The DNA Fragmentation is one of several elements of semen quality used to assess the male fertility potential. Sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg is dependant on healthy DNA. But some sperm are fragmented. Healthy DNA is arranged in a double-helix spiral bound by cross-bonds resembling a ladder. DNA damage means the bridges become unstable… Read more »
What’s more effective: IUI or FSP?
“My husband and I have unexplained secondary infertility and are about to start our first IUI. I was reading about the success rates of FSP (fallopian sperm perfusion) for unexplained infertility and how FSP may be more effective than IUI. It is suggested that couples with unexplained infertility may benefit from FSP over IUI, resulting in higher… Read more »
Should I have one or two intrauterine inseminations?
If your underlying concern is around serious male factor subfertility, or blocked/compromised tubes (as can happen with endometriosis), or serious concerns around egg quality, then IVF is by far the better choice for achieving pregnancy. Not everybody needs IVF. Many patients may benefit from intrauterine inseminations. IUI, where sperm is washed and placed high within… Read more »
7 days after ovulation, I got a progesterone level of 6.5. What other tests can I do?
I’m 30 years old, have 28-32 day cycles and typically ovulate on days 16-18. My luteal phase is anywhere from 10-12 days. I’m doing IUI with frozen sperm and it is costing a fortune so I’m trying to get this right as soon as possible. The lowest-normal peak luteal progesterone level – measured about 7… Read more »
My husband has thyroid problems and a varicocele. We’ve tried IUI 6 times. What now?
Unfortunately, IUI cycles tend to have a lower rate of success than we want, usually in the range of 10-20% per cycle, though it’s standard-of-care to suggest 3-6 IUIs before moving on. IVF with Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) should provide a success rate that is at least 3-4x better. Recent improvements in lab techniques have… Read more »
Are there any activities I should do the day of my IUI?
The short answer is – there aren’t. Many corners of the internet encourage people to continue lying on their back, perhaps with a pillow under their bum after intercourse. The speculation is that this allows more sperm access to the womb and increases the chances of pregnancy. Does it work? I don’t know. But, if… Read more »
I’m having IUI, how do I interpret the sperm numbers?
You’ve talked to your fertility provider and decided intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the right choice for you. Great! By this point, we generally have a sperm count. This can be divided into two parts: The initial sample and the washed sample. Initial Sample We like to see sperm in the “normal” range. This is because… Read more »
When is IUI the right choice?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple “bridge” procedure between natural attempts to conceive at home, and the more technical process of IVF. Intrauterine insemination is kind of like having sexual intercourse timed to when you ovulate. The difference is that it helps bypass any obstacles sperm may encounter at the cervix. Some examples of when… Read more »
“My sperm morphology results say 75% are abnormal. Help!”
25% normal morphology is low. But depending on how your clinic processes samples, morphology can often come out low-normal or low. Something to try: Ask to have the test repeated, along with a DNA fragmentation assay. Consider taking antioxidant vitamins. Speak to a urologist – they’re the final word in sperm. In the end, 25%… Read more »