DH's dental fillings have mercury in them - could this be part of the problem?

[bam1014]

I have read that mercury fillings can effect TTC.  Has anybody else heard of this?  He has about 8 fillings and I don't know how quickly/costly it will be to get them replaced.  Is it still possible for us to conceive?  He had an s/a done and the only problem was with his morphology.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[bam1014]

Any other insights?

[texasangel343]

I understand not having the ability to afford it...I don't understand why dental work is so expensive!  I hate, HATE the dentist!  I always have =)

Maybe look for a new RE or an OBGYN that specializes in infertility.  I wasn't very happy with my RE and found one that does infertility treatments and I like him much better.  He seems to be looking out for me and not looking for my pocket book.  

[bam1014]

texasangel - this is one of the things I have read:

Men, Mercury and Reproduction

Mercury has an affinity for sperm. Mercury and other heavy metals are found in male ejaculate and seminal fluid, with the heaviest amount in the sperm.

Besides the fact that mercury disrupts all living systems via many different pathways, there are two ways mercury in male reproductive fluids may be a problem with respect to infertility. 1) A women may be hypersensitive or allergic to mercury and thus have antibodies to mercury which will then react with the sperm and kill them. 2) Sperm with low motility are low in zinc and manganese; these are needed in the enzyme systems necessary for sperm motility. Mercury inhibits zinc and manganese. Thus there can be an indirect effect of mercury on sperm. Selenium is also involved in sperm motility as well as in normal development of sperm. Selenium has a very high affinity for mercury and is one of the body's natural protectors against mercury. If the selenium is tied up with mercury it is not available for other important functions like healthy sperm.

Another side effect of mercury in humans is loss of libido. We can all appreciate how this can have an effect on fertility! Guess what was always used in contraceptive gels because it kills sperm? Right ... mercury. Mercury also inhibits the synthesis of DNA in sperm forming cells. DNA is what carries our genetic information.


We were planning on doing IUI in June, but now that he needs to have a crown next week, we have to use our IUI savings for that instead.  I'm not very fond of my RE, but maybe I should just schedule a visit to go over our options.  DH is supposed to ask the dentist on Tues how much it will cost to get all his fillings replaced.  I can't imagine that will be too cheap of an undertaking.  (stupid economy! - we could have afforded this last year!!)

[texasangel343]

Humm....that is interesting.  Maybe talk with your RE.  I think if that is the case IUI and/or IVF would be your best bet.  But, maybe this is the problem that you've been searching for.  It *****, but it is something that you can work with!