Secondary fertility and sperm morphology

[Hannah1589]

Trying to conceive #3 and very grateful for our two children but have some questions regarding our secondary fertility this time. Husbands sperm results came back with low morphology - really surprised us as we conceived twice before without any problem. Can morphology change, or is this something he will always have had? Anything he can do to improve it?

As for me, I found out I had a 9cm fibroid which I have now had removed with keyhole surgery. It was not within the uterus but on a stalk and consultant said he did not think that was causing the fertility issues. Also he checked out all my tubes with dye and everything normal. So we are back trying to conceive now I’ve recovered from surgery but I feel like it’s just not going to happen this time. We already tried for over a year prior to my surgery. Got another GP appt booked as we were told to repeat the fertility tests after my surgery but that’s not until mid December. Husband had sperm analysis done twice and both time morphology was low so don’t see why it would change, can this change?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Hannah. Sorry to hear this, but it maybe that your husband has always had a morphology problem?? Obviously, you could just keep trying or consider IVF/ICSI which you would have to pay for as you already have children. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for morphology problems, unless possibly caused by infection. You could give him a pre-conception multivitamin for men and extra selenium and zinc, which should ensure the good, shaped sperm swim properly to reach the egg and hopefully fertilise it. Good luck! Diane

[Hannah1589 in reply to DianeArnold]

When you say extra Selenium and Zinc, is that on top of the multivitamin? He is taking Wellman Conception vitamins - they say they have 150 micrograms Selenium and 15 micrograms of Zinc. I’m just surprised as we conceived first two children both in 5 months. IVF would be a lot to go through when we already have two children so unlikely to pursue that. I know I should be grateful and I am but always thought we’d have a third. Don’t know much about ICSI or IUI, is that still expensive like IVF? What’s the difference and does it help with morphology?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Hannah1589]

Hi Hannah. Selenium is fine, but 40 mgs Zinc is recommended, so just add to the multi-vitamin. IUI is fine, but you need lots of forward swimmers that are the correct shape. This can sometimes be stored from multiple collections - at a cost. As you say, you have lots of expenses already, so now you have had the fibroid removed and everything checked out, perhaps just have regular sex every 3 days or more often if you want, to keep sperm manufacture going, with hopefully enough sperm in your tubes waiting to fertilise your egg when it appears. Try different positions too, if not already done, to ensure semen is deposited by cervix. Good luck! Diane

[Hannah1589 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks, wouldn’t have known to increase the zinc so will do that. 🤞