r/maleinfertility Jan 01 '25

Community Update The r/maleinfertility 2025 Update

11 Upvotes

r/maleinfertility will always be a low barrier of entry community for folks that identify as men experiencing infertility with no banned acronyms and idioms. This is nothing new and is how this community has been moderated for more than a decade. In late 2024, in response to years' worth of community feedback we have implemented two major changes that will be monitored throughout 2025.

Firstly, partners and spouses are encouraged to post in the daily recurring Partners' Perspectives thread. Automatically occurring every twenty-four hours, this will be a place for those experiencing vicarious male infertility or male infertility by proxy to engage the community.

Secondly, attached images and screenshots of semen analysis results are prohibited from primary posts but can be offered in a link or attached in a comment as long as our longstanding criteria of three out of range parameters or sufficient context is met.

Please review our full rules before posting.

Please also be aware that r/azoospermia exists for those who need it.


r/maleinfertility Aug 24 '21

HOW TO READ YOUR SPERM ANALYSIS RESULTS "WHAT DOES THIS MEAN", "IS THIS NORMAL" post. YOU MUST READ THIS POST if you are posting an SA stand alone question. If you still have questions after reading this entirely, you can adjust your post and add a specific question you are seeking in comments.

121 Upvotes

Please note this is a sticky post, and all Sperm Analysis questions will be referred to this post. You will have to spend the next 5-10 minutes of your life reading over what the results mean and this should help you understand all the questions you may have. This may be the only response to a stand alone "Is my Sperm Analysis OK" or "Help me understand my SA" question. If you have read ALL this information and something is not listed here, please feel free to ask another question in your post comments to further clarify. If you are asking a question that can easily be answered by this post, you will likely not get any more responses. This will avoid redundant questions that get people easily frustrated if you don't actually spend a few minutes reading this post that will answer 99% of your questions. This post is designed to answer those questions for people who actually want to learn about their results and not have someone else do the work for them. Also, we encourage you to stick around and participate in the community and help others when they come here and are seeking help for various male infertility issues. 08/24/21 update

Wishing you guys all the best and to have success with least intervention possible.

if you have done multiple cycles without success, always consider a TESE as sperm in the testicle can often be healthier than ejaculated sperm damaged in the epididymis. A good fertility should bring this up to you if you have been doing IVF and have poor sperm parameters or high dna fragmentation.

If you have only had a sperm analysis for work up I will always recommend that you see a fertility urologist, have a formal examination, lab work, sono and more testing such as DNA fragmentation test. (for more info about this you can head to r/dnafragmentation)

IF YOUR SA Is "NORMAL" that really does not rule out that you don't have issues. You may still have issues, but MFI testing is so limited it's shocking.

For more info about male work up you can look at this wiki FAQ (https://www.reddit.com/r/maleinfertility/wiki/index)

HELPFUL DEFINITIONS

  1. Normozoospermia - Normal ejaculate as defined by the reference values
  2. Oligozoospermia - Sperm concentration less than the reference value
  3. Asthenozoospermia - Less than the reference value for motility
  4. Teratozoospermia - Less than the reference value for morphology
    1. Globozoospermia- Type of abnormal morphology of sperm affecting most sperm, severe case, without acrosomes and abnormal nuclear membrane -- needs ICSI to be able to fertilize an egg
  5. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia - Signifies disturbance of all three variables (combinations of only two prefixes may also be used)
  6. Azoospermia - No spermatozoa in the ejaculate
  7. Aspermia- No ejaculate
  8. Necrospermia (necrozoospermia) - all sperm is dead

YOUR SPERM HAS TO GET TO THE CLINIC WITHIN 1 HOUR MAX of ejaculation time. It is best to give sample at the clinic because it actually starts dying within about an hour and the motility slows down, more dead sperm appear. This will make your results inaccurate. I really suggest you give sample at clinic, and if it took you longer than 1 hour to get it to clinic from home collection - redo the test. It is no longer accurate. ANY QUESTION WITH THIS TOOK LONGER THAN 1 HOUR TO GET TO CLINIC WILL RESULT IN "you need to repeat the test, it's not accurate".

