SCSA is a Sperm Chromatin something Assay. It looks for DNA problems in
live sperm. It is test that is only carried out by the company SCSA -
here's a link for you:

http://www.scsadiagnostics.com/

We had this done just recently when we were in the US - it is not overly
expensive to have done there, but prohibitively so to have a sample
transported from abroad to be tested by them. MY DH's results were not
great, 26% DNA frag. Over 30% they rate chances of conception/healthy
embryo low. However, we did this more out curiosity for our doc than
because we believe in it, since I got pg just a few months before this. It
is a totally different test to counts, swim-ups etc.

I did also want to respond to your stressed out vent the other day. As
others have said, we all go through this, and I do understand your time
passing worries and that it doesn't make it easier to be told that you are
young still (although you really really are!). But I did want to encourage
you to think more closely about what you might gain by seeing Dr Beer
himself. You say that you are reasonably financially secure (at least that
was my interpretation) and I wonder whether you should not jump on a plane
to Los Gatos and go see the man for yourself. You already said that phone
consult is pointless because you could not get anyone to treat you in
Australia, but I do wonder if that is absolutely the case, ie, the so-called
colab doc is being a bit of a jerk but perhaps there are other OB's or RE's
that might be receptive to DB's involvement and guidance that just don't
know anythign about it 'til you educate them. I know, I know. It is a
minefield, as docs must take full responsibility for the drugs they
prescribe, and you would be hard pressed to get drugs from DB from the US,
or Aussie docs to just follow his recomm's! But I read Dawn's advice about
docs on this digest with real attention, and I just wonder whether you might
think of doing some interviewing yourself to find someone else to help you.

I am so happy that I am now seeing DB after months of telling myself that it
was unaffordable etc - it still is, but I can live with debt. I cannot live
with thinking that I didn't do everything I could.

Lastly, your son has the most to gain from having happy healthy parents to
raise him than whether or not he has a sibling - of course you MUST do
everything you can to have another child as that is what you want, but try
not to lose sight of that. Not that you are, I just wanted to point out
that life is a balance and there are always trade-offs.

I wish you sooooo well, love Rose