Informal GKU IF Check-In 8/8/16

[ceejay]

Aug 10, 2016 10:36:49 GMT -5 pinkcat said:

Hi everyone! I hope it's OK to hop in with another semen analysis question while we are discussing MFI. (I will be back again to tag everyone later!)

For DH's semen analysis, motility looked very good and the count was slightly low (they said 15 million was the low end of average, and he had 13 million)

The Kruger morphology test came back at 1%, and they said 4% was the low end of average. Dr. Google told me the 1% was very low, but my doctor did not seem worried at all and said that the Kruger test was not meaningful. She is having a repeat done test done in a few weeks and said we can further analyze then.

Does this sound right to everyone? I thought morphology was pretty important so I am a little confused.

From what I've read, REs have varying opinions on how important morphology is, largely because the research on it is not very definitive. It seems like low morphology can important, but there are also many examples of men with lower morphology having no fertility problems. As far as I can tell, there isn't really an easy way to study the specific effects of low morphology on fertility so it's confusing. Then there are studies like the one I posted above, where it seems like morphology doesn't have any effect on IUI success. Statistically, if 0-1% of sperm are normal shaped (and count and motility are decent), pregnancy should be able to happen naturally or with IUI, but the success rates would be much lower than would be expected for a man with normal morphology, and it would take much longer to achieve pregnancy than it would take a fertile couple. 

In my experience, H and I have been trying to get pregnant for almost 2 years, and the only thing that is really "wrong" between the two of us is H's low morphology. So for us, it seems like morphology probably is a factor.

[mustloveerica]

Aug 10, 2016 10:36:49 GMT -5 pinkcat said:

Hi everyone! I hope it's OK to hop in with another semen analysis question while we are discussing MFI. (I will be back again to tag everyone later!)

For DH's semen analysis, motility looked very good and the count was slightly low (they said 15 million was the low end of average, and he had 13 million)

The Kruger morphology test came back at 1%, and they said 4% was the low end of average. Dr. Google told me the 1% was very low, but my doctor did not seem worried at all and said that the Kruger test was not meaningful. She is having a repeat done test done in a few weeks and said we can further analyze then.

Does this sound right to everyone? I thought morphology was pretty important so I am a little confused.

DHs morph was 1% and they were actually very concerned with that. He tried the supplements for months and his numbers actually got worse so we quit that. Like others have said it is unlikely that supplements will help morph. I think usually the goal is to increase count to kind of combat the low morph.

[mustloveerica]

pinkcat are you going to "the clinic" for your RE? I ask because if you are I find it strange that we got differing opinions on the relation of morph.

[pinkcat]

Aug 10, 2016 11:43:49 GMT -5 mustloveerica said:

pinkcat are you going to "the clinic" for your RE? I ask because if you are I find it strange that we got differing opinions on the relation of morph.

I am! It's not the same doctor as yours, but I am going to the branch on the East Side. I was surprised to hear my doctor so unconcerned about the low morphology, I will have to ask her more about this now. Thanks for all the information! And thank you ceejay, as well!

[mustloveerica]

Aug 10, 2016 12:01:07 GMT -5 pinkcat said:

Aug 10, 2016 11:43:49 GMT -5 mustloveerica said:

pinkcat are you going to "the clinic" for your RE? I ask because if you are I find it strange that we got differing opinions on the relation of morph.

I am! It's not the same doctor as yours, but I am going to the branch on the East Side. I was surprised to hear my doctor so unconcerned about the low morphology, I will have to ask her more about this now. Thanks for all the information! And thank you ceejay, as well!

You will see all the doctors at some point (or hopefully not because your stay with them will hopefully be short). I think the only one I haven't seen is the man. They rotate offices. The one that did my transfer is actually the one we originally left because we didn't like her haha.

[cjchio]

We started our journey with a S.A. and got the results today. I also posted this in the randoms thread.

We are trying to understand the numbers from my husbands S.A. (they explained them well but it went in one ear and out the other) but the bottom line is he has low sperm count, borderline motility, and poor morphology.

Anyone have any information on men taking clomid? From what I've seen it isn't the same for men as far as the close monitoring like when women take it. Am I correct in that?