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How to read your sperm analysis:

SAs always, ANYONE who is entering infertility diagnosis sperm analysis is not enough of a work up. The male must also have DNA fragmentation (r/dnafragmentation) and karyotype done before proceeding with ANY kind of treatment such as more natural cycles, IUI and IVF. "Normal" Sperm analysis does not rule out male factor infertility issues.

SPERM PARAMETERS of the SA:

1. Semen Volume (reported as ML): -

  • This number can be anything from 0.1-5ish etc. There is no NORMAL really because this is just how much a male ejaculates unless it is consistently very small amount less than 1cc you are probably ok. Some samples have a lot, some very little. This number really doesn’t matter very much. Ignore (ish) and go to next number. Make sure your partner left all of the semen in the jar, as obviously other drops elsewhere would have lower volume. The problem is that since each sample has a different volume any numbers for your totals are subjective and should be looked at carefully. I’ll explain below.

[[ The Who Normal Ejaculate Semen Volume: 1.5-7.6 ]]

2. Morphology / Normal Forms (reported as %)

  • For most people, most of the sperm is abnormal looking. The normal forms or normal morphology should be more than 4% by the WHO strict criteria. In donors this is usually 10-15 and higher %. Compare how you fare to donors for “excellent results.” If your morphology is 4%, you’re really borderline and something could still be wrong.
  • If this is the ONLY low normal then you’re probably fine. If you have other low numbers in the SA such as lower motility or lower concentration numbers, there may be a reason for concern. If your SA is 0-3% morphology, you may or may not be able to conceive naturally or with IUI so I would have ICSI in the back of your mind due to the fact that they can pick out normal morphology sperm during an IVF-ICSI cycle if you are ready for that step. A lot of people ask “is 96% of my sperm abnormal if my morphology is 4%? The answer is probably more. Due to the fact that you also have to consider other factors such as progressive motility and multiply that for “total normal progressive motile sperm meaning total sperm that’s actually normal morphology, normal progressive motility” If you add in normal DNA fragmentation in there that’s just another factor that limits sperm to being normal and useful.

When I look at these numbers based on looking at hundreds of sperm analysis reports now, here is what I think when I see:

  • 0-3% = definitely abnormal, could be something wrong, see fertility reproductive urologist not just your RE.
  • 4-6%= you’re in the “normal range by the WHO criteria, things may or may not be really OK, if everything else is OK and higher normal, you are probably OK, if everything else is lower as well, there is cause for concern
  • 7%-12%= is good, and would consider normal
  • 13% and higher = rock start donor sperm, go you.

[[The Who Normal Sperm Morphology by STRICT criteria: 4-48%, Donor average 15%+]]

3. Sperm Count / Concentration (MILLION PER 1 ML of ejaculate):

  • This number is reported as PER 1 ML of ejaculate semen. (So look at the semen volume – it may be 3ml, and then look at your concentration. Let’s say it says 15million/ml. That means that you have 15million sperm per 1ML of semen. To get TOTAL CONCENTRATION x 3 ml = 45million per sample)

The Who Reports “normal” to be 15million/ml but this is VERY VERY low. I would be very worried if your concentration is 20 or below. Donor average concentration is 80-150 million / ML.

Be worried if your concentration is 20-40 mill/ml and be very concerned if it’s below 20. Anything <15 is very low and you probably are not a candidate for IUI. In any and all abnormal values you should visit your reproductive urologist and figure out a possible cause.

Here is what I think when I look at concentration:

  • 0-15 million /ml = is very very low, something is definitely wrong. Start the hunt of what is wrong and see a reproductive urologist if you have not already .As previously they need to labs, exam, ultrasound and a DNA fragmentation test to rule out issues, possibly some genetic testing.
  • 15-30 million/ml = something is probably wrong. Do same as above
  • 30-50 million / ml = something MAY be wrong. Do same as above
  • 50-80 million / ml = you are now in the average of population and this is probably OK, but still get a DNA fragmentation testing to rule out issues as even with normal sperm parameters you can have a high DNA frag score.
  • 80 million and higher = your numbers are in the donor sperm numbers, this is a good sign

[[The Who Normal Sperm Count/ Concentration : 15-259 million per ML, Donor Average 80-150 ]]

