A lot of our readers wonder if it’s possible to still get pregnant if you have a very poor sperm morphology. The answer is, absolutely! With advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, IVF with ICSI is a great option for those of us who have very poor sperm morphology. I speak from a [...]]]>

A lot of our readers wonder if it’s possible to still get pregnant if you have a very poor sperm morphology. The answer is, absolutely! With advancements in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, IVF with ICSI is a great option for those of us who have very poor sperm morphology. I speak from a personal experience as I was diagnosed with very poor sperm morphology. I was sad, shocked and confused at first but after learning more about possible treatments, my eyes were opened and I began to relax knowing there are options.

Right now, my wife Wendi, is in her second trimester (over 15 weeks pregnant). My Kruger Strict Morphology Analysis came back at under 2%. Our first fresh IVF cycle was not successful but we had some frozen embryos from the first round that we used for our first frozen embryo transfer a few months after our fresh IVF cycle. Our first FET was successful! IVF with ICSI made this happen for Wendi and I. All it takes is one little sperm injected into the egg and pregnancy is possible.

Besides having a very poor sperm morphology, I also have a low sperm count and low viscosity. I thought it was the end of the world. Don’t let it get you down. It’s not worth spending your energy on. You will have many other things to focus on such as IVF treatment and keeping stress levels as low as possible so there is no need to waste time getting down on yourself. Some of us were blessed with great sperm and some of us were not. If you are like me and were not blessed with high quality sperm, just know that there are options out there.

So, having poor sperm quality is not the end of the world. It took me time to realize this but I did finally come around after some stress and depression from my semen analysis results. Take what I’ve learned through our infertility experience and don’t let this eat at you. If you find out that you have poor sperm morphology, move on to the next step of the fertility process which is researching IVF clinics and various fertility treatments.

Clomid is most commonly associated with female fertility treatments but it can also be used in cases of male infertility. When men have a low sperm count or poor motility, Clomid can stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more quality sperm. A study by WHO (World Health Organization) done in the 90′s shows [...]]]>

Clomid and Male Infertility

Clomid is most commonly associated with female fertility treatments but it can also be used in cases of male infertility. When men have a low sperm count or poor motility, Clomid can stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more quality sperm. A study by WHO (World Health Organization) done in the 90′s shows that Clomid can increase the production of sperm.

There is still very limited research on men using Clomid for infertility issues such as low sperm count and poor motility. It’s also thought that if a male has severe sperm issues, such as extremely low sperm count, Clomid will not help.

Before Clomid is prescribed by a fertility specialist, a semen analysis and blood work will be done. Speaking from first hand experience, my urologist advised me to give a few semen samples over the course of a couple of months before prescribing Clomid. He wanted to get a few reading before making any decisions to make sure my counts were accurate. All of my semen analysis came in with a low count and very abnormal morphology as well. You will likely have blood work done at the same time to check your hormone levels. Clomid can help regulate your hormone levels which in turn can improve sperm production.

Side Effects of Clomid on Men

On another personal note, my urologist prescribed Clomid for my diagnosis of low sperm count. I had a sperm count of around 15-19 million per ml which is a little under average. Average sperm count is considered 20 million sperm per ml. Anything below 20 million is considered below average so that’s where I was categoriezed. My urologist prescribed me Clomid for low sperm count once a day for 6 months. Sperm changes and changes in sperm production take around 90 days to happen so he wanted to monitor me for 6 months to see if the Clomid would help improve my sperm count. Each month he would do blood work to check if my hormones were in balance. If there were not, he would adjust my dosage. After a few weeks of taking Clomid, I started to notice the side effects. I was having regular hot flashes, mood swings and blurred vision. I was basically having a geriod (guy period!). Okay…that was my attempt at humor! Don’t laugh too hard.

I stuck with Clomid for about 2 months and had to stop taking it. The side effects weren’t worth it and my wife and I were already going through the IUI process. So, I stopped taking Clomid and the side effects stopped almost immediately. I was finally back to a state of manhood!