His urologist wants to try it and redo the S.A. in four months to see if it fixes some of the issues.

[teachermomtobe]

Aug 10, 2016 15:57:08 GMT -5 cjchio said:

We started our journey with a S.A. and got the results today. I also posted this in the randoms thread.

We are trying to understand the numbers from my husbands S.A. (they explained them well but it went in one ear and out the other) but the bottom line is he has low sperm count, borderline motility, and poor morphology.

Anyone have any information on men taking clomid? From what I've seen it isn't the same for men as far as the close monitoring like when women take it. Am I correct in that?

His urologist wants to try it and redo the S.A. in four months to see if it fixes some of the issues.

DH started taking Clomid in December and it has improved his count. He had some blood work monthly for the first few months now nothing. He takes a dose Mon, Wed, Fri. There are quite a few others on here with MFI experience with Clomid but I'm mobile so tagging sucks. If you have questions or want to post SA results we would be happy to help you understand.

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 17:33:32 GMT -5 teachermomtobe said:

Aug 10, 2016 15:57:08 GMT -5 cjchio said:

We started our journey with a S.A. and got the results today. I also posted this in the randoms thread.

We are trying to understand the numbers from my husbands S.A. (they explained them well but it went in one ear and out the other) but the bottom line is he has low sperm count, borderline motility, and poor morphology.

Anyone have any information on men taking clomid? From what I've seen it isn't the same for men as far as the close monitoring like when women take it. Am I correct in that?

His urologist wants to try it and redo the S.A. in four months to see if it fixes some of the issues.

DH started taking Clomid in December and it has improved his count. He had some blood work monthly for the first few months now nothing. He takes a dose Mon, Wed, Fri. There are quite a few others on here with MFI experience with Clomid but I'm mobile so tagging sucks. If you have questions or want to post SA results we would be happy to help you understand.

Thank you. He is on the same schedule of Mon., Wed., Fri.

I am going to post a pic because we're a bit lost. This is really overwhelming to look at.

[cjchio]

I tried to make it easier to read and I blocked out location information. The copy isn't easy to read in person.

Like I said though this all went in one ear and out the other.
Eta...sorry this is a bitch to read the boxes. The copy is so bad.

[ceejay]

Aug 10, 2016 15:57:08 GMT -5 cjchio said:

We started our journey with a S.A. and got the results today. I also posted this in the randoms thread.

We are trying to understand the numbers from my husbands S.A. (they explained them well but it went in one ear and out the other) but the bottom line is he has low sperm count, borderline motility, and poor morphology.

Anyone have any information on men taking clomid? From what I've seen it isn't the same for men as far as the close monitoring like when women take it. Am I correct in that?

His urologist wants to try it and redo the S.A. in four months to see if it fixes some of the issues.

Has your H had a repeat SA or just one? Most REs and urologists have you do two before starting treatment, because sometimes one bad SA might just be a fluke (this has been the case for a few posters over on 3T).

MH has slightly low count, borderline low motility and very low morphology. He has been taking Clomid, fertility vitamins, CoQ10, and a few other supplements since late last year. When he had a repeat SA in March after 3-4 months on the medications, his count and motility had both slightly improved.

He didn't have any monitoring on Clomid. I think they did blood work around the time of the repeat SA just to make sure everything looked normal. Monitoring for women on Clomid is to check for multiple follicles and see if the uterine lining is thinning.... These are obviously not concerns for guys!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 18:05:59 GMT -5 ceejay said:

Aug 10, 2016 15:57:08 GMT -5 cjchio said:

We started our journey with a S.A. and got the results today. I also posted this in the randoms thread.

We are trying to understand the numbers from my husbands S.A. (they explained them well but it went in one ear and out the other) but the bottom line is he has low sperm count, borderline motility, and poor morphology.

Anyone have any information on men taking clomid? From what I've seen it isn't the same for men as far as the close monitoring like when women take it. Am I correct in that?

His urologist wants to try it and redo the S.A. in four months to see if it fixes some of the issues.

Has your H had a repeat SA or just one? Most REs and urologists have you do two before starting treatment, because sometimes one bad SA might just be a fluke (this has been the case for a few posters over on 3T).

