AboutEdward Joseph Ramirez, MD, FACOG Expertise I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.
Experience I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 15 years.
Organizations American College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society
Publications American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education/Credentials Medical Degree from Stanford University, Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Reproductive Training at Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
Question hi sir..
iam 28 years old man from egypt .i got married from 7 month ago.my wife still not pregnant,so recently i did semen analysis and i got the foloowing result:
sperm count is 18.4 million (regular is 20 million)
and abnormal morphology is 79 % while (regular is less than 70 %)
but sperm motility and volume is ok..
so ,my question is :
WHAT IS YOUR SUGGESTION OR PRESCRIPTION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SPERMS AND TO INHANCE THE SHAPE OF IT?
THANK YOU
Answer Hello,
Unfortunately there are not a lot of options for the treatment of sperm defects. But, here are a couple of suggestions. Sperm morphology is determines by the actual production of the sperm at the testicular level. Very little is know as to what controls that production, and therefore, what could be causing your sperm to be formed abnormally. It could be genetic predisposition or an environmental toxin such as pesticides, radiation exposure, medication or the like. Your count is probably adequate because it is borderline normal, but fertilization won't occur if most of the sperm are abnormal.
The ideal treatment would be to do IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection), because a minimum number of normal sperm will be required in that case. But if you want to continue to try naturally here are two options:
1. Proxeed or Fertility Blend which can be ordered via the internet. These are vitamin supplements with ingredients that are supposed to enhance sperm production and motility, and possibly morphology. You will need to use it everyday, as recommended, for at least three months to see an effect since sperm production is in 90 day cycles (that is the sperm forming today won't come out for 90 days).
2. Clomiphene citrate, a fertility medication used mostly in women, can also be used in Men. In general it is used to increase sperm count, which in your case, may get you to produce enough normal sperm to lead to pregnancy. You would need to take 1 tablet (50 mg) per day. Again, you will have to use it for a minimum of 90 days before you can see an effect.
Because of your sperm problems, you might want to consider insemination as a treatment as well, again, to get the maximum number of normal sperm into the tube for fertilization.
Good luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
