Undergoing AI - My doctor has the specimen cut down from 90 million to 33 million before insemination. Normal?

Question

I am just not getting a good feeling about this doctor, and when I asked why he was having the sperm sample washed and culled down so much, he said that 33 million or so was all we needed anyway, so why bother with any more than was necessary.

Another point of contention is that he did the first insemination on the day of my surge - NOT the day after. I believe that he did this because my surge was on a Friday, and he did not want to come in and deal with it on a Saturday.

Last but not least, after the second insemination was unsuccessful, he said that it was time for me to schedule a surgery to make sure that my tubes were not blocked, that I had no endometriosis, etc. I think that sounds awfully premature, especially since he did the first procedure on what many clinics say is a day early (we didn't know it at the time).

Am I being unduly suspicious or is this a little stinky to you, too?

Answer 1

get a second opinion, don't waste anymore time

Answer 2

I'm not sure why he would want to reduce the number of sperm.  that sounds kind of odd.  Unless when they were washed, out of the 90mil, only 33 mil with motile and healthy.  If that were the case than its best to only have the healthy ones inserted (I am assuming you are doing an IUI.)

As for the surge, I have heard conflicting data on when it best to inseminate.  I did at home vaginal inseminations and inseminated the evening of my surge. (I am currently 7 weeks pregnant)  IMO this was the safest time, because i could have easily surged the afternoon prior and its best to have the sperm up in your tubes and ready before ovulation.  If you are duing IUI's though, you are completely bypassing the cervix so that already gives the sperm several hours of headway.  So i would be torn on the best day to inseminate.  If at all possible, I would ask to do an insemination on the day of and the day after the surge.  That gives you a bit of backup just in case.

As for him wanting to push surgery, I would just trust you gut.  Have you had any history of infertility?  If so, it may be a good idea to have some tests run.  I for one, like to know sooner thn later if there is something wrong.  AI is expensive and time consuming.  you don't want to do this for a year to later find out you had blocked tubes and it was all in vain.  

With all this said it really sounds like you and your doctor don't have the relationship needed to make this a calm environment, which you need!   I highly suggest looking around and finding a Dr who you may be more in tun with

Answer 3

I've not yet had to go through this but I think you're ok to have a little suspicion, But. Sperm do live for 4-5 days so doing it a day early sounds fine to me. And about him cutting the amount of sperm down, think about it, it just takes one to connect with your egg to make a baby so having millions and millions is still fine. He probably gave you the best swimmers he could. I know you're already vested in this dr but if you're not pregnant this cycle maybe search around for the next one. About the surgery, I'd get a second opinion.  

Answer 4

i don't know, but i would get a second opinion

Answer 5

Well I have been through it, and am a nurse and I am not suspicious.  My RE only put back 8 million after the wash and explained that this is low, they like to use a sample greater than 10 million but remove any that aren't healthy.  Since sperm live for so long i don't think a day early is that suspicious, the sperm do live for 48 -72 hours.  My RE sent us home and said to have intercourse the same day (that sperm sample was dropped off in the lab the day before) and in two days.  My RE did an exploratory laproscopy for endometriosis and the HSG test for the blocked tubes before we even did the IUI.  Hang in there, I know its frustrating, but the more you know about your reproductive system the closer you are to conceiving.  I have even had cycles canceled do to overstimulation and that is sooo depressing.  Its all worth it in the end, I now have 3 beautiful boys!