MH has slightly low count, borderline low motility and very low morphology. He has been taking Clomid, fertility vitamins, CoQ10, and a few other supplements since late last year. When he had a repeat SA in March after 3-4 months on the medications, his count and motility had both slightly improved.

He didn't have any monitoring on Clomid. I think they did blood work around the time of the repeat SA just to make sure everything looked normal. Monitoring for women on Clomid is to check for multiple follicles and see if the uterine lining is thinning.... These are obviously not concerns for guys!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

This is the first one he has had done. I am not sure why he wanted to start immediately with the clomid. Maybe because we have been trying for so long? I don't really have an answer though.

He talked about blood work before the repeat analysis, but didn't do it this time.

Eta: Actually he did have a CBC done not long ago and that was sent to this doctor. Do they just do that or is it a blood draw that focuses on other things?


I'll be 100% honest...I always just assumed it was some issue with me so I never really researched male fertility stuff.

[wannabmama]

cjchio I was the same...I'm older so just assumed I was "the problem" and we were surprised with MH's results. Definitely re-do the SA, it seems many (is included) had different results with different SA's. And I have also heard morphology can be troubling bc it's one that you can't "fix" but it's also something you can work with since you only need one good one to find the right spot, in the end. Anyway, everyone else has way better info since we never did further investigation...but I wanted to jump in and say it's something possible to work with and wish you luck with this new information!

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 18:38:47 GMT -5 wannabmama said:

cjchio I was the same...I'm older so just assumed I was "the problem" and we were surprised with MH's results. Definitely re-do the SA, it seems many (is included) had different results with different SA's. And I have also heard morphology can be troubling bc it's one that you can't "fix" but it's also something you can work with since you only need one good one to find the right spot, in the end. Anyway, everyone else has way better info since we never did further investigation...but I wanted to jump in and say it's something possible to work with and wish you luck with this new information!

Thank you...it's been a lot to take in.

[teachermomtobe]

Aug 10, 2016 18:03:08 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I tried to make it easier to read and I blocked out location information. The copy isn't easy to read in person.

Like I said though this all went in one ear and out the other.
Eta...sorry this is a bitch to read the boxes. The copy is so bad.

I am mobile and on vacation this week. When I get home I can look at DH's SA on and off Clomid and let you know what difference there was. His issue was mostly low count due to low testosterone. I would ask for a second SA before starting Clomid. I know some people's H's had poor responses to Clomid (blanking on names now) so I think its worth a second SA before starting meds.

[ceejay]

Aug 10, 2016 18:03:08 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I tried to make it easier to read and I blocked out location information. The copy isn't easy to read in person.

Like I said though this all went in one ear and out the other.
Eta...sorry this is a bitch to read the boxes. The copy is so bad.

It's a little hard to read, but it looks like his total count is 57 million, total motility is 38%, and normal morphology is 0%. Those are the primary 3 factors that are usually looked at for MFI problems. Your H's numbers are almost identical to MH's first two SAs.

Definitely try to get a repeat SA first before he starts any medication. MH has done well on Clomid - it increased his count and motility, and he hasn't had any negative side effects. But I know rooskie's H actually had decreased sperm count after starting Clomid, so it doesn't work for everyone. 

[ceejay]

Also, in light of all the MFI questions - we have a MFI check-in every other week on 3T/IF! Please feel free to join us there as well.

[mill23]

cjchio, I'm no help but hope you find some answers here. I wanted to say you were so smart to get a copy made of the results! I really need to ask for those at the next appt. I also have very sketchy recollections of exact numbers. I think it's stress related that makes me unable to retain info.

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 20:40:50 GMT -5 mill23 said:

cjchio, I'm no help but hope you find some answers here. I wanted to say you were so smart to get a copy made of the results! I really need to ask for those at the next appt. I also have very sketchy recollections of exact numbers. I think it's stress related that makes me unable to retain info.

It struck me as we were leaving.

I am terrible with trying to remember all the info from dcotors...I should probably take a notebook! I hope you also get some answers!

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 20:32:40 GMT -5 ceejay said:

Aug 10, 2016 18:03:08 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I tried to make it easier to read and I blocked out location information. The copy isn't easy to read in person.

