[sdbella]

I am new here, and wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on some of the results my husband and I have received. We know we have to be patient until all testing is complete, but I don't know what to make of things.

He had a sperm analysis after months of trying to conceive and found out that there were problems with count, motility and morphology.

Volume 2.5 ML
Viscosity Normal
PH 8.0
Motility - 10%
Concentration (Count) 4.0 (mil/mL)
WBC 2 to 3
% normal Morphology 6%

We were really upset to get these results. We understand what the analysis means, but are so worried about what is causing it. He had blood tests done as well, which came back normal. We thought they would show something. He was within normal ranges for everything:

LH - Normal 7.4 mIU/ML
FSH Normal 10.2 mIU/ML
Testosterone Serum - 379 ng/dL
Prolactin 6.9 ng/ML (normal)

We thought with a seman analysis like the one he had, the testosterone would be deficient. Now he is scheduled for an ultrasound to rule out variocele.

What I'm worried about is that I thought a variocele would produce low testosterone, or can it just cause lower testosterone within a normal range (since he is within the lower end of normal). Overall, I'm just worried.

The doctor who is doing these tests is a regular urologist. We have an appt to see a very good fertility urologist who comes highly recommended. In the meantime, we are doing as many tests that are asked of us.

Is something like this almost always an automatic case for IVF? Is there no hope? After one semen analysis the urologist said he would be very surprised if we ever conceived naturally. I was so upset to hear this. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on causes?

Thanks in Advance!

[mgmsrk]

Welcome to the forum.

The urologist should have ordered additional S/A’s for the next months, if he has not, get another DR asap. One S/A can’t accurately be used to determine infertility problems there are too many variables that could have had an impact on the sperm for one testing.

Good luck.

[Kris79]

Hi and welcome! I know there have been cases where removing a varicocele has improved counts significantly (even to normal levels). I don't know much about motility or morphology, but I would guess those could be affected by a varicocele. If that's the case, you indeed may be able to conceive naturally or with an IUI. I don't know how you feel about IVF, or it that's an option for you, but there are procedures that would allow for the injection of one sperm into an egg (ICSI). I just don't want you to feel there is no hope...couples with initial reports of no sperm have gone on to have children through this method.

I know one of the hardest things for me has been realizing I'm not just going to get pregnant, there will have to be some form of medical intervention (and there's still the chance that won't be possible). I'm hoping your new UR will be able to identify the cause and get you on the road to your . Best of luck to you!

[sdbella]

Thanks for the info. I know there is definitely hope and options, it's just so scary when you don't know what is causing it.

I forgot to mention that the urologist also told my husband that he had testes that were on the smaller size of normal. We are also wondering if that has anything to do with it.

We are working with a urologist now. And seeing a urologist who specializes in male fertility on Sept 3rd. We will bring all of our test results with us. This urologist is going to order another S/A after he sees the ultrasound results.

Such a long, complicated road in front of us.

[Kris79]

Our doctor gave us the same report on dh's testes size. Just what they want to hear, right! From what I have read on the Azoospermia thread, that is pretty common with guys with azoospermia (and probably oligiospermia as well).

I guess sometimes this stuff has no cause...it just happens. I know that's not very encouraging. We really want something to "blame" his diagnosis on but none of the possible causes are things my husband has experienced. It's just an unfortunate turn of events.

Have you checked out the Azoospermia thread (it is under the Male Factor Infertility section of Causes of Infertility)? While your husband has some sperm, rather than none, I think you would find much encouragement from reading some of the stories over there. I know I have. The gals are very supportive and have really helped me feel like I'm not all alone with this. Take care and hopefully I'll see you over at the Azoospermia thread.

[JustPeachy]

Just wanted to give you a little encouraging thoughts! Your husband's numbers are extremely similar to my dh's. We did do several sperm samples and saw a fertility urologist. My dh was told that he could have the varicole surgery but there weren't any guarantees and it would probably take 9-12 months to see any results at all. The good news is the varicole surgery is usually covered by insurance. Because of our ages and my dealing with endo too, on the advice of our RE we went straight to IVF w/ ICSI. We had already tried to get pregnant for a year on our own. The happy part of the story is while it's very disappointing to know you won't have that surprise pregnancy we were successful on our first IVF and we have a wonderful son now that we love very much.

Keep up the faith there.

[sdbella]

Thanks for all of the encouraging responses. It's so good to talk to others that truly understand. Kris79--- I will definitely check out that Azoospermia thread. Thanks for suggesting that.

Just Peachy --- thanks so much for sharing with me. So great to hear things worked out so well for you Makes me feel a lot better!!!!

[Staci]

My husband has other medical conditions and on lots of meds that cause his testosterone to be very low. His primary Dr put him on Testosterone shots years ago and when we started going to fertility help, found out the shots actually cause low sperm count, odd huh? This also cause small testes. He went off of the shots right away and they got bigger. Of course, then his testosterone dropped and he started having trouble producing a sample at all. Thankfully our RE ran some more tests and offered HCG shots for DH and it seems to be working. He also had a reversal and has atibodies on the tail only & low motility but RE offered trying IUI. We have 2nd try this week. He did say thought that "if money grew on trees the best success for male facter is IVF" If this IUI doesn't work he is recommending IVF with ICSI.

I would say not to get too stressed about it until you see the specialist and know more. I know that's hard. I was the same way, wanted to KNOW now. Well still do, LOL.