that I probably have a zinc deficiency). And also that daily intake of L-Carnitine may also help.

If anybody has ideas or advice I would be very grateful.

[jenedens6102]

Welcome to the forum. We love to see concerned and involved husbands! We too suffered from male factor. Sperm count was about 12 million, motility was borderline and his morphology was 1% - ouch! Our RE was hopeful that even with these numbers they could work something out but in the end we never could with treatment. However, DH started taking Fertility Blend for Men from GNC and we've been pregnant twice this year. I will say that lifestyle changes can affect these numbers but to what degree is never concrete. DH stopped drinking pop (even though caffiene is good for sperm), he's always worn boxers, never smoked, never drank but came from a family of heavy smokers so we limited our time with the in-laws. Exercise and healthy weight is a good thing but too much exercise can make the body feel stressed. Zinc and L-Carnitine are good sources to help with male factor and there really are so many more. Check out the GNC products and see what you think. They also have a formula for Women that I took with DH to optimize our chances and it's worked. It's the only thing we've done differently since starting our journey almost 5 years ago and it was consistent both times this year. So best wishes to you!

[stayingpositive]

Welcome You seem like a great guy and you've come to a wonderful site. I can relate to your issues. My husband suffers from low sperm count due to a varicocele. While the quality and motility are good, the low count interered with our chances of becoming pregnant naturally. Now our doctor never said to us that it couldn't happen; she said it could take years and years and we didn't want to wait years and years. It sounds like you are doing great things to change your lifestyle. My husband tried something called Proxeed to improve his sperm count. This was recommended by a urologist. I've also heard good things about Fertility Blend. If you can, find a doctor you can talk to about your options. There are options and knowing this will hopefully make you feel better. I wish you the best of luck!

[kpxc]

I have a friend who's husband did some hormone therapy through a urologist to get his count up. I don't know all the details but I think it did help so that may be worth looking in to.

[MamaSoon]

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on quitting smoking and drinking. That is a huge commitment and speaks volumes on where you are in your life and the personal strength you possess. YAY for you! I quit 18 months ago!

Did you know it takes 70-90 days to form sperm? Did you know that making a few dietary changes can also make a huge difference? Even having a high fever for a day or so can negatively impact your sperm. So your test may have been done too soon after having made changes.

So it looks like you are a man of action and willing to make changes. My hubby's first sperm test came back less than flattering with only 4% well formed (morphology) and 13% motility! He was quite upset. He was taking vicodin for back problems, caffeine drinker, and had a beer from time to time. 6 months ago, he cut out all alcohol, caffeine, pain medication (besides tylenol). He also added in a bunch of supplements including a one-a-day male vitamin PLUS zinc, selenium, fish oils, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, L-carnitine, and Coenzyme Q10. I don't remember the doses but he takes a bunch of them. Some in the morning and another batch at night. In three months, his morphology was 10% (that is a 250% improvement) and motility was at 53%. He was thrilled. In our case, the main infertility issue now lies with my endometriosis.

With your family-building plan, you have plenty of time to make the changes you need. It is likely that your sperm is considered good to go for old fashioned baby making by then. No harm in trying a cleaner lifestyle.

Happy Holidays!

[ScootiesGirl]

My DH has low sperm, motility...we tried clomid for awhile nothing worked. We're preparing for our 3rd IVF with ICSI. Remember it only takes one. DH & I are both undergoing acupuncture and the Dr. has been fabulous. DH is taking herbs (pill form), l-carnitine, fish oil, multi-vitamin in addition to acupuncture every other week. I personally would recommend looking into acupuncture. We can't wait to see the results of his next seman analysis and my FSH to see if it has helped. We can both say it has helped us with stress and we feel great. Stay hopeful...only one egg and one sperm needed!