Like I said though this all went in one ear and out the other.
Eta...sorry this is a bitch to read the boxes. The copy is so bad.

It's a little hard to read, but it looks like his total count is 57 million, total motility is 38%, and normal morphology is 0%. Those are the primary 3 factors that are usually looked at for MFI problems. Your H's numbers are almost identical to MH's first two SAs.

Definitely try to get a repeat SA first before he starts any medication. MH has done well on Clomid - it increased his count and motility, and he hasn't had any negative side effects. But I know rooskie's H actually had decreased sperm count after starting Clomid, so it doesn't work for everyone. 

I will tell him to give them a call about the repeat SA.

The urologist he is seeing is supposedly really great with dealing with male fertility issues.

Would you guys stick with him or just move onto seeing a RE?

[teachermomtobe]

Aug 10, 2016 20:55:19 GMT -5 cjchio said:

Aug 10, 2016 20:32:40 GMT -5 ceejay said:

It's a little hard to read, but it looks like his total count is 57 million, total motility is 38%, and normal morphology is 0%. Those are the primary 3 factors that are usually looked at for MFI problems. Your H's numbers are almost identical to MH's first two SAs.

Definitely try to get a repeat SA first before he starts any medication. MH has done well on Clomid - it increased his count and motility, and he hasn't had any negative side effects. But I know rooskie's H actually had decreased sperm count after starting Clomid, so it doesn't work for everyone. 

I will tell him to give them a call about the repeat SA.

The urologist he is seeing is supposedly really great with dealing with male fertility issues.

Would you guys stick with him or just move onto seeing a RE?

Mobile so I don't have all your info but I think seeing a RE to check on issues for you is also a good idea. My H and I both have issues so the RE deals with me and the urologist with DH for the most part.

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 21:04:18 GMT -5 teachermomtobe said:

Aug 10, 2016 20:55:19 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I will tell him to give them a call about the repeat SA.

The urologist he is seeing is supposedly really great with dealing with male fertility issues.

Would you guys stick with him or just move onto seeing a RE?

Mobile so I don't have all your info but I think seeing a RE to check on issues for you is also a good idea. My H and I both have issues so the RE deals with me and the urologist with DH for the most part.

I have not been to get any tests done yet.

I need to see what our insurance covers and all of that fun stuff,so maybe I'll do that research this weekend.

[ceejay]

Aug 10, 2016 21:04:18 GMT -5 teachermomtobe said:

Aug 10, 2016 20:55:19 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I will tell him to give them a call about the repeat SA.

The urologist he is seeing is supposedly really great with dealing with male fertility issues.

Would you guys stick with him or just move onto seeing a RE?

Mobile so I don't have all your info but I think seeing a RE to check on issues for you is also a good idea. My H and I both have issues so the RE deals with me and the urologist with DH for the most part.

Yes, this. I don't have any specific fertility issues, but I would have hated to wait months while H took meds/supplements only to find out that there were issues on my end. Like if you were to have blocked tubes or something, you wouldn't be candidates for IUIs and then your RE would recommend going right to IVF with ICSI. So it would be good to do the basic testing for you (blood work, HSG) to make sure your long term plan is doable. (I'm assuming your H would take Clomid to boost his numbers enough for IUI)

[rooskie]

Aug 10, 2016 20:55:19 GMT -5 cjchio said:

Aug 10, 2016 20:32:40 GMT -5 ceejay said:

It's a little hard to read, but it looks like his total count is 57 million, total motility is 38%, and normal morphology is 0%. Those are the primary 3 factors that are usually looked at for MFI problems. Your H's numbers are almost identical to MH's first two SAs.

Definitely try to get a repeat SA first before he starts any medication. MH has done well on Clomid - it increased his count and motility, and he hasn't had any negative side effects. But I know rooskie's H actually had decreased sperm count after starting Clomid, so it doesn't work for everyone. 

I will tell him to give them a call about the repeat SA.

The urologist he is seeing is supposedly really great with dealing with male fertility issues.

Would you guys stick with him or just move onto seeing a RE?

The 4 months on clomid for your H is a red flag to me. They wanted us to go back after 6 weeks but since we had to travel 2 hours they said waiting three months was ok. If I had to do it over I would have gone back at 6 weeks (or not even done it). But I'm a speshul sneauxflake.