A few weeks later we went through our second IUI cycle. After they took my semen sample for the IUI, I was stunned that my sperm count went down to under 10 million per ml. The first IUI it was 19 million. It decreased by almost half of what it was originally! I can’t say for sure if it was or was not the Clomid but it all happened at the same time. I’m also not saying that Clomid is horrible and you should never use it if you’re advised by your doctor to do so. It just wasn’t for me. Everyone reacts differently. I happened to not react well to Clomid.

The Conclusion: Clomid For Male Infertility

There’s still not much evidence behind Clomid working for male infertility. The jury is still out. Although sperm production can be increased by use of Clomid in cases of male infertility, men that took Clomid were no more likely to get their partner pregnant than men who were taking a placebo.

As with anything else fertility related, please see a specialist who can help advise the best path for your individual fertility situation.

Are There Fertility Drugs For Men?

There are not too many similarities between men and woman. That is, until you talk about fertility drugs. Just like woman need the right amount of hormones to ovulate regularly, men also need the right [...]]]> Guys – Increase Your Sperm Count, Improve Morphology & Motility – Naturally

Fertility Drugs For Men

Are There Fertility Drugs For Men?

There are not too many similarities between men and woman. That is, until you talk about fertility drugs. Just like woman need the right amount of hormones to ovulate regularly, men also need the right hormones and amount of hormones for optimal fertility and healthy sperm production. Fertility drugs that help women stimulate ovulation also help stimulate sperm production for men. See, we do have something in common!

One thing to keep in mind is that although there are fertility drugs for men, they don’t work as well for men as they do for women. On top them not working as well, the FDA has not approved most fertility drugs for men. This is not to say that a fertility specialist or urologist cannot prescribe fertility drugs for men. They can and do.

There is still not much information on the effects of fertility drugs on men. What has been researched and tested is that fertility drugs in men can help regulate certain hormone imbalances. If your hormones are not producing the correct amounts, this can lead to issues with sperm production. So, fertility specialists treat men for hormonal imbalances with fertility drugs.

Common Fertility Drugs For Men

Clomiphene Citrate
Clomiphene citrate tells the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. These two hormones tell the testicles to produce testosterone and promote healthy sperm production. The common brand name for clomiphene citrate is Clomid.

HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HCG alerts the testes to produce testosterone and sperm. In women, HCG is the hormone produced during pregnancy. This is what is detected in most pregnancy tests.

Should You Be Taking Clomid or HCG?

It all depends. After a careful examination by your fertility specialist or urologist, he or she will determine the best treatment for your situation. If your blood test comes back showing a hormonal imbalance, your doctor might prescribe a fertility drug depending on your diagnosis.

How Long Do I Take Fertility Drugs?

It all depends on your individual cases and diagnosis but a common time frame is anywhere from 3-6 months and sometimes up to a year. For Clomid, one pill is usually taken per day for 3-6 months. In my case, my doctor wanted me on Clomid for 6 months to one year. I had to stop after a month due to the side effects which I’ll talk about in another blog post. If you are on a cycle of HCG, you might have 2-3 injections per week for six months or so.

What Are The Success Rates For Fertility Drugs For Men?

There is no guarantee that fertility drugs will work for men. It’s on a case by case basis. What works for one guy might not work for another. Getting checked out by a fertility specialist is your first step in the process to see if fertility drugs are right for you.

Side Effects of Fertility Drugs For Men

In men, Clomid can cause temporary blurred vision, breast enlargement and tenderness, mood swings, hot flashes and weight gain.

Cost of Fertility Drugs For Men

Prices can vary depending if your insurance covers any portion of the medicine. You should first check your insurance provider. If you have to pay out of pocket expect to pay $100-$200 for a month’s worth of Clomid.

Can certain foods increase my sperm count?

Guys, there are a lot of things you can do that are in your control to help improve your sperm count. Your diet should be your first focus. Getting certain foods, vitamins and nutrients can help increase your sperm count and send you to baby making land. [...]]]>

Increase Your Sperm Count With These Foods

Can certain foods increase my sperm count?

Guys, there are a lot of things you can do that are in your control to help improve your sperm count. Your diet should be your first focus. Getting certain foods, vitamins and nutrients can help increase your sperm count and send you to baby making land.