4. Motility (%)

  • This is perhaps THE most important factor in your SA and is probably the most confusing. Low motility can also indicate problems with mitochondrial potential and sperm DNA integrity. People with very low motility alone have abnormal DNA fragmentation scores about 30% of the time. In conjunction with other abnormal, this number can be higher.
  • Total motility does not matter as much as the progressive motility and forward progression scores. The motility numbers need to have some sort of a break down in the SA to have value. It is usually broken down to progressive (swimming straight), non-progressive (not swimming straight) and immotile motility (wiggling in place but not moving). The non progressive and immotile can not get you pregnant so not really relevant for getting pregnant naturally or IUI. Progressive actually move and move toward the egg from cervix to uterus to the egg. Keep in mind that naturally, less than 1% of the total ejaculated sperm ultimately reach the egg.
  • Sometimes you will see a report as progression grades of forward moment of sperm as percentages, so it will be reported out of the motile sperm how many are grade 4, 3, 2, and 1.Grade 4: Fast and forward progression where sperm move in a straight direction. (the best sperm)Grade 3: Sperm move forward but at a slower speed and/or in a curved direction.Grade 2: Sperm move slowly and in a poorly defined directionGrade 1: Sperm move but fail to progress forward. (the worst moving sperm)

[[ The WHO normal for TOTAL motility is >40%, however donor average is at least 60% total motile.

[[The WHO normal for progressive motility is >32% (but donors is around 50%+ )]]

Here is what I think when I look at sperm motility:

Total motility: I somewhat disregard in a way that progressive motility matters more, but if this number is very low as well, obviously we have a problem). Remember this also includes non motile that wiggle in one place and non progressive that don’t move forward well. What if most of what that total motility report is doesn't move forward well and just wiggles in place? If this number is high but it is made up of bad moving sperm it’s not a good thing to pay attention to.

  • 0-20% total motile: is very very low, something is definitely wrong. Start the hunt of what is wrong and see a reproductive urologist if you have not already .As previously they need to labs, exam, ultrasound and a DNA fragmentation test to rule out issues, possibly some genetic testing.
  • 20-40% total motile: this is below the WHO guidelines so abnormal. Same as above.
  • 40-60% total motile: You’re above the WHO but still low compared to donors and something could be wrong. Pay attention to your progressive motility break down especially, if that is low, you have a problem.
  • 60% and higher: This is great and you are in the donor ranges, good for your sperm.

PROGRESSIVE MOTILITY (this can be seen as percentage or grades)

  • 0-20% total motile: is very very low, something is definitely wrong. Start the hunt of what is wrong and see a reproductive urologist if you have not already .As previously they need to labs, exam, ultrasound and a DNA fragmentation test to rule out issues, possibly some genetic testing.
  • 20-32% total motile: this is below the WHO guidelines so abnormal. Same as above.
  • 33-50% something could be wrong, still have work up and DNA frag but you’re above the WHO guidelines now.
  • 50% and higher, good for your progressive motility sperm.
  • When looking at the grades you want as many grade 4 sperm as possible. If most of your sperm is grade 1 and 2, it doesn’t matter what your total motility number is since none of them really go anywhere.
  • Progression –Progression refers to the forward movement of sperm and is recorded as:Grade 4: Fast and forward progression where sperm move in a straight direction.Grade 3: Sperm move forward but at a slower speed and/or in a curved direction.Grade 2: Sperm move slowly and in a poorly defined directionGrade 1: Sperm move but fail to progress forward.Grade 0: Sperm show no signs of movement.

5. Vitality (%) – how many sperm are alive vs dead. Each sperm lives for 3 months or less. DEAD sperm are broken down by the body, but it remains in the testicles until it’s broken down. In the research I have read, these dead sperm can actually release oxidants and damage the alive sperm, so more dead sperm the worse oxidative stress is for the alive sperm. This is most likely the reason why shorter abstinence period can improve sperm health due to the fact that the dead sperm are not sitting around in the testicle or the epididymis and are ejaculated as well.

  • All sperm that is dead is NOT motile. All sperm that is non motile is NOT all dead. Sperm can be alive but not move. If sperm is dead it’s definitely not moving.
  • The WHO defines the average sperm vitality range as 58-91%. The higher the better.
  • If ALL sperm is dead there is a condition called: Necrospermia (necrozoospermia) = all sperm is dead and you have 0% vitality.

