Help- SA results but no idea what it means

[lilmisshavachat]

Hi I'm hoping someone can maybe shed some light on my DH's SA results for me.. He had his sample analysed on Monday and the DR told me over the phone that the test wasn't great and that we will need to get a referal to a fertility specialist. DH and I had only an hour last night to discuss the implications of this as he had to fly to Melbourne for the rest of the week for work and then we both go away for a week on Sunday so no time to have a sit down appointment with the Dr so I requested a copy of the results to read myself as waiting a week and a half for actual figures would have killed me (not a patient person) The only problem is I don't know how bad his results are.. I was hoping to post the results and if you could let me know if any of your results are similar and the path you have chosen TTC or adv ice you have received I would feel a lot more equipped to start moving forward.. I'm pretty sure we're looking at IVF and i'm okay with that but I just need some info at the moment..
RESULTS:
Volume - 3.0ml

Count - 116 x 10 ^6 /ml

Motility - 19% rapid progressive motility
17% sluggish progressive motility
4% - non-progressive motility
60% - non-motile
Morphology 25% normal forms (>14)

Motility is abnormal (rapid progressive motility is <25% and total progressive motility is <50%

Thanks for you help
Dee

[lilmisshavachat]

Anyone with any ideas... It would really help..
Thanks
Dee

[butterfly_warrior]

Dee, I'm not really an expert, but I've got to say that in comparison to my DH's SA, things look quite good.

The fact that you have rapid progressive sperm (my DH has none at all), means that you should qualify for IUI or regular IVF rather than needing ICSI if you decide to go that way.

I'm no expert, but your count is higher, motility better and morphology better than my DH's... and with IVF and ICSI it's been no barrier to us getting pregnant. While it may be a shock, just keep in mind that the technology exists now to overcome these problems.

BW

[slyder]

RESULTS:
Volume - 3.0ml

Count - 116 x 10 ^6 /ml

Motility - 19% rapid progressive motility
17% sluggish progressive motility
4% - non-progressive motility
60% - non-motile
Morphology 25% normal forms (>14)

Motility is abnormal (rapid progressive motility is <25% and total progressive motility is <50%

Hi,

The way they express the count is stupid, but I think that equates to 116 million total sperm. Divide that by the 3.0 ml volume and this gives you approx 38.5 million per ml. Normal is above 20 million per ml, so he's OK in that department. If the 116 million figure was per ml then he is absolutely cracking.

The volume is normal (2 - 6ml)

Morph. is good.

Motility isn't too bad. Yes it's under normal, but not by a hell of a lot. What this means is that through natural conception, you may experience a longer time frame in order to conceive as less sperm are able to make it to your eggs, therefore statistically it will take more cycles.

Be aware that motility and count are variable and in a month's time this could be better.

Also be aware that if your DH is reassessed by a FS, they may assess the sample under much stricter guidelines regarding morphology. So if you get a much lower reading for morph. don't necessarily be alarmed.

My reading of his sample is that IUI is an option, or extending your TTC period is another option. IVF is of course a possibility, but that may be premature.

A new vitamin mix called Menevit (which is due to be released this week to pharmacies) is supposed to have a positive effect on motility through clinical trials. You may wish to discuss this with an FS, or purchase some anyway. It's a multi-vitamin designed for male fertility, not a prescription drug.

Do not despair.

[lilmisshavachat]

Thankyou very much Slyder..

I thought I was doing well with this until I read your post and burst in to tears.. Thankyou again it has helped immeasurably..

[lilmisshavachat]

Sorry Butterfly warrior that I missed thanking you as well.. I was all over the shop when I sat back down at my computer.. I have followed your journal and was really thrilled that your little one is on board..