A healthy diet is essential when trying to increase your sperm count and improve your fertility. Your body requires the proper vitamins and minerals and if it’s not getting what it needs, it will not function properly including your reproductive system. Lack of certain nutrients and vitamins can mess with your hormones, make it harder for your body to produce sperm and also increases the chance that your sperm will be abnormal.

So, what can you do to help increase your sperm count and improve your fertility?

• Take a multivitamin if you are not already doing so. You need all of the right vitamins and minerals for a properly functioning reproductive system.
• Make sure you are eating natural foods that focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These are fertility boosting foods and all around good foods for your body.
• Drink. Drink. Drink! No, not whiskey. No, not a case of beer. Drink up on water. It will keep your system hydrated and flushed which is essential for sperm production.
• Eliminate processed and refined foods. All that good junk food such as candy, potato chips, lunch meats, etc… should be reduced or eliminated if possible. Put fresh stuff if your body, not man made – chemically driven foods.
• Olive oil is good, right? Use it instead of margarine or other saturated and hydrogenated fats.
• Eat up on pumpkin seeds. This is a great snack that is high in zinc and essential fatty acids which are a key component to the male reproductive system. So, instead of that afternoon snickers bar, opt for the 1/4 to a 1/3 cup of pumpkin seeds to give your reproductive systems a boost.
• Get plenty of antioxidants that rid your body of toxins that can cause harm to sperm production. Many berries are great sources of antioxidents such as blueberries.

What are some other supplements that can help increase my sperm count?

Adding a new vitamin or supplement to your diet will take a little time before your reproductive system will reap the benefits. Allow 2-4 months before you look for changes in your sperm production.

• Arginine – Needed to produce sperm. If the sperm count is too low, arginine probably will not provide much help.
• Coenzyme Q10 – Helps to increases sperm count and motility.
• Flaxseed oil – This is a great source of essential fatty acids.
• L-carnitine – Helps create normal sperm function.
• Selenium – Helps improve sperm motility (upward movement of sperm).
• Vitamin B-12 – Not getting enough B-12 can reduce sperm motility and sperm count.
• Vitamin C – Drink your OJ! It’s an antioxidant.
• Zinc – Zinc promotes a healthy male reproductive systems and helps in sperm production.

As with anything, make sure you seek medical advice from a fertility specialist beforehand. Your doctor will know how to provide the best solutions for your individual fertility situation.

Not many guys ever think that they will have to get their little swimmers tested to see how they perform. Male infertility is now a much larger issue than it was years ago. The semen or sperm analysis is one of the first tests for the male to see how fertile he is. Semen [...]]]>

Sperm Analysis & Evaluation

Not many guys ever think that they will have to get their little swimmers tested to see how they perform. Male infertility is now a much larger issue than it was years ago. The semen or sperm analysis is one of the first tests for the male to see how fertile he is. Semen analysis terminology can be a bit confusing at first but if you can learn the basics of what’s involved in the semen analysis and evaluation, you can decipher the reports and understand your fertility specialist a bit better.

What is a semen analysis?

Simply put, a semen analysis measures the amount of semen that is produced by a man and determines the quantity and quality of sperm in the semen sample taken.

A semen analysis is usually one of the first tests done since it’s a simple procedure (a little embarrassing the first time but non the less, simple!) and can give a lot of information. Research shows that sperm issues affect more than one-third of the couples who are infertile.

A standard semen analysis will test for the following:

• Volume. Measures how much semen is in one ejaculation.
• Liquefaction time. Liquefaction time measures the time it takes for the semen to liquefy.
• Sperm count. The number of sperm present per milliliter (mL) of semen in one ejaculation.
• Sperm morphology. This is a measure of sperm that have a normal shape.
• Sperm motility. This is a measure of sperm that can move forward normally.
• pH. This is a measure of the acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) of the semen.
• White blood cell count. White blood cells are not commonly found in semen.
• Fructose level. Measures the amount of fructose in semen.

Why is the semen analysis done?

