Posted by on April 22, 19100 at 09:54:36:
In Reply to: Question for drs about morphology posted by theresa on April 21, 19100 at 18:18:15:
: I'm about to do 1st IVF cycle and have just been told my husband's last semen analysis had 1% normal morphology on a scale of 5-15%. I am perplexed as it was 85% normal 14 months ago, and 25% normal 6 months ago (all different labs). What is going on?? Are the labs that variable in their scales? I know we can do ICSI but this is the first time we've been told there's a possible male factor problem.
: Also, on a technical note, is there any known connection between time taken to obtain sample and quality??
: Thanks in advance for taking time to reply.
There are a few ways to look at sperm morphology. It sounds like the most recent test you are mentioning is considered Strict Criteria (or Kruger's criteris) developed by Dr. Kruger and shown that when the morphology is low there is decreased fertilization with regular insemination in women undergoing IVF. In thiscase ICSI appears helpful (ie directly inserting the sperm inthe egg). The other results are probably utilizing WHO criterias and are generally less strict. Hence, the wide discrepancy. Also, there is normal variation is specimen to specimen and it is always best to obtain more than 1 samplke for analysis. good luck