Planning a Baby  Discussion Forum

Hi Archie,

Firstly, I must say, that I do read your answers to the queries of others, and like everyone else appreciate your support. Archie, I have a very important question for you, I don't know who else to ask. You see, when my husband was younger, he had undergone anorexia nervosa, a psychological disease, wherein one stops eating or avoids food, and also through depression. By the grace of God he has recovered from all of this and is perfectly normal. However, during the course of his treatment, more than 10 years ago, he had undergone shock treatment. What I want to know is if this will have an effect on his sperm count or the quality of the sperm. We have been trying to concieve for the last 6-7 months with no luck, but lately this question has been nagging me. I have absolutely no problems with him, just want to know. I'm afraid to ask him directly coz I am scared to hurt his feelings by making him think that I doubt him.
He's perfectly agreeable to taking a test. But we had decided to wait to check ups. However, I just got my period day before yesterday and am planning to go for a check up this month.

Please advise.
archie replied. Dear Curious Cat,
Two things, it's little too early to jump on wondering fertility issues as any healthy couple would take more than a year to get pregnant, provided all is well in both couples.
Secondly, certain conditions and habits are known to affect either sperm structure or quantity in an individual and is usually temporary as the habits are changed or known that what's the cause and rectified then the count/quality of sperm resumes. If the drugs or shock treatment has affected your spouse, which I really think a slim possibility if at all it exist, then in last 10 years his body metabolism has helped him to get over the condition and it is expected that today he should bear sperm quality/quantity as any healthy person.
I am glad however to note that he is ready to take test if needed.

trying for 6/7 months is not too long. If you happens to be in early 30s or upper 20s then it can take as long as 1 year, given that your cycles are very regular and falls within the standard legnth (21 days to 40 days). We may be able to help if you tell the cycles of your and regularity.

I think please put behind thoughts on his treatment, and take things positively, think nothing while having intercourse but just enjoy and I can tell you if all is normal then you will get pregnant without your knowledge.

Archie