What is the borderline morphology for IUI?

Hi there,

I am wondering what is considered to be the borderline morphology for IUI?

My partner's sperm count is normal 48 million per ml and normal motility but the morphology has been between 6% and 13%.

Due to my age as well (I'm 35) our fertility doctor thought that our best chances would be to go for IVF but that it could be worth trying IUI for 3 cycles first. I am just interested to know if it is common/possible for people to conceive if the morphology is between 6-13%?

Many thanks,

MsR

[fionababy]

My husband's sperm morphology is only 3% by the Kruger criteria (I am not sure if the name is right). It is said to be the stricter criteria. I have had many biochemical pregnancies. I don't know if that is a reason or not. My husband has not had another test yet.

[Hopeful4aBlessing]

Just having gone through this dilenma myself, morphology for IUI & IVF they like to be above 30%.  It only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg so as long as you don't have any issues with your tubes or ovulation, I say go and try the IUI first(with or without Clomid)- it just might happen for you that way.... IVF is very expensive, and there's a lot more involved if you don't have to go that route, I'd say try the IUI... The sperm count is very high (they like anything above 20mil/ml) so best of luck to you in your decision. :)

[MsRabbit]

Thank you for your replies! :)
I read a little about the Kruger criteria online and I feel slightly more optimistic now.
I guess my partner falls under the sub-optimal range which has a fairly good prognosis IF everything else is fine like you say... Yes, I think we'll continue to try the IUI first before moving onto IVF.
We’ve noticed that the results seem to differ a lot between different hospitals as well. The first three tests were quite low and the final one which was taken at a specialist unit, was slightly higher so I guess the timing is critical as well.
Good luck to you both!

[LandM2009]

My husband had 18% normal forms on the first test, but was at 2% normal forms in the strict morphology test. Our RE was willing to have us try a few IUI's before doing IVF. I was 35 and do have PCOS so we tried Clomid. It worked for us on the second try. I am currently 36 years old and 8 1/2 months pregnant. Good luck! We changed my husband's diet, took him off caffeine and alcohol, plus added a multi-vitamin and had him take 2000 mg of Vitamin C. I also took 1000mg of Vitamin C to help with cervical mucus.

[MsRabbit]

Hi LandM2009,

Thank you for your message. We shall definately try the vitamins upplements and see how it goes.

I'm really pleased for you! If there is anything I liketo hear is success stories such as yours. It also gives me and other people in similar situation some hope that it can work... :)

All the best!

[Tryingforbaby2]

This is all very interesting. My dh has low count and low morphology and my RE is having him take fertilaid and stop drinking caffeine. Morphology was 22% but strict morph was 4% and they told me with that low we were not able to do IUI. I did 4 months of clomid but we didn't know my dh also had issues until last month.