Hi everyone,

I’ve been this journey for some time (not as long as some of you, but long enough for me).

After TTC since mid 2023, I was diagnosed with Azoospermia in October of 2024. I had blood work done and an ultrasound. Blood results below and the ultrasound show no abnormalities. I was prescribed Clomid 50mg 3x per week and to repeat the semen analysis in 3 months.

Initial blood results: FSH 10.8 mIU/mL, LH 8.7 mIU/mL, and Total Testosterone 145 ng/dL.

After about 6 weeks: FSH 18.6 mIU/mL and Total Testosterone 495 ng/dL.

Today: We received the semen analysis back after the 3 months and there were some improvements!

Count: 1,000,000 (still extremely low, but better than zero!) Motility: 55% Progressive Motility: 37%

In addition to the Clomid, I took 400mg of CoQ10 daily and took adult multi vitamins.

We are not out of the weeds yet, but thought I would share our progress for those with similar situations.

I'm testing for fertility and I did ultrasound and figures I have testicular microlithiasis. I was ordered a hormone test and SA , SA is next week.

those results

tsh: 0.58 total testesterone: 14.7 proclatin: 13.9 LH: 6.3 fsh: 5.5 estradiol: 98

I had mumps at 40 and in the second week, one testicle swelled to ping-pong ball size.

I got married a few months before getting mumps. Last year we started trying for kids with no luck. My wife is in her early 30s.

I recently went for a SA and all my readings were poor.

Has anyone here had kids in their 40s after having mumps as an adult? IVF is looking very likely

Been dealing with infertility issues (M28). I've had 2 semen analysis both showing nil sperm count and was diagnosed with grade 2 varicocele on left side. I underwent TESA around 3 days ago and they found 6 sperms. FSH is normal (7.5) but both testicles have shrunk. Should I go for varicocelectomy surgery as I have already taken an appointment for the surgery and the urologist told me that it would take around 2 hours. But going through different threads of people who had the surgery, some stating the pain never goes away, some saying they saw improvements at first but it went downhill from there, honestly has me double minded and a bit scared.

Is it the only option left for me? Will I be able to live normally after the surgery? As TESA itself was quite painful and I wasn't able to sit/walk properly for 2 days (I had it 3 days ago and the surgery is scheduled for 10 feb) even though I am feeling better but still not fully recovered.

Sorry if I broke any rules.

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.

I recently went from Azo to low concentration and I’m through the roof about the improvement.

But on my SA they didn’t do morphology because of the low concentration. (600k). Does anyone know why that would prevent them to do morphology?

They are both severely affected. I would like your advice on supplments.

I had a number of blood tests since summer last year due to hormone therapy (hCG) to treat infertility. Had been on TRT for the last 5 years due to NOA, so the topic is nothing new to me, but I got more deeply into the data from all my blood tests throughout the years after no response was detected:

• T < 1 nmol/L (6.73-31.9 nmol/L) when off TRT
• FSH = 96-140 IU/L (1.3-17.9 IU/L) regardless of TRT
• LH = 26-59 IU/L (0.9-8.4 IU/L) regardless or TRT

I read did a lot of research on this topic, and know that on one hand, T and FSH give a good indication on SRR through TESE/mTESE, even though cases of SRR in patients with high FSH (>45 IU/L) are reported. Yet, I haven't seen any reports of such high levels as I experience myself. That's why I'm curious whether anyone here has experienced such hormone levels and has any kind of advice for me?

Buongiorno, è il mio primo post! Da circa 10 mesi sento di avere una bassa libido, scarse erezioni mattutine, scarsa energia sessuale e pochi pensieri legati al sesso. Tutto parte da marzo 2024 e da una defaillance a letto dovuta a forti extrasistole che mi sono rimaste dopo uso di sigarette elettroniche. Da allora ne ho provate di ogni oltre a fare anche visite specialistiche: la maca e il fieno greco mi danno grossa aerofagia, il cialis 5 mg ha funzionato bene 3 mesi poi basta! Ho fatto analisi del sangue e il T libero è basso...valore 10 su un range 15-50 Anche il T legato è lievemente basso oscillando tra 2 e 3. Mi hanno proposto Gonasi ma ho rifiutato. Credo che c'entri anche l'ashwagandha che prima ti eccita e poi ti rende ameba. Io tempo fa prendevo maca, arginina e tribulus e avevo energia sessuale pazzesca mentre ora nn fa più effetto. Da qualche gg sto seguendo ultima terapia prescritta : attività fisica, 2 compresse arginina prima di colazione e 2 prima di cena...sto aggiungendo anche 5 g di citrullina e una fiala di arginina liquida... La prima dose della mattina mi fa andare in bagno subito... Sento che gli anni passano e il progetto di concepire va a farsi friggere e questo aumenta l'ansia... Sono lievemente disperato...qualcuno potrebbe consigliarmi come uscirne? Quali sono gli integratori che non danno fastidio addominali? Grazie

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.

