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jonesy22 · Apr 15, 2008, 09:35 AM

My wife and I are trying to conceive. She has been undergoing treatment because she doesn't ovulate regularly maybe not at all. I had a sperm analysis done. It came back with a count of 18 million, mobility 85%, strict morphology 5%, volume as 1mL. with everything else being above normal. How bad is this? Does this mean there is no chance for me and my wife?

ISneezeFunny · Apr 15, 2008, 09:46 AM

Normal sperm count is greater than 20 million and usually at 2 - 6 mL in volume. Now, that doesn't mean that you can't conceive. Motility doesn't really worry me much at all. What does worry me is that your morphology is extremely low. Have you had an injury, drug use, fever, or some sort of an infection?

Again, this doesn't mean that your chances are obsolete. I suggest seeking a fertility counselor and I'm sure he/she can lay out some options for you.

kp2171 · Apr 15, 2008, 08:47 PM

The "strict morphology" number indicates an analysis with a much higher criteria than simply stating "crude morphology"... so its misleading sometimes.

When stained and looked at under a microscope, even sperm with minor defects are marked as not "normal"... doesn't mean they cannot be effective, it means not the "perfect" ideal.

14% and above is desired for excellent chance of fertility

4-14% is considered abnormal, meaning some decreased fertility

0-3% is abnormal with severe impairment and essential infertile conditions

So... you seem to be in a middle state. What did your doc tell you? Its common to do more than one test, usually a few months apart, since that's how long it takes to generate new sperm. Id definitely ask for another test. Some experts believe first tests can sometimes show lower that later tests. Also, some believe having sex, or at least ejaculation, within a few days before the test can show better results.

But it isn't just about "passing" a test... if you show low numbers, you obviously have, at least at times, decreased fertility issues.

Over 50% of men with fertility issues have treatable causes. Talk to the doc, or as mentioned, seek a fertility counselor who is willing to work you through this process.