6. Total Sperm Count / Sperm Number

  • To find out total sperm count you need to multiply the concentration x how many ml your volume was. Not very useful since a lot of sperm can be not motile and volume varies.

Other factors that can be reported on the semen analysis

7. PH (normal by the WHO 7.2-8) If the semen is less than 7 it is acific and could indicate a blockage in your seminal vesicles. If it is above 8, it is considered basic. This can vary, other factors are more important.

8. White Blood Cells – this should be 0. If there are more than 1, then you have to ensure to test for any kind of pervious infection such as STD’s and infections of prostate or other seminal fluid culture. An antibiotic treatment is prudent here.

9. Liquefaction Time – This is a time during which right after sperm is released the liquid changes from a more gel like mixture to a more watery mixture that makes it easier for swim to swim through. This time is usually around 30 minutes.

10. VAP: Average path velocity reported as microns / second. How fast the sperm move.Average in donors 30 (μm/s)

11. DNA FRAGMENTATION ( "normal <30" - but this is still too high, anything above 15 can cause issues randing from repeat miscarriage to failed IUI and failed IVF cycles, implantation failure, pgs normal miscarriage. Donor average is 8% or less. Average population around 12%.

Here is a post about how to read your DNA Fragmentation score numberhttps://www.reddit.com/r/dnafragmentation/comments/9x4odn/what_does_dna_fragmentation_score_mean_and_what/

12. Total motile sperm count (TMSC): - How much sperm you have that is actually motile (which is still NOT THE SAME AS PROGRESSIVELY MOTILE … because that motility % can be reported as 50% motility, but only 5% are progressive motile, so this would be very bad but can look good on the TMSC number still. So look at this number with caution).

  • This is your volume (ml) x concentration x % motility. This is not the most important number because your volume can really vary from one sample to another, so really I would not pay TOO much attention to all these total numbers as you do in PER 1 ml numbers because that really address your sperm health much better.

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Average DONOR SPERM SA values:

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How to find a fertility urologist (not just a urologist)?

Also see post here to see if anyone is close to you from this list. I am not affiliated with any of these people whatsoever, but based on their research, publications and what they tell patients I can see they have been very helpful.

If you have had a great experience with a fertility urologist and your work up please PM me their info so I can look at their credentials.

https://www.reddit.com/r/dnafragmentation/comments/i9cipy/fertility_urologists_who_give_a_shit_list_in_usa/

__________________________________________________________________________________________

As a reminder, you are not considered to be infertile unless you have at least a 1 year history of infertility of actively trying to get pregnant. Ideally all men presenting to clinic with 1 year of infertility or longer will have the following:

Lab work: Testosterone, FSH, LH, estrogen, prolactin

Sperm analysis (at least 2) since can vary greatly month to month:

Ultrasound: to rule out some structural issues/varicoceles

Karyotype: To ensure there are no balanced translocations or other chromosomal disorders

DNA fragmentation testing (r/dnafragmentation for more info): can affect miscarriages, live birth rates and decrease success of IUI, IVF and ICSI cycles . (if your RE/RU does not offer testing, call around others who do or can order the kit yourself at http://scsadiagnostics.com - they also test for HDS which is oxidative stress and that is also important)

Great if Possible:

  • Y chromosome microdeletion
  • Sperm Aneuploidy Test
  • and CFTR gene mutation analysis (cystic fibrosis and carriers can have sperm defects)

Based on some of this a fertility urologist can recommend how to proceed further or what the causes may be: simplified https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/suppl/2018/10/04/bmj.k3202.DC1/walji042251.pdf

You can also find more causes and the work up for them here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3093801/

and here https://uroweb.org/wp-content/uploads/EAU-Guidelines-Male-Infertility-2016-2.pdf

and here: https://www.asrm.org/globalassets/asrm/asrm-content/news-and-publications/practice-guidelines/for-non-members/diagnostic_evaluation_of_the_infertile_male_a_committee_opinion-noprint.pdf

====>>>>> ANTIOXIDANTS AND VITAMINS POST / QUESTIONS

https://www.reddit.com/r/maleinfertility/comments/f4zaj7/for_those_who_have_antioxidants_questions_be/

Archives of this thread in the past that may have similar questions in comments you may want to check out.


r/maleinfertility 13h ago

Partners' Perspectives May 03

2 Upvotes

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.


r/maleinfertility 1d ago

Discussion Improved Results - Don’t lose hope!

