[Wizz]

Hi peter
apols if you've already answered this one... (couldn't see it in recent posts)

We recently changed clinics and are about to self fund our next Tx cycle.

Just had a letter from our consultant to tell us that DH's semen analysis was "not entirely normal" because there were a "high number of abnormal forms in the ejaculate and also a high round cell count". Could you please explain?

This was a bit of a surprise as he's had umpteen tests. An early test he had showed that his semen was clumping however in subsequent tests this did not seem to be a problem. One of the subsequent tests also showed a slightly low /borderline count however, again subsequent tests proved to be fine. This recent test was a plain semen analysis whereas most of the tests that he had in our previous unit were what were termed "wash and swim up".

As our consultant comments, due to past Tx we know that fertilisation takes place in vitro when abnormal sperm have been excluded, so he proposes that we proceed with IVF Tx as planned.

Thanks for your help
Wizz

 

[peter]

Hi peter
apols if you've already answered this one... (couldn't see it in recent posts)

We recently changed clinics and are about to self fund our next Tx cycle.

Just had a letter from our consultant to tell us that DH's semen analysis was "not entirely normal" because there were a "high number of abnormal forms in the ejaculate and also a high round cell count". Could you please explain?

It sounds as though a more detailed analysis has been done and the the number of abnormal sperm is increased over what is expected (anything over 95% abnormal needs ICSI) and the round cells indicate either a possible infection or possible incomplete sperm formation. The infection is easy to treat, if there is a problem with sperm formation there is nothing to be done about that.

This was a bit of a surprise as he's had umpteen tests. An early test he had showed that his semen was clumping however in subsequent tests this did not seem to be a problem. One of the subsequent tests also showed a slightly low /borderline count however, again subsequent tests proved to be fine. This recent test was a plain semen analysis whereas most of the tests that he had in our previous unit were what were termed "wash and swim up".

Sperm assessments vary enormously in their accuracy, precision and in the information they provide. Your most recent one sounds fairly thorough.

As our consultant comments, due to past Tx we know that fertilisation takes place in vitro when abnormal sperm have been excluded, so he proposes that we proceed with IVF Tx as planned.

If you get fert with IVF I would also strongly support the idea of continuing with IVF. ICSI should only be used when it is absolutely required, far too many clinics jump straight to ICSI nowadays so it is refreshing to hear someone saying that IVF should be the treatment.

Good luck!

Peter

Thanks for your help
Wizz

 

[Wizz]

Many thanks for your help
wizz