fixing naughty sperm?

[zombie]

My husband has low sperm count with poor motilty and morphology. No obvious reason. We went one of the top fertility doctors in the country and all she could suggest was IVF. Has anyone had any luck treating sperm issues?

[ashesofyou]

And he has had several tests show similar results over a few months?

What other testing has been done?

[zombie]

It's been awhile, so I don't remember all the details. He had at least 2 semen analyses done, both bad. His hormone levels were normal. He had a scrotal ultrasound-no vericosil. He is very healthy and not overweight.

[ashesofyou]

Were both counts done by the same lab? I would look at that first.

I know there are supplements that can *help* with count, and health of sperm, but I am not too very knowledgeable about them.

I just ask because I have had results misinterpreted by one particular lab, and now, if something comes back screwy, I have the tests re-run using a different venue first before I accept them.

[quantumleap]

Unfortunately, there is very little to be done about poor sperm. You can request some genetic testing that may give you a few more answers, but not really any more solutions. If he is a carrier of the CF gene, this would likely explain the sperm situation, also if he has any minor deletions or extra bits hanging on to his XY chromosomes, that could also explain things. Neither of those situations is one where his quality of life would be at all affected, but it does affect sperm production. Problems with this are that your insurance agency might want to know why he is being tested for this, and apparently it may affect future premiums with new carriers. Also, being a CF carrier means you would also then need to get tested if you guys want to do IVF.
There are a few supplements he can try, and then a repeat SA in three months. Some people have great results, others not so much. (didn't do much for us, but there are people on here with healthy babies post supplementation). Do a google search, and check out Balch & Balch's "Nutritional Healing". There are also a few things a ND or accupunctarist can do for him. The main ones I remember off the top of my head are L-Arginine, vit c and e, zinc and selenium, and folic acid.

There's also the option of clomid for you, supplements for him and then timed IUIs. More eggs and putting the sperm past the cervix "obstacle" means higher odds of conception. This isn't really a logical option if his numbers are really bad though.

We ended up using donor sperm, and both feel good about it though it was a long journey to that decision. My partner is also young and healthy and has completely unexplained sperm problems. It sucks, but it's also been a really good tool for growth for both of us. I hope you get to a point where this is a crappy situation with good side effects for you guys too.

All the best as you navigate this.
Katia