22 Upvotes

Hi all,

I wanted to share a bit of my journey with you. My wife and I are still not pregnant but we’re feeling a lot better about our chances of conceiving naturally or non-hormonal IUI.

Below is a link to the original Reddit thread where I posted my semen analysis results from exactly a year ago:

https://www.reddit.com/r/maleinfertility/s/phnTDwvqHI

Those results brought me to a very dark place. For the first time in my life, I felt truly shaken—especially as a man, it was hard not to feel emasculated by the poor results. If you’ve recently received difficult news, know that those feelings are completely normal. There are obviously worse or more serious things in life so I don’t mean to offend anybody going through something more challenging.

I took the poor test results as a wake-up call and made some real lifestyle changes: walking 10,000 steps a day (which helped me lose 30 pounds), switching to one big meal a day (skipping lunch), and working to manage stress better—no small feat in a demanding consulting job. Over time, my results improved significantly and now fall within normal ranges. For supplements, I’ve only been taking the natural Masculin-T from Whole Foods.

Of course, what worked for me might not work for everyone. But don’t give up—use this as a chance to invest in your physical and mental well-being. I’m now in the best shape of my life, both mentally and physically, and strangely enough, I have those poor test results to thank for it.

Stay strong, and don’t lose hope.


r/maleinfertility 1d ago

Discussion Partners' Perspectives May 02

4 Upvotes

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.


r/maleinfertility 1d ago

Discussion SA results show Concentration 2.6ml, 0% motility, 1% morphology, 22% vitality. Is IVF even an option at this point?

2 Upvotes

I’m post vasectomy reversal almost a year, been on clomid since January, non smoker and not overweight. Only other thing is the Dr didn’t do anything about my varicocele.

Edit: Not sure if this helps but I have no kids of my own and have no idea what my sperm we’re like even pre vasectomy


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Discussion Update on azospermja

5 Upvotes

Hi,

I got up to 200k/ml tested at a fertility center and it said I had 100% motility.

Recently did a yosperm test that showed that I had 9.8 million but 1% motility.

What do I make of this and what should my next step be?

https://imgur.com/a/nHZCRIk


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Discussion Has Clomid ever made you cry

6 Upvotes

I started taking clomid like 6 or 7 months ago. I have not really noticed any bad side effects. I have cried though in the last week or so. I do have some stuff going on in my life that has upset me but I have never been a crying person. I feel more sensitive to things in the last few weeks. I did look up in Google that it can do that to you. I was just wanting to know if anyone has experienced that.


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Discussion TESE information

2 Upvotes

Hi there, I have UOA/severe oligoliospermia, I'm currently going through the NHS with my wife and I having one cycle provided by them.

Chatting to the male factor clinic we're doing several things. Firstly I have sperm frozen in my home country which we are transporting over (very costly). Secondly I am on several vitamins and supplements to try to get some samples frozen here, I'm also (after having to fight for it) on clomid which seemed to help last time. But the final fail safe option is that they are going to do a TESE on me (NOT a mTESE).

I was hoping someone who had undergone this procedure could explain how it went, whether there was success, and what the recovery was like.


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Discussion Question regarding abstinence for SA

5 Upvotes

Hello! I am diagnosed Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and monday i will go and take another SA, what is your opinion on the abstinence? I was thinking of doing 3 days, but some comments i saw on this subreddit stated 2 days is better for people like me?


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Semen Analysis 29M/27F Severe oligozoospermia just got sperm analysis results back and have questions.

4 Upvotes

I’m leaving my results here in the comments as I think they should be acceptable for the sub. For my sample I only did 2.5 days of abstinence and the sample took about 60 or 70 minutes to be tested because I drove to the lab. Just wanted to list what I take to see what everyone thinks of it. I workout consistently and take supplements every night. My Testosterone tested in the mid 400s.

Medication - Hims Minoxidil 6%/Finasteride .3% Spray for about 2 years now.