There are a few reasons why a semen analysis is done. One of the most common reasons is when there is suspicion that the male has fertility issues. A semen analysis can also be done to check if a vasectomy has been successful or to see if a vasectomy reversal has been successful.

How do I get ready for a semen analysis

Getting ready for a semen analysis is pretty basic. You are usually asked to avoid sexual activity that ends in ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before the semen analysis and evaluation. This is pretty standard practice for a semen analysis and ensures that your semen count is at its highest for the evaluation. On the other hand, it’s not good to go too long without ejaculation, for example 1-2 weeks. This could alter your results as you might have inactive sperm. Stick with the 2-5 day scenario and you should be okay. For some, 2 days is optimal and for others, 5 days is better. I know guys…even going one day is tough but hang in there!

How is the semen analysis done?

The primary purpose of a semen analysis is to get a full and clean sample of a guys sperm. This is most often done in a doctor’s office such as a urologist or a male fertility specialist. You will usually be left in a room where you will be left a semen sample cup as well as a sheet with some information you will have to fill out after you ejaculate into the cup. If you are lucky, you might have a few magazines to browse through! If not, see if your wife or partner can join you to “help” out. Whatever you do, make sure you get the whole ejaculation in the cup that is provided so you can get the best results possible. If you miss the cup, let the doctor or specialist know.

There are also times when you can collect semen at home and bring it in to the doctor in a special container but giving a fresh semen sample at the doctor’s office is recommended. When done at home, you will need to get the semen sample to the doctor within one hour. Consult with your doctor on all of your options.

Semen samples vary from day to day so you might need to give multiple samples over a 3 month period to get accurate readings.

Are there any risks from doing a semen analysis?

No.

What results will I get from the semen analysis?

A semen analysis and evaluation will give you measurements on the amount of semen a man produces, will determine the number of sperm present and also check for the quality of the sperm. Each lab might be a bit different but they usually all seek the same information.

What factors can affect the semen analysis?

There are several factors that can affect the semen analysis results.

• Some medications including hormone and chemotherapy medications
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Drugs such as cocaine, marijuana
• Smoking
• The temperature of the semen sample
• Radiation, chemicals and other toxins
• Too long or too short of time between ejaculations
• Stress and poor lifestyle choices

If your semen analysis and evaluation comes back and shows you have low sperm, low motility or a high percentage of abnormal sperm, additional testing might been needed to help diagnose your infertility. Some of the other tests include testing hormone levels such as testosterone, LH or luteinizing hormone, FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin. Several semen analysis and hormone tests might be needed over a 3 month to 1 year period to get the best results.

Just remember, knowledge is power. It’s impossible to know if you have sperm issues unless you get tested. There is no way of just “knowing”. If you have concerns, make an appointment. It’s a simple and painless test that can help get you to the end product quicker…and that end product is pregnancy.

Learn more about sperm morphology

What is Sperm Morphology?

Sperm morphology is one piece of the semen analysis puzzle. Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of the sperm. When sperm morphology is tested, they look for a percentage of sperm that seem to appear normal when viewed under a microscope. Abnormal sperm morphology is one cause of [...]]]>

Examples of Abnormal Sperm

Sperm morphology is one piece of the semen analysis puzzle. Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of the sperm. When sperm morphology is tested, they look for a percentage of sperm that seem to appear normal when viewed under a microscope. Abnormal sperm morphology is one cause of male infertility.

When looking at sperm under the microscope, doctors look for sperm that have an oval head and long tail. This is considered normal. Abnormal sperm can have many defects such as head and tail defects including crooked or double tail. These abnormal sperm have a very difficult time reaching the egg and fertilizing it.

Causes of Sperm Morphology

There are many causes of abnormal sperm morphology including:

• infections
• exposure to toxins
• varicocele veins in the scrotum
• fever and extreme heat
• lifestyle
• drug and alcohol use
• testicular abnormalities

How Do I Know If I Have Abnormal Sperm?

First steps in finding out if you have sperm morphology issues is getting a semen analysis. If it’s determined that you do have abnormal sperm morphology, it will probably be recommended by your doctor to repeat semen analysis in a month or so to determine any changes and to tell if the sperm abnormalities are temporary or permanent.