I had an (1day) SA that showed 12M good motile soldiers and we were all set to do the iui with my surrogate partner. When the doc came in she said that this time it was 1.5M (2.5day) with good motility. She told us there’s a 1% possibly for fertilization, and she would do the iui wholeheartedly with any amount of soldiers. The incubator said she still wanted to go through with it no matter the odds. So I agreed and I’m just over here wondering wtf happened!? Been taking a multi fertility vitamin everyday with COQ10, vitamin D (PNW resident) for the past 2.4 months. Zero lifestyle changes bc I’m generally in good health and have gotten someone pregnant before a few years ago… so I’m just at a loss here

I have done 3 sperm analysis (2 at home) one at a lab and have gotten 3 different results…. Here is what I saw

10/10/24 Test 1: YO Home sperm test. Score 10 abstinence 8 hours (kind of throw away)

12/29/24Test 2: YO Home Sperm rest. score 60 abstinence 2 days

1/29/25 Test 3: Lab, 12 million per ML, 50% motility abstinence 2.5 days. Had to drive 45 min to drop off and had time of drop off changed morning of.

Is there any reason why test 1 and 3 would be closely aligned but test 2 was significantly better?

I’d say my lifestyle has been healthy over past 3 months so not sure what to think… test 3 would say I have a low sperm count but test 2 would put me in moderate to almost high based on studies of YO compared to Lab tests

Any advice would be great - seeing the urologist Tuesday to go over the lab test

Hey all, I am in need of some advice. I have an upcoming urologist appointment this Thursday, and I'm extremely worried about my sperm motility readings. About 6 months ago, I underwent varicocele surgery with my urologist , and I just got my latest test results showing how my metrics have changed. The motility numbers are declining significantly, which has me really confused and concerned.

Since the surgery, I've been strictly following a supplement regimen including CoQ10, zinc, vitamin D, ashwagandha, and fish oil, but despite this, my motility numbers keep dropping. This decline makes me wonder if there might be another underlying medical condition affecting these results.

Unfortunately, it's looking like IVF might be our only option with my wife - something I was really hoping to avoid. I'm just struggling to understand why my numbers are getting worse despite the surgery and all these supplements. I've attached my results below for reference. Has anyone experienced something similar or have any insights to share? Below is a link to my test results

TEST RESULTS

Hi guys. I’m a 32-year-old male with a history of varicocele (two operations as a teenager), and I am just starting TTC with my wife. Given my history with varicocele, I took a SA and just got my results back. My count and motility are normal/in-range, but my morphology is poor (1%, 99% with head defect).

I’m looking for advice on ways to improve sperm morphology through lifestyle, diet, or supplements and any tips on how to maximize chances of conception naturally.

Should I see a doctor even though we are just starting our journey?

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.

FINDINGS:RIGHTTestis: Size: 4.6 x 1.9 x 2.8 cm. Testis volume 12 cc. Multiple echogenic foci seen throughout the testicle, largest measures 1 x 1 x 1mm.Testis Location: In scrotum.Epididymis: Multiple cysts at the epididymal head, largest measures 3 x 5 x 6mm.Hydrocele: 4ccVaricocele: No varicocele.Scrotal Wall: Normal.LEFTTestis: Size: 4.5 x 2.0 x 2.5 cm. Testis volume 12 cc. Multiple echogenic foci seen throughout the testicle, largest measures 1 x 1mm.Testis Location: In scrotum.Epididymis: Multiple cysts at the epididymal head, largest measures 7 x 7 x 6mm.Hydrocele: 5ccVaricocele: No varicocele.Scrotal Wall: Normal.Similar testis echogenicity: YESSymmetric testis doppler flow: YESIMPRESSION:-Testicular microlithiasis. An annual ultrasound follow-up is recommended.-Cysts in the head of both the epididymii.-Both the testes are symmetrical in the volumes.-Bilateral small hydroceles.

I got a test from my urologist for a fertility test as it was recommended by my wifes doctor for me and her. I can essentially just pull out during intercourse and use the cup? Or will lubrication or moisture from intercourse affect the results in any way? Thanks all.

Has anyone in here taken a vaccine that they thought were the start of their problems. Its a tricky subject so you don't have to say the product at fault if you prefer not to. But does anyone remember being sexually healthy and shortly after some inoculation being told they had a low count, or azoo?

I have gotten (3) SAs completed via Fellow at home kits. Last kit came back 19M concentration, 12% motility, 10M total motile count.. trending the right direction. Upgraded supplement stack (FertilAid for Men stack). Previous kits were post very short TRT cycle last year. Have I gotten to the point that I need to see a urologist? Do I need a referral first?