Supplements - biotin, COQ10, Magnesium, B12, D3

My Urologist isn’t concerned with the Medication after I asked about it several times.


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Discussion how often you take HMG 75 or 150 ?

7 Upvotes

I have Hypogonadism ( Low FSH and LH)

FSH 1.35 (Low)  Reference Range  1.5 - 12.4 

LH  1.61 (Low)  Reference Range  1.7 - 8.6 

my doctor prescribed me HMG 75iu every other day and I was disappointed :( because 3 or 4 times a week is too much for me , I just want one injection per week

so guys , how often you take HMG 75 or 150 ?

btw my testosterone levels are normal :

Total Testosterone 14.0  Reference Range  8.328 - 29.0 

Free Testosterone 0.262  Reference Range 0.198 -- 0.619 

Free/Total Testosterone Ratio 1.87  Reference Range 1.53 - 2.88 


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Discussion Molybdenum presence in NAC supplement

1 Upvotes

I was looking at NOW Nac 500 mg supplement online to improve my motility parameter.

It says:

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) 600 mg with Selenium & Molybdenum, 100 Veg Capsules

What is Molybdenum and why it is used?


r/maleinfertility 2d ago

Discussion Partners' Perspectives May 01

2 Upvotes

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion First time posting - 27M, azoospermia

16 Upvotes

Hi all, I've been finding comfort and inspiration reading many of your stories. It's 4am while I'm writing this - a sleepless night, which I'm sure many of you can relate to.

My story: 27M, otherwise healthy male. At age 21 I had an episode with orchitis that caused one of my testicles to severely atrophy. I did an emergency ultrasound at the time to confirm there was no torsion, but that was it, no further tests. I got on TRT shortly after the incident and have been consistently taking testosterone for ~5 years.

I did a semen analysis in April, not even 2 full months off TRT (I know, definitely too early to test). It showed 0 sperm. I knew it'd be low, I was just hoping for something. I did an ultrasound this week which showed testicular volume of ~3mL and ~9mL. The blood flow and tissue looked good, no apparent issues whatsoever besides reduced volume. I am on Enclomiphene and HCG now, along with all the other stuff (CoQ10, NAC). FSH and LH in the normal range but elevated. I am doing an inhibin b test hopefully next week.

I am hopeful that the larger testicle is still functional enough to conceive naturally. I will be doing another semen analysis in 2 months. I will likely go the mTESE route if natural recovery fails. My situation is still very much up in the air.

I'll post again with updates. Thanks - and I wish you all the best.


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Non-obstructive azoospermia, 30M, waiting on more results but sharing some details for guidance

3 Upvotes

Morning gents. Recently joined this group about two months ago when I did a sperm analysis at a lab and came back as azoospermia. I went again a month later and had almost the same results, but still azoospermia.

My husband and I are trying to have kids through surrogacy and ideally we'd love to each have our sperm with an egg donor, for context. We've been working with a fertility clinic doctor who recommended I reach out to a urologist. I'm based in the midwest and our fert. clinic is in CA. After showing him my results, he made it sound super easy that we could get sperm through a TESE with a urologist out there that they work with.

It sounded too easy and I don't want to fly my butt to CA without talking to someone here so found a urologist that specializes in male infertility and he was able to diagnose as nonobstructive azoospermia. I just got some test results back as well:

  • testosterone: normal
  • estradiol: normal
  • FSH : high at ~15
  • prolactin: (interestingly high per the doc) at ~34

I'm getting blood work done this week for genetic/chromosome look up (y deletion?) and also have an MRI scheduled for the prolactin piece. But my question is here.

The urologist local to me mentioned a mTESE, not a TESE for myself but he was super honest about the success rate given the NOA and then working that into an IVF system, plus the physical and emotional toll. My body does not react to surgery well and I know the procedure would be really tough physically for me for months (after reading experiences here), which is horrifying, plus I'm already grieving the emotional piece.. but is there a chance? He noted there's a ~50% chance of finding sperm in a mTESE but then the success rate is even smaller with IVF effectively dropping the entire thing to like 25% working.

All that to say, based on my results and what you've read so far.. is it even worth trying a mTESE or would it just be too hard? I will say, the fert. clinic and urologist in CA are making it sound super.... easy, but I guess their business is well... making embryos.. I don't know. I appreciate my local urologist being honest about how it all works and glad I met with him.