What To Do If I Have Abnormal Sperm Morphology

If your analysis does come back showing abnormal sperm morphology, don’t get too worried without letting your doctor do a full examination. There are things that can be done such as intrauterine insemination or IVF. Your doctor will know the best track of fertility treatments for your situation.

Learn more about the semen analysis and evaluation

Over the past several years, there have been huge technical advances in the treatment of infertility. Even the most infertile couples can now become pregnant and give birth due to Assisted Reproductive Technology procedures such as in vitro fertilization. But, even [...]]]> Guys – Increase Your Sperm Count, Improve Morphology & Motility – Naturally

Male Infertility

Male infertility make up about 50% of infertile couples, even with all of the female infertility issues including ovulation disorders, tubal issues and uterine abnormalities. It was always thought that the female was the primary cause of infertility and that is just not the case.

Furthermore, males are much less likely to take a proactive approach to infertility and get evaluated sooner than later. Only when a couple has trouble getting pregnant is when the male undergoes fertility testing. As common as male infertility is, creating more awareness to males is essential in diagnosing infertility before a couple has wasted precious time trying to get pregnant.

Below is a list of factors that could possibly affect male fertility. Sometimes, male infertility is unknown but ruling out certain factors can possibly help you pinpoint the cause of male infertility.

There are many more causes of male infertility but being able to eliminate from a list of common factors is a great start. If you ever have concerns that you might have fertility problems, make an appointment with either a urologist or a fertility specialist who specializes in male infertility.

Guys don’t often think about infertility until they get married and decide to have children. It’s just not in our DNA to sit there and worry if we have enough sperm and if they are healthy enough to fertilize an egg. [...]]]> Guys – Increase Your Sperm Count, Improve Morphology & Motility – Naturally

Guys don’t often think about infertility until they get married and decide to have children. It’s just not in our DNA to sit there and worry if we have enough sperm and if they are healthy enough to fertilize an egg. There’s really no way to just “tell” if you are infertile or not. It not something you can feel or notice. Testing must be done in order to diagnose male infertility.

So, how do you know when to go get checked out? There is no right or wrong answer. Some people like to take the laid back approach and try naturally for awhile. If after one year of trying to get pregnant with no success, it might be a good time to schedule an appointment with a urologist. Male infertility adds up to about 50% of all cases of infertility. It’s not just a female issue. If you are more proactive, you might just want to schedule the appointment as soon as possible to get an idea of how fertile or infertile you are. Whatever you decide to do, your first step is likely an appointment with a urologist who specializes in male factor infertility. Make sure you do your research before you choose a doctor.

The first appointment with your urologist is both basic and also a little embarrassing. Some routine testing is done along with an examination to get some feedback on your fertility. Common tests include blood draws, a scrotal examination to check for blockages, etc, and the dreaded semen analysis. With these simple tests, they can help determine your level of fertility. The blood draw and semen analysis might have to be done a few times over the course of a month or two to get the most accurate diagnosis. The blood draw will check for hormone levels while the semen analysis will check the sperm count, sperm motility (upward movement), sperm morphology (abnormalities), volume, liquefaction time, pH and white blood cell count. There are more complex tests such as the Strict Kruger Morphology test which looks at the level of abnormal sperm. The urologist will be able to determine if Strict Kruger testing is needed.

After you leave your semen sample at the doctor’s office, it will take a few days before you get your analysis back. The urologist will then be able to figure out the best path of treatment for your infertility diagnosis. Treatments can range from fertility medications to diet adjustments, to lifestyle changes, to surgery. The urologist will give you the best options for overcoming infertility upon receiving your analysis and other test results.

Remember, infertility is not uncommon. The cases have grown over the years and this is not just as much a male issue as it is a female issue. There are treatments for moderate to severe infertility such as IUI, IVF and many medications to help improve fertility. If you do want to speed up the process of getting pregnant and you have tried naturally without success, be proactive and get checked out. In the long run, it could save a lot of valuable time.