Question about Sperm/Semen Analysis

Hi -

my wife and I have been trying to conceive for about three years now with no luck.  We finally started the process of finding out what is the cause of our problem - and had me tested.

I'm a little confused by the answer we received - and have a couple of questions.

Here's the test results:

Semen Analysis:
Volume: 3.5 mL
pH: 8.5 (from what I understand this is a little high)
Viscosity: Normal
Sperm count: 152.0 mill/cumm

Motility:
1 (nonmotile) - 40%
2 (Moving but no forward progression) - 10%
3 (Moving aimlessly with slow or sluggish forward progression) - 40%
4 (Moving at high speed with straight-line forward progression) - 10%

Morphology:
Unremarkable:  70%
Immature/Dysmorphic: 30%

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Now - here's my question.  Apparently I'm by no means low on sperm count.  However - it seems to me that a good percentage of them are not going properly.  40% are nonmotile - 10% are not going forward - 40% are kinda slow but moving around - and 10% are doing their job properly.

1: How would you analyze that?  10% amounts to 15 million that are going along properly...but could they be impeded by the other slowpokes or ones that aren't moving properly?
2: Is the pH balance being out of normal range a big deal - and if so - can I reduce it?
3: I'm 39 years old, and a smoker.  Can I improve the motility of that 40% that are slow by quitting smoking/eating any certain foods/etc?

Thanks!

[ita17]

Your sperm count is great!  But the rest can improve a bit.  Although you figure aprox. 15% swimmers in the right direction is pretty darn good.  My RE wants to see at least 10 Mil. after sperm has been washed (for IUI or IVF)  So that number really isn't terrible!
& YES YES YES QUIT smoking!  Besides for the OBVIOUS, it DOES impact sperm quality & quantity!  Eating healthy does too.  You can take zinc & vitamin C.
You men are lucky, you get "renewed" every 90 days!  So if I were you I would make some changes & I think you'll be happy.  Also no hot tubs, saunas etc......that really is bad for your lil guys too!
Best of luck to you two!!!!

[wkandinski]

Thanks for the input!

Yeah, I wasn't quite sure how to read that.  When we spoke with the doctor today - it was almost like she was saying:

"Well, the number is great, the other things aren't as good, but the numbers are great...which might compensate for it...but the other things aren't as in line...and the pH balance is a little off"...

So - it seemed like it was a mixed message...and I wasn't quite sure what to gleam from all of that.  :)