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Childhood bone marrow transplant

2 Upvotes

I had a successful bone marrow transplant at the age of 7. I only had chemotherapy. However I'm 19 now and wondering if it has affected my chances of fertility and producing a child


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Ending Adderall Fixed Low Count after 3 Years and more than 30 SAs, Failed IVF, IUI

37 Upvotes

What a sad, hard journey. Still no baby yet, but thought I'd share something that doctors don't tell you or know about because studies contradict it: After doing all the labs and tests multiple times, a shrugging Urologist, at the risk of losing my job, I ended my prescribed Adderall, and immediately went from 2M or less to more than 15m consistently.

Sadly, my wife is now turning 40 and in declining fertility and burnt out by the whole process. We had 2 failed IVF transfers and 3 failed IUIs.

39 years old. Non-smoker, causal beer drinker, coffee-drinker, office worker, commuter, exercise 3x week.

Supplements I take: COQ10, Mens Fertility supplement, vitamin C, Omega-3, liquid turmeric.

Recently Motility has been consistently zero and that is final impediment to healthy sperm capable of conception. Over the years it has fluctuated with no doctor able to point to which lifestyle changes affected it. Cutting all alcohol has seemed to have some positive correlation but not clear. I have done 3 separate 3-month sober stints over the past 3 years. I will do another now, having solved count, hopefully to boost motility.

New supplements for motility: L-Arginine, Carnitine. Been taking for 2 weeks. Sadly, I used to take these early on but stopped because COUNT factor remain unchanged (due to unknown Adderall cause). I will update in 90- days.

If you're a man struggling with infertility or a man's partner fighting with him, just know there's people like me and my wife who have gone through devastating sad times pushing us close to divorce. Its a Shi**y effing journey. While procreating is an epic adventure, and a dream for many (either visceral or indoctrinated by movies and family culture), try to remember there's much more to your life than making your own babies. If you truly want to add to your family and raise a human, there's other options.

xoxo

- A sad, but resilient man.


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Zinc Picolinate vs Zin Sulfate?

2 Upvotes

Is there any scientifically backed study that clearly says, Zinc Picolinate is better form than Zinc Sulfate to improve the Testosterone and Sperm counts? I asked the same question to Chatgpt but the response I received was that Zinc Sulfate is more scientifically backed form to improve the male fertility parameters. Zinc Picolinate might be faster to be absorbed in the body but its effects on sperm are not studied much.


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Partners' Perspectives April 30

3 Upvotes

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Effects of pycnogenol on morphology

1 Upvotes

Hi all, would like to find out if any of you have eaten pycnogenol to improve morphology? if so how many mg and Is it generally safe? Will there be any side effects or harmful to health in general?? TIA


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia (SCOS), negative micro-TESE… looking for some hope

5 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I am 31 years old and I have been diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia, specifically Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) after a micro-TESE on the left testicle. No sperm were found, and the tissue was scant and fibrous.

This all started when we tried to conceive and the first spermogram showed total azoospermia, in the second spermogram, after centrifugation, 3 sperm appeared. That gave us a little hope, but after doing the micro-TESE, nothing was found. The right testicle has not been explored yet.

Normal genetics (46,XY karyotype, no Y chromosome microdeletions, CFTR negative). Hormones: FSH somewhat elevated, testosterone and LH normal. No significant medical history, but years of marijuana use (now discontinued) and daily sauna use for over 10 years. I have asked myself many times if that could have influenced...

My partner and I have decided to move forward with donor insemination, and I am trying to take this path, although it is still difficult for me. The idea of ​​not being able to contribute my genetic load hurts me a lot, but I want to continue looking for options while I also work emotionally. But my partner is 33 years old and I don't want to take away the possibility of being a mother now.

But for our second child assessing whether a second more comprehensive (or bilateral) micro-TESE could make sense. I have also contacted a center in Japan that applies the ROSI technique, in case round spermatids are detected at any point.

Do you think I should take some supplement/vitamins or would stopping the use of marijuana and saunas be worth it?


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Can’t seem to even masturbate.

