Hi, have posted once on this category of the forum, but in a nutshell, my fertility results showed i'm ok, but DH has low sperm count. still awaiting the first appointment with a clinic, but what i have ascertained from reading results printout is he has a low sperm count, 8000 in 1ml.

So what do ya think the consultant may give us option wise?? totally new to this. very confused, getting more so reading about various options.

I know there's IUI and IVF and is it ISCI?? will the specialist test us both again?? He's been on pills for gastritis within the last 3 months, would that affect his count? Do couples who have a male issue have only one option? Is it IUI first for a couple of attempts and then move onto IVF?

I know I'll find out when we go to specialist, but finding it so hard to wait on the answers to all our questions. What are the percentage of BFP re. IUI IVF etc? I read so much that it's not too high. Sorry for all the questions, just feel outta my depth, and don't like not being in control with all the facts.
cheers t

Hi ariline,

Those sound like low numbers for IUI, so the doctor might suggest going to IVF or ICSI directly. Nutrition does affect sperm counts. There are supplements out there for male fertility (he mostly needs Zinc and L-Arginine). Those supplements seem to help with the counts, motility and morphology. It might take several months to see some progress, though, since it takes about 72 days for a male body to produce/release sperm.

Tell him to wear loose clothing and to keep the testicles as cool as possible (no saunas, hot tubs or really hot showers). That can affect the sperm as well.

Sperm Analysis do fluctuate, so I wouldn't be surprised if your doctor asks for another test to confirm the results. Good luck to you!

Hi T,

We are doing IVF/ICSI b/c of my DH sperm (low count, no motility b/c of testicular cancer). You don't have to do IVF with ICSI, but ICSI is recommened if there is a male factor. We were thinking we would do IUI first, but my DH had no motility so that was not an option for us (sperm need to be able to swim). I do believe you need a certain count and motility to bump the chances of IUI working (i.e., make it worth it). Your dr will let you know, but you could always try to see. I remember the first specialists we went to saying ICSI/IVF to us on our first visit--that seemed drastic to us and we wanted to take steps to get there, not just go there. The second RE took it slow with us and we worked through options and came to realize that IVF with ICSI was the only option for us. This is our first cycle/try. I go in for egg retrieval on Friday.

You will learn a lot from this board. I have in just the past few weeks. And, your dr will fill you in on everything too.

Good luck with everything!

M

Thanks for both replies nicky2112 and marie32. I guess whichever way it happens, it's going to be quite a long process from the sounds of it. I will have to learn to be patient, something I have difficulty with!!:D

I'll see how it goes, and keep monitoring the board. Good luck Marie32, fingers crossed for you. T

Yes, it is hard being patient. DH and I have known this would be our situation for some time (we have been together for 12 years, married for 5, our first visit with a RE was in 2002), but no matter how much preparation or thought we have given it, it is hard.

Hope both our journeys are as smooth as possible and that it makes our relationships with our partners only stronger. Marie