What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval?
Surgical sperm retrieval is a set of medical procedures designed to collect sperm directly from the male reproductive system, typically when sperm cannot be obtained through ejaculation. These procedures are primarily used for men with certain types of male infertility, such as azoospermia (a condition where no sperm is found in the ejaculate) or for those who have had a vasectomy and wish to have children without undergoing a reversal. Surgical sperm retrieval can be combined with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) to help couples achieve pregnancy.
There are several techniques used for surgical sperm retrieval, including PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration), TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration), TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction), and Micro-TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction). These methods differ based on where the sperm is retrieved from and the specific approach used. The choice of technique depends on the underlying cause of infertility and the patient’s individual condition.
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When is Surgical Sperm Retrieval Recommended?
Surgical sperm retrieval is recommended in cases where sperm are not present in the semen due to issues with sperm production or blockages in the reproductive tract. Some of the common reasons for recommending surgical sperm retrieval include:
• Azoospermia: A condition where no sperm is found in the ejaculate, either due to non-obstructive (sperm production issues) or obstructive causes (blockages in the reproductive tract).
• Vasectomy: For men who have had a vasectomy and want to have children without undergoing a reversal procedure.
• Failed Vasectomy Reversal: When attempts to reverse a vasectomy are unsuccessful, surgical sperm retrieval may provide an alternative way to collect sperm.
• Ejaculatory Dysfunction: Men who are unable to ejaculate due to spinal cord injuries, diabetes, or other medical conditions.
• Genetic Conditions: Men with genetic issues, such as Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome microdeletions, may require surgical sperm retrieval to extract viable sperm.
What are the Different Techniques for Surgical Sperm Retrieval?
PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
PESA involves inserting a fine needle into the epididymis (the tube where sperm is stored after being produced in the testicles) to aspirate sperm-containing fluid. This procedure is minimally invasive and is commonly used in cases of obstructive azoospermia, such as after a vasectomy or in men with congenital absence of the vas deferens.
TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)
TESA is performed by inserting a needle directly into the testicle to aspirate tissue that contains sperm. This technique is typically used for men with non-obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is impaired. The extracted tissue is processed in the laboratory to isolate viable sperm.
TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)
TESE involves taking a small biopsy of testicular tissue through an incision in the testicle. Sperm is then extracted from the tissue sample in the laboratory. TESE is often used when TESA does not yield sufficient sperm or when sperm production is very low.
Micro-TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction)
How is the Collected Sperm Used? Once the sperm has been retrieved, it is processed in a laboratory by skilled embryologists who isolate the best-quality sperm. The sperm is then used in assisted reproductive technologies, most commonly through ICSI, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg for fertilization. If sufficient sperm are collected, they can be frozen and stored for future fertility treatments.
What are the Success Rates of Surgical Sperm Retrieval? The success of surgical sperm retrieval depends on the underlying cause of male infertility and the method used. Success rates for retrieving viable sperm are typically higher for men with obstructive azoospermia compared to those with non-obstructive azoospermia. In cases of obstructive azoospermia, sperm retrieval rates can exceed 90%. However, in men with non-obstructive azoospermia, the chances of retrieving sperm may be lower, ranging between 40-60% depending on the specific case.
It’s important to note that the success of conception also depends on the quality of the female partner’s eggs and the overall success of the IVF or ICSI process.
Recovery and Post-Procedure Care Surgical sperm retrieval is generally well-tolerated, with most men experiencing minimal discomfort after the procedure. Depending on the method used, patients can typically return to normal activities within a few days. Mild pain or swelling in the testicles is common but usually resolves within a week. Doctors will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including advice on pain management and activity restrictions during recovery.
Get in Touch to Learn More About Surgical Sperm Retrieval
If you are considering surgical sperm retrieval as part of your fertility treatment, our team of fertility specialists is here to guide you through the process. We offer personalized consultations to discuss your options and recommend the best approach based on your individual situation. Call us at +91 9599754455 or fill out the contact form below to schedule your consultation. We are committed to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood.
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