Infertility Support Group

In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.

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Nedico 08/20/2013

Hi, we had a repeat semen analysis yesterday and about an hour later the nurse rang DH and relayed his results to him. I was eagerly awaiting the results as all our fertility problems are caused by my blocked tubes so ive sort of taken his swimmers for granted, Was a bit worried bad results would put a spanner in the works.
Anyway, DH hangs up and I ask him....so? and he says he didnt understand any of it~!! Arggghhh he said they said they had enough but it was below normal or something, so I tried to call back today to find out what the deal was, had to leave a message, no call back!

But I was wondering if anyone could tell me, last time we did an analysis I'm sure we had to abstain for 2 days, this time they didnt mention abstaining and we didnt, .....I mean I suggested it, but hahah

Does anyone know if this could be the problem, do you guys have to always abstain from sex before semen analysis and for how long??

deleted_user 08/20/2013

Yes you need to abstain for 3 days .. this is the recommendation from our clinic

deleted_user 08/20/2013

We had to abstain for 2 days.

babysteps77 08/20/2013

we were told 3 days

Megs525 08/20/2013

2-3 days is what we were told. Abstaining too long can give poor results and the same with not abstaining.

deleted_user 08/20/2013

The letter from our doctor said at least 3 days, but less than 10 for the best results.

ANB0417 08/20/2013

We were told 3 days as well.

Nellysgirl 08/20/2013

I was also told 2-3 days

polydoly13 08/20/2013

Not abstaining can definitely give you wrong results - I have a friend who didn't abstain the night before and when he went in for his test there was NOTHING there or next to nothing. He has since has two more tests and has abstained for the recommended 3 days and both those tests showed GREAT numbers.

From what I've researched and been told it's best to abstain for 3 days because anything over 3 days and the swimmers start to degrade. So I'm guessing you should chalk this up to a wasted test and do another one before you get upset about the results.

deleted_user 08/20/2013

2-3 days.
Next time you go in ask for a copy of the report. It has the test value and the preferred result next to it so you can see if how far/close it is to normal. The report takes into account the days if abstinence, and dr reading it will know if another is required.

Good Luck!!

tntpetal 08/20/2013

We messed that one up ourselves Nedico. We were NOT told to abstain and the doctor did tell us that they needed another sample after at least three days of no sex. It was irritating to us that no one thought to tell us that tiny very important detail. We were not told this verbally or given any instruction in writing. I would say something to someone on the medical side about their lack of communication especially if you are paying for some of these tests out of your own pocket. The medical people need to step it up and make sure you guys know exactly what is going on and what your roll is in everything. How frustrating for you guys!

JesNJef 08/20/2013

We were told to abstain for at least 3 days but no longer than 5

deleted_user 08/20/2013

If you wait too long, the numbers may be high but they are more likely if low quality. If you don't give it a couple days rest, the numbers may be lower but of a better quality. We've had two, one we waited and one we didn't because we weren't told and the numbers were good both times so I think that some of it depends on the guy. Either way, quality is better than quantity.

Nedico 08/21/2013

Thanks, they rang me today and said he had 9million good sperm.... morphology 4-10% but whatever the other 2 measures are are below normal, should be enough for the proceedure though apparently!
We will make sure we abstain for next one though, thats the important one anyway. Dr supposed to have a loook at numbers tomorrow and let me know if theres anything we need to do!

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