Ovarian Cysts & Low Sperm Count
Question
I had a cyst removed from my right ovary (laparoscopy) less than three weeks ago. I now have one on my left ovary. Do ovarian cysts stop you from conceiving?
Also my husband’s sperm count is 11.4. I was told it should be 40 or higher. Could I get pregnant with his results being so low, or should we take the next step (possibly IUI or IVF)?
Answer
Last Updated: June 14, 2013
Ovarian cysts, in and of themselves, do not cause infertility (inability to conceive). However, they may be related to conditions that cause infertility such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Also, repeated surgical procedures can cause scarring and adhesions which may contribute to infertility.
While your husband’s sperm count is low (below 20 million per milliliter), other factors such as motility (the percentage of active, moving sperm) and morphology (the percentage of normal looking sperm) are at least just as important.
The next step should be an evaluation of your cycles using the modern methods of Natural Family Planning. Consult a teacher or clinician very knowledgeable in NFP. A physician who is expert in NaPro Technology would be ideal.
As far as IVF (in vitro fertilization), IUI (intrauterine insemination) and other assisted reproductive techniques, the burdens far out-weigh their benefits. IVF is very expensive and invasive and has a success rate of less than 25% per cycle.
From an ethical stand point IVF and IUI are not acceptable alternatives because they violate the natural design of the reproductive act. Marital sexual intercourse has two inextricable aspects self-evident by its very nature: the procreative aspect and the unitive aspect. IVF and IUI separate the procreative from the unitive.
Please consider seeking other means to help you to conceive that will maintain the integrity of your marital union. Such help is available by referring to the CANFP practitioner directory or the One More Soul directory at omsoul.com.
Dr. George Delgado
While your husband’s sperm count is low (below 20 million per milliliter), other factors such as motility (the percentage of active, moving sperm) and morphology (the percentage of normal looking sperm) are at least just as important.
The next step should be an evaluation of your cycles using the modern methods of Natural Family Planning. Consult a teacher or clinician very knowledgeable in NFP. A physician who is expert in NaPro Technology would be ideal.
As far as IVF (in vitro fertilization), IUI (intrauterine insemination) and other assisted reproductive techniques, the burdens far out-weigh their benefits. IVF is very expensive and invasive and has a success rate of less than 25% per cycle.
From an ethical stand point IVF and IUI are not acceptable alternatives because they violate the natural design of the reproductive act. Marital sexual intercourse has two inextricable aspects self-evident by its very nature: the procreative aspect and the unitive aspect. IVF and IUI separate the procreative from the unitive.
Please consider seeking other means to help you to conceive that will maintain the integrity of your marital union. Such help is available by referring to the CANFP practitioner directory or the One More Soul directory at omsoul.com.
Dr. George Delgado
Answered By:
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
President and Founder of Steno Institute and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS), San Diego, is a Professional Member / Supporter of CANFP. Board certified in both family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Delgado received his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Santa Monica Hospital/UCLA. Dr. Delgado is a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant, trained in NaProTechnology.
