bad semen analysis results :*(

[carly10101983]

Hi.  DP and I have been ttc for just a few mths but as dp had an operation when he was younger for a retractible testical he went for a semen analysis.  The doctor was confident the results would be normal so we were in complete shock when he presented the results as "not great, but not hopeless".  He has to go back for a retest in 6 weeks and if the results are the same we will be referred to a fertility clinic for advice.  Please give me an honest opinion on dps results because i know the "it only takes 1 sperm" phrase is so encouraging but we just want to know which step to take next:

volume was normal (around 4ml), count was high (72 million per ml), ph was normal, morphology was normal.  Motility was slightly down at 16% of rapidly progressive.  The dr said they were looking for 20-25%.  As dps motility was below 20% hey did a vitality test.  The dr said that 32% were alive (when they were looking for 50%) and 4% were the best, good, healthy sperm when they were looking for 20-25%.  I'm not quite sure how to take these results.  4% seems awfully low.  and is that 4% of 72 million or 4% of the total motility>  Help me interpret these results!
do you think we can conceive naturally?  if so what are our chances each month considering a couple with normal fertility has a 25% chance.
thanks    

[bny807]

as lhughes said, the good thing about motility abnormalities is that vitamin supplements can make a difference and help, so can avoiding hot tubs and not smoking as well!  
  we were told we needed IVF with ICSI to concieve (we have 2% normal morphology) and we got preg with IUI (i have a ton of issues so we have a lot more than male factor) so its defintely possible, also the results will vary so much from three mnoths to three months, so your likely to get different results when he retests!  GOOD LUCK! : )

[lhughes]

There are vitamins that can help, like zinc and selenium.  But, it will take more than 3 months before you'll see a change.  It takes 3 months to create new sperm!  

My hubby was diagnosed azoospermic originally, started taking zinc, selenium, l-arginine, l-carnitine.  We had our second dd naturally (without assistance) to everyone's amazement.  Our first dd was IUI with donor sperm and our own contribution.  She also looks just like daddy.  So who knows?

Yes, it's low, but it only takes 1 good sperm to fertilize an egg.  An RE should be able to guide you with all the recommendations for "optimal sperm creation".

Good luck to you!