Interpretting sperm analysis

[Mildez]

Hi all,

After almost 11 months ttc our second child together (my third) and 2 early m/c my DH had his sperm tested. The dr said the test was normal but just wanted to know what some of you ladies who know more about it then I do think.

It said normal forms 27%,
volume 3mls,
35% rapid progressive,
10% slow progressive, 10% non progressive,
45% non motile,
sperm concentration 47.

The conclusion thing at the bottom says fertilization rates decrease as sperm morphology falls below 15% normal forms so DH 27% must be ok right?
Any help analysing it is greatly appreciated. Oh they didnt test it until 40mins after DH DTD so surely if they looked at it sooner there would have being some difference. I have an appointment in a week to see the FS. Not expecting much though due to our age but would love to get pregnant as soon as possible.

[JLeigh29]

DH just got his results back yesterday but your results don't seem to align with the words our FS used. Have you read the BB article about semen analysis as that may help. Also try doing a search on 'semen analysis' (find an Aussie site though, so you know they're saying the same thing!)
It's promising that things are normal for your DH though.

[Mildez]

Thanks JLeigh29. I found the BB thing after I posted this which was helpful but will go try find an Australia site and see what they say. Thanks again for your reply

[infinity]

Hi emmy,

Unfortunately many GP's don't know too much about sperm results. When we first started TTC my DH had several tests (he had testicular cancer and treatment so we knew there would be an issue) GP upfront said results looked normal but when we started to see a FS very different story - those same results gave us a less than 2% chance per cycle according to our FS.

Motility of 50% or more with forward progression can be considered 'normal', Morphology of 30% + with normal forms can be considered normal. But 'normal' has a huge range.

the other issue is that semen analysis generally needs to be done a few times at different intervals to get a clearer picture. sperm production is a constant process and sperm in a teste is a different stages of development. It takes about 70 days from beginning to a sperm that can fertilise an egg.

There are many things you can do to improve sperm quality if this is an issue for you.

Also, with your FS appointment, your ages should not be an issue, you have TTC without success for 11 months so you have every right to look into this and start whatever treatment may be necessary.

Good luck at the FS and hope you get some answers that bring you your BFP.