My wife and are in the early stages of trying to have kids and I was curious the effect of having small amounts of nicotine since some of the literature out there says that it effects soerm count and quality. I don’t drink, smoke, and I never used any nicotine until mid 2024.

I assume I am in the minority of nicotine users in that I only have one zyn per day. Maybe more like 5 per week. I just enjoy throwing one in while I do some house chores I guess it makes it less boring.

It seems like most of the commentary I see about this is in reference to heavy smokers or people that have 5-15 zyns per day, so I’m curious if anyone can enlighten me on whether my minimal usage would also have those negative effects or if this little won’t really make a difference. And before anyone asks I plan on asking a doctor also at my next appt I was just curious if anyone had found any info about this! Thanks!

Hi everybody, me and my wife have been trying for a baby for about a 8 months now but no success. I decided to take a yo test and the results said I have a normal/moderate msc range with 6 million motile sperm per ml and a yo score of 80. Is this actually enough for me and my wife to conceive? As I searched 15 million motile sperm and up is considered normal. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Just got a test showing 600k sperm and all motile.

https://imgur.com/a/CPjlyxa

Is it possible to do ivf with a count this low? I’ve been seeing a urologist since I cant afford the fertility specialist that isn’t covered under my insurance.

Any advice on how to proceed?

Edit: Getting a ton of private messages so thought I’d explain.

I’m 34 years old. Took steroids from 19-24 then TRT with no hcg until 31. First tested as Azo at age 30. Did high dose hcg with trt for a year and still azo.

3k unit hcg eod and 100 iu hmg /eod ( I would go higher on hmg if you have the budget)

Came off TRT and just used high dose hcg/hmg (didn’t tolerate clomid) and FINALLY after a little over a year just had this result.

I quit MMA and quit hot showers and went back to weightlifting I’m not sure if there’s any correlation. I’ve

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.

Hi all, If you’ve had a semen analysis with NHs, how long did it take for your results to come? And did go contact you or did you get them in the mail?

Hi everyone. Hoping for advice or a second opinion.

I (38M) have had a varicocele since my teens and due to being dismissed by doctors has remained untreated. Fast forward to now, my wife and I have been trying for a baby since the summer, no luck so far..

I went and got a semen analysis test done to see what was going on and here are the findings:

4.8ml sample volume 8.1 semen PH Agglutination - absent Rapid progressive - A - 11% Sluggish progressive - B -10% Percent non-progressive sperm - 9% Sperm forward progression - 21% Total motility 30% Mixed antiglob test for sperm - 46% Total sperm count - 45.8 million /ml Total speed ejaculate - 219.8 million Round cells - not assayed Sperm morphology - not assayed Vitality - 60%

The disclaimer on the top of the results reads;

• the results obtained suggest sub fertility.

Morphology / round cells not assayed due to poor slide *

Obviously reading “sub fertility” is alarming but I wondered if someone with more experience reading these results could give me a realistic breakdown of what all this means so that I can be realistic in my expectations.

What are the chances of conceiving with these results?

I live in the UK and my varicocele is not a severe enough grade to be eligible for an embolisation procedure that could potentially restore some of my fertility. Getting this done privately will cost more than I have in my bank account… I’m prepared to pay for it if that’s what it takes but I just wondered if pregnancy might be possible without this surgery.

Thanks so much for your input. All advice very welcome.

Found I was azoospermic last year, FSH came back it is 69 which I gather is extremely high. All other tests, genetics and hormones are normal. Anyone had any luck with Tese with these numbers? My local clinic doesn't offer mtese either...

My only thought is I've been on SSRIs on high dose for OCD for 15 years and there's good evidence that it can interfere with sperm production especially in animal models. Anyone had luck coming off them and numbers coming back somewhat??

Thanks for any input!

Can I still have sperm analysis after leaking some pre-ejaculate (no masturbating)?

A daily recurring thread for partners and spouses to discuss male infertility.

Had several attempts at producing sperm through medications, but all my attempts at getting any sperm through ejaculation failed, so i had to get myself Micro-Tese two weeks ago, and they couldn't find anything within both testicles, but they also took a biopsy for a full analysis.

Here's keypoints:

Microscopic Findings:

10% of seminiferous tubules show early spermatogenic maturation arrest.

90% of tubules are lined only by Sertoli cells (Sertoli cell-only syndrome).

No spermatids or mature spermatozoa present.

Mild focal hyperplasia of Leydig cells.

No evidence of malignancy.

Diagnosis: Non-obstructive azoospermia with widespread spermatogenic failure.

Is my doc just trying to give me a false sense of hope, or is this actually possible?