Also, you can check with your GYN to get testing done too and have it coded as "irregular periods". I'm going to see if I can get my hormone levels checked again tomorrow since it's been over a year.

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 21:26:39 GMT -5 ceejay said:

Aug 10, 2016 21:04:18 GMT -5 teachermomtobe said:

Mobile so I don't have all your info but I think seeing a RE to check on issues for you is also a good idea. My H and I both have issues so the RE deals with me and the urologist with DH for the most part.

Yes, this. I don't have any specific fertility issues, but I would have hated to wait months while H took meds/supplements only to find out that there were issues on my end. Like if you were to have blocked tubes or something, you wouldn't be candidates for IUIs and then your RE would recommend going right to IVF with ICSI. So it would be good to do the basic testing for you (blood work, HSG) to make sure your long term plan is doable. (I'm assuming your H would take Clomid to boost his numbers enough for IUI)

I do remember that the Dr. said he wants to see if Clomid does anything for the second anaylsis and make a game plan from there. I'll definatly contact the RE I have been looking at next week to make an appointment for testing on my end.

[cjchio]

Aug 10, 2016 22:00:12 GMT -5 rooskie said:

Aug 10, 2016 20:55:19 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I will tell him to give them a call about the repeat SA.

The urologist he is seeing is supposedly really great with dealing with male fertility issues.

Would you guys stick with him or just move onto seeing a RE?

The 4 months on clomid for your H is a red flag to me. They wanted us to go back after 6 weeks but since we had to travel 2 hours they said waiting three months was ok. If I had to do it over I would have gone back at 6 weeks (or not even done it). But I'm a speshul sneauxflake.

Also, you can check with your GYN to get testing done too and have it coded as "irregular periods". I'm going to see if I can get my hormone levels checked again tomorrow since it's been over a year.

Thank you!

I typically just get stuff done at my GP's office. She will probably tell me just to go to a specialist. I will call and ask though! Every little bit I don't have to pay oop is going to help.

[cjchio]

I made the phone call. We have an initial consultation with a RE on September 15. I am freaking out a little.

[wannabmama]

Aug 11, 2016 8:44:22 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I made the phone call. We have an initial consultation with a RE on September 15. I am freaking out a little.

Good job! I know it's a little scary and overwhelming, but I definitely felt better once I had met with the RE and we started to make a plan.  Good luck!

[kawaiikitsune]

Way late to the party but I have been mega busy/lazy lately. Started tagging but then decided that most of my replies would be moot so late in the week. Just know I am sending out cuddles, T&P's and just general good vibes to all of you lovely ladies.

AFM, it's CD52 for me over here. Saw my gyn last week for my post-surgery follow-up and he was of zero help. He was not understanding my questions at all and kept trying to assure me my period wasn't due for a whole other week. Even though I told him that I was 3DPO when I had the fricken surgery. Ugh. I just want to be able to move on to my next cycle sincw this one is a giant question mark.

QOTW - I used to do gymnastic when I was little and I remember enjoying that, so maybe gymnastics.

[laurensc927]

Lurking from 3T

Believe me easilyunamused I wanted to throw up at the cost of IVF too when I went for my first consult (which seems to be almost double in my area that is everywhere else). I was fortunate enough to get insurance coverage but my research told me there are discount programs through some financing companies, cost sharing options with some RE's, discounts/coupons for medications, and some of us on 3T have meds that we are looking to donate. All those things should hopefully help a little with the cost. Good luck to you!

[easilyunamused]

Aug 11, 2016 11:23:11 GMT -5 laurensc927 said:

Lurking from 3T

Believe me easilyunamused I wanted to throw up at the cost of IVF too when I went for my first consult (which seems to be almost double in my area that is everywhere else). I was fortunate enough to get insurance coverage but my research told me there are discount programs through some financing companies, cost sharing options with some RE's, discounts/coupons for medications, and some of us on 3T have meds that we are looking to donate. All those things should hopefully help a little with the cost. Good luck to you!

Thanks laurensc927! I appreciate that, I was just posting on 3T that once I get my protocol I'll be needing all of ladies expertise! I have a tiny bit of coverage, but nothing for meds.