low sperm count...

i am so upset....we had our first iui yesterday and dh's sperm was only 7 million....and they said it was supposed to be 50 million....

they almost weren't even going to do the iui because they said the chances were so low...i don't understand - we got pg the first time after only 3 months.

has anyone had this problem and if so, what is the next step for us?..we are so sad...

Re: low sperm count...

50 million before washing or after ? I believe for IUI's they do like to see over 10 million 'washed'. If it's prior to the washing 50 million is what they prefer. Sperm count can depend on how much time there was between bding and producing a sample. If there is too much time or too little time, that can be a factor. Zinc, vitamin C, selenium can help sperm count, as well as acupuncture. Dh should be tested for glucose, and other various hormones. If your dh has had any x-rays lately, or has been very stressed that affects sperm count. Sometimes even the veins are twisted which are called varicoceles and can obstruct sperm. Lots of strenuous work, or anything that increases body heat can interfere with sperm production, so dh should avoid that. However, on the other hand, working out and staying fit is very important.

Seeing an urologist is often recommended when there are male factor issues. Another reason why Cornell-Weill Reproductive is a wonderful fertility clinic, they have urologists that work right with the RE's.

Good luck on the IUI, it only takes one !!!

Message edited 9/19/2005 8:51:28 AM.

Re: low sperm count...

thanks again, redstar!!...it was 7 million AFTER washing.

we did bd less than 24 hours prior to the sample, but the nurse said that should not make a difference - that she has seen people do iui's two days in a row and the sperm counts were very high both times....

she was not very encouraging.....

Re: low sperm count...

Ummm.....first of all, did a nurse do the IUI ? And yes, when sperm count is on the lower side, bding close to producing a sample DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE. That's great that she has seen, it 'not' be a problem....but, in many cases, the time in between producing sperm makes a difference...

Message edited 9/19/2005 9:08:51 AM.

Re: low sperm count...

first of all, it can effect it if you BD too close before. RSNY recommends 3-4 dyas abstinence. That being said my DH has a low count and his number is always higher when we do the day 2 IUI ( we do 2 in a row because of count).

Now, I am shocked that they woluld consider not doing it with 7 million. My MD's said they have had successes with 300K, but admit that the chance goes WAY DOWN. We have done 3 cycles and counts were 1.1mil, then 500K, 800K, then 2.1mil, 4.1mil. On the last trial the MD said they look for 5 mill and after 5 mil he didnt felt that chances were the same as 50 mil.

Unfortunately, I am becoming an expert on male factor infertility. I also have a 2 1/2 year old conceived without any intervention. DH started glucophage and a vitamin called fertility blend, which as you can see made a huge difference.

FM me if you have more questions.

Re: low sperm count...

It is devastating news when the doctor tells you that your chances are very low due to sperm count...I have been beside myself as well

But I have been doing a LOT of research in MF intertility and have read so many message boards where the girls say 5million is preferred, but they will do IUI with a much lower sperm count. Maybe you should see a different doctor.

I have not consulted about IUI yet because I am still in denial because I've also read tons of success stories where girls have gotten a BFP naturally when their husbands have less than 5million count. And so, we wait a little longer...

I still don't even understand it all...if it only takes ONE sperm, then it's hard to believe that 7 million isn't enough...good luck to you

Message edited 9/19/2005 5:07:36 PM.

Re: low sperm count...

Our second IUI, DH's sperm was in the 24 million mark, and that was fine. I have known people who have it done at 1 million.

7 million is not all that low. There are things he can do( i dont know, what, but Im sure if you researched online you could find some) to increase it.

ETA_ Dhs first count on 4 days of abstaining was 52 mil and it was DOUBLE what it was after one 24 hours of abstaining..that does make a difference..

Message edited 9/19/2005 8:09:13 PM.