Spm test - not a good result

[Greta]

Hi there, my DH went for an NHS spm test about three weeks ago and the doc called today with a message on our answer phone "I need to discuss your results with you". Does that sound bad or is it normal for the doctor to ring... I just hope it is OK but am a worrier. My DH is away on business and I don't want him to be upset if he calls doc tomorrow. But I am sure we will cope with whatever news. Thanks for your help. x

 

[gypsy]

hi greta,i hope everything is ok with the test result,it will probably have something to do with patient confidentiality,its a big issue these days,i know when i went for one of my fs appointments i couldnt even tell them if my oh had asthma or not.mad eh,fingers crossed for you both.

 

[Greta]

Thanks. Didn't know why doc didn't say results were Ok or something.. We will find out soon. xxx

 

[Mrs G]

Hi

I'm pretty sure the dr wouldn't leave any info, good or bad on an a/phone about the results due to confidentiality - who knows who might pick up the message!! FX all is ok

xx

 

[Snowdrop]

Our Dr was the same when she phoned with DHs results. It's just a confidentiality thing and doesn't mean there's a problem with the results. Since then my DH sent a letter to our Dr giving them permission to talk to me about anything to do with fertility/ttc and resulting tests etc. Makes it much easier, and means it's one phone call for me to discuss both of us, rather than each phoning separately and then comparing notes afterwards.

Hope the results are OK.

 

[shopaholic28]

Hi, yes the same happened to us, and yes, I panicked too, but I guess they aren't going to tell you any result, whether it be good or bad in an answer phone message, due to patient confidentiality.

Hope everything works out okay x

 

[cazd]

Heya - yup - our Dr wanted to see us with the results too...

We've just got back from the appointment - 6% morphology! oOPS!!!

 

[Greta]

Hi thanks for your help everyone. My OH is on a business trip but called me very upset to say it was a bad result. Low sperm count and only a few healthy ones he said. He didn't know the percentages. I feel gutted, but relieved a bit as well because we have been ttc for 14 months and I ovulate most months it seems. Although I am 40, the timing was usually good so I was thinking it is probably my egg quality or his sprm. So now we need to sort out next step... I need to know how bad it is and what we can do. Can lifestyle changes help much or is IVF the next step? x

 

[rachelle1975]

Hey frets lifestyle changes can really help along with good supplements . Our count went from 1 to 16 million but more important morphology is excellent now and so is motility so for ivf that's good news.

Get dh on the changes now as the results won't be reflected for 3 months as it takes sperm 70-90 days to mature.

Fx the wait for any improvement isn't too long

 

[Greta]

Thanks for that. So it's basically, limit alcohol, eat fruit and veg and avoid heat such as hot baths. Any vitamin brands anyone can recommend please? I think Wellman are a bit expensive. x

 

[hopefulfor09]

Hi Greta,

My DH had low morphology but counts and motility were ok. First, I would suggest finding out exactly what the counts were. Was this his first semen analysis? Most fertility specialists won't base a diagnosis on one analysis because sperm count/quality is so senstitive to environmental factors. To make a diagnosis of male factor two tests should be done - at least 6 weeks (preferable 3months) apart. If he has sufffered a cold or illness latelty - that could throw his counts way off. I would get him on those lifestyle changes asap - and get a referall to a urologist specializing in infertility. We put DH on Theralogix Fertility for men - it's not cheap. But after being told we may need IVF I am pregnant...! What were his exact counts?

 

[Greta]

Hi there, congratulations on your pregnancy!

I need to find out exact results..It was his first test. But he told me on phone doc said very low with few healthy ones and asked him if he had veins in his bls etc. I'm assuming it's 1% but we need to find out exactly. I am sure it will work out OK. He is going to take another one soon. He said he only gave a small sample as was nervous etc, but I'm not sure that makes any difference! x

 

[Brambletess]

I assume that means his morpholgy is poor. My DH has 7 percent morphology which is not great but we got naturally pregnant with that. I miscarried but that was nothing to do with the sperm morphology. It just means it may take a lot longer but it is still possibe. Depending on what the numbers are they usually make you try for quite a while before referring for ICSI. Your chances are really good for ICSI if you have no problems, it just might be a long wait thats all. Gpood luck with it all

 

[Mrs G]

Boots have 3 for 3 on vits atm and they do wellman.

x

 

[peartree]

Sorry to hear this - it can be a shock when the news first hit. It'll be good to know what the exact numbers are, so that you have an idea of what your options might be.

DH has a low sperm count too, and he's been on Wellman for the past couple of months. We have a FS appointment in August. Not sure what happens at first FS appointment, but if they don't do another SA, we might pay for one privately to see if the vitamins have helped - Rachelle's DH seems to have benefitted so much from them and from lifestyle changes that I'm hoping that it'll be similar for us too.

Mrs G - thanks for the info - going to Boots tomorrow!

 

[cazd]

ooh - peartree - how long did it take for the referral to come through - we were referred to FS today!

We've just bought a load of boots 3-4-2 sanatagen his n hers vits + selenium.

Good luck for the appointment!

 

[Greta]

Thanks, you girls have been so supportive! It's like having your mates over. I couldn't sleep much last night because the reality of our situation hit. But DH is being positive and I think this has given him a wake-up call that we need to get some help.
to all. xx