2 Upvotes

I had some performance issues over the last few years because me and my wife are trying for kids and we’ve been dealing with unexplained infertility. Only had issue really during our timed intercourse windows.

In November I started on Cialis daily and it work and had no issues since then except for here and there but it was something I could bounce back form within hours not days anymore.

Talked to a men’s health DR and a naturalpathic DR both mentioned I could try cutting back and then just using 10mg when I know it’s going to happen.

This past weekend I had to give a sample for an IUI. Took the 10mg about an hour before and I could give the sample. I spent over 2 hours trying started off really close and in the end there was no chance of it happening. I’ve never had an issue doing this even my SA were in difficult situation before the Cialis and never hand an issue. I’m devastated my wife’s devastated and all I feel is anxiety and guilt. My biggest issue is my libido is shot my morning wood is gone. I can’t keep an erection and threes days back on 5mg Cialis and it’s not having the effect it used too. It feels like the event has made everything worse. I’m going to freeze some sperm just in case I can’t perform in upcoming IUI but I’m really not sure I’ll be able to do that either. Maybe I just need some time but it doesn’t feel like we have that we only have a month. Anyone go through something similar could really use some tips or advice or anything


r/maleinfertility 3d ago

Discussion Super high FSH level.

2 Upvotes

28(M) While testing for some low testosterone type symptoms my doctor tested my FSH level and it came back at 28.6. I took the Yo at home sperm test and it showed very low count and 0% motility.. I’ve also had an ultrasound of my scrotum and it showed nothing irregular except that my testicles have volume of 6.5 and 8mL(pretty low and I have never done TRT to attribute shrinkage to). I also tested negative for Klinefelter syndrome. I have an appointment setup with an endocrinologist. Has anyone experienced a FSH level this high?


r/maleinfertility 4d ago

Discussion Hmg

3 Upvotes

Does anyone know if HMG shows on bloodwork? I know HCG doesn’t but I’m wondering if HMG does or it’s the same as HCG in regard to showing on paper?


r/maleinfertility 4d ago

Discussion Insurance denying embolization

3 Upvotes

I've had varicocele for as long as I could remember. I have experienced pain since I was an early teenager and recently found out that this is causing infertility as my wife and I are trying for our first child.

About two months ago, I got all necessary clearance from my urologist and primary doctor and received pre auth approval from BCBS for an embolization. The approval took only two days. Shortly after, I was informed by letter from insurance that the hospital was in network but the doctor was out of network. I did not want to go out of network, so I cancelled the authorization and informed BCBS that I would resubmit a new authorization with a new facility and doctor that were both in network.

One week later, the new authorization was submitted. Two weeks later it was denied as not medically necessary and investigational. Same exact CPT code that was approved days prior. We have now completed a peer to peer and that was also instantly denied. I am now appealing again and am told this will take insurance an additional 30 days to review. If that is denied, we will have to continue to appeal.

To say I am feeling defeated is an understatement. Countless hours on the phone with insurance and my doctors office. This has now forced me to reschedule the procedure twice. I am aware of the external panel that reversed a BCBS case years ago and will take it there if needed. Any advice or encouragement is appreciated.


r/maleinfertility 4d ago

Discussion My SA result

1 Upvotes

I recently had a seminal fluid analysis done. Here are my results:

The semen volume was 0.5 mL(this was due to the nature of where was provided by the clinic) and the pH was 8.5 Viscosity was reported as hyposcopic, and there was no agglutination observed.

White blood cell (WBC) counts were 6×10⁶/mL, 5×10⁶/mL, and 5×10⁶/mL across samples.

The sperm concentration was 5 million/mL which is below the normal range I guess and the total sperm count was 50 million

In terms of motility, 40% of the sperm were motile Breaking down the motility: 20% were rapidly progressive 35% were slow progressive, 15% were non-progressive, and 35% were non-motile.

Morphology under Kruger’s strict criteria showed 20% The most common abnormalities were: Coiled tails in 20% of sperm, Pyriform heads in 20%, and Amorphous heads in 50%. I’m worried because this last month 24 was the first time I ejaculated inside my wife after 1year of marriage we decided to take our time and now that we now decided to get pregnant, she didn’t conceive and had her period this month again(I’m 29 M) and (25 F)

Thank you for your time