Sperm count 1 million & 21 day prog <10

[spacecase]

Hi, ladies.

My husband (27) and I (29) have only been trying 8months. I hope you won't hold that against me because we are facing some significant fertility issues.

My husband, who between the two of us I would not think would have issues as he's exceptionally healthy, had a sperm analysis last month that came back normal except for the count which was 1 million. His testosterone was normal. He has been taking the supplements recommended by the urologist and goes back for another SA on Monday as well as his FSH and LH.

Since we found out he did have issues, they agreed to start my testing even though it hasn't been a year of trying yet. My day 3 FSH came back at 7.6, but my 21 day progesterone came back 9.63. I have regular cycles but they are only 25 days on average. My Luteal Phase is usually 10 days. I'm feeling so overwhelmed. I posted on another site and was basically told by everyone there the only option that will work for us is IVF. Does anyone have a different experience?

 

[Nolimitxox]

No one else is your doctor! Your hormones look great. The progesteone is a little on the lower side, but its enough to show you ovulated on your own. Have you ever charted and temped? Let us know. We can help you. No one is against you guys looking into fertility after only 8 months. When you know something is wrong, you know! Anyways, let us know if you chart. If you dont I highly suggest you do. If and when you decide to move into more complex treatment options you will have an excellent base of information to go off of.

 

[mara16jade]

IVF is the favorite thing people jump to.

I would ask about HIM going on Clomid. A lot of people have their partner take it for low sperm count. On top of that, it may not hurt to ask if you can go in clomid so the sperm he has, has more targets to hit. Not sure if they'll do that since you already O, but it's worth asking.

You can also look into IUI, and they may even be able to have him do a few "deposits" to build up the quantity for an IUI.

From what I've read, a lot can change in a man's sperm analysis in 3 months (and that's how long it takes to "fix" sperm quality as well).

Other things he can do is watch what foods he eats and begin working out (i.e. lifting weights and building muscle, not cardio). This will naturally raise his testosterone even more, which helps promote higher sperm count. And I'm sure this hasn't crossed your mind, but I'll pass it along anyways, testosterone supplements will decrease sperm count, so the only way you want his testosterone rising, is natually.

The good thing is he's producing sperm, and really nothing else can be found that's wrong. So you do have options.

Oh yeah, when you have a known issue with fertility, it's even more important to really know your cycle. As the person above said, if you don't take your basal body temperature (bbt) now and track it (my favorite app or website is Fertility Friend), now is the time to begin. I find it fun knowing what's going on, and being able to compare current month to prior months. It makes me feel more in control and like we've done everything we can, no questions about "did we do it at the right time?".

 

[lisap2008]

I would try natural supplements /vitamins to increase his sperm count , maca tongkat ali and coq10 along with a multivitamin, I dont recommend clomid as for some men it can make things worse.

 

[Lunabelle]

Hi Spacecase,

My fiancé too has a ver low sperm count (3mil), but in addition he also has a 0% morphology which is why we were recommended ivf straight away.

I think it is good you're seeking help early on! The sooner you get help, the sooner you will get your bfp! Now you know what the problem is and you can move onto the next step!

Infertility is very difficult to deal with, and it took my fiancé some time to adjust with it. A lot of people from his work know we are doing ivf, but everyone assumes the problem is with me. I don't care what they think, but I think it would be very hard for him if people knew there was a problem with his sperm. It's a very touchy subject for most men.

I read a lot on how to improve sperm quality naturally and it has made a difference for us as his sperm quality has been improving slighlty in just a few months and the first round of ivf we had only poor and medium quality embies but second time we had two pefect quality embies.

I think the main things were cutting down on alcohol, no smoking, exercising and the crazy amounts of supplements. The supplement I believe in most is ubikinoni as it is scientifically proven to renew cells and to help with sperm quality and production. If you are interested I can give you the full list of supplements he was and is on.

As your husband has no other issues with sperm you will probably be recommended other treatment than ivf first. Like other people mentioned, the doc might recommend some drugs or for you to try IUI first.

Good luck! I think you have every chance to conceive!