Sperm Retrieval Procedures

Male factor infertility is the main factor in about 50 percent of infertility cases. One of the ways this is remedied is by retrieving sperm and using it in assisted reproduction treatments. Sperm retrieval is usually considered when a person’s sperm parameters are too low for them to build their family naturally. So let us look at the different techniques used to retrieve sperm, the cases where sperm retrieval may be beneficial, and the treatments that retrieved sperm are used for.  

Types of Sperm Retrieval Techniques

The type of sperm retrieval technique used on any patient depends on their circumstances, therefore it is decided one case at a time. However, below is a brief explanation of each procedure: 

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

TESE retrieves the sperm directly from the testicular tissue and can be done under local anesthesia or under full sedation. It is typically used for men who do not produce sperm in their ejaculation, and when being retrieved for ARTs, it is coordinated with the egg retrieval procedure for the female partner. 

Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE)

This procedure is more intricate but it is more optimal. As well, it is done under sedation, therefore one would require assistance from a partner to get home. Consequently, the female partner's eggs are usually retrieved the following day. This arrangement allows both partners to be available for each other. 

Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)

When an obstruction causes a man not to have any sperm in his ejaculate, this procedure is used to retrieve the sperm cells right from the epididymis. Some causes of obstruction are surgical procedures or infections. As well, like the TESE, sperm retrieved using PESA is coordinated with the female partner’s egg retrieval procedure. 

Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)

Sometimes a man can lack tubes to transport sperm or semen, or his tubes can be blocked for some reason or other. When this is the case, sperm is retrieved by aspirating the epididymis. This method also retrieves a bigger quantity of mature sperm.

Who Needs Sperm Retrieval? 

The application of sperm retrieval is done when patients do not have sperm in their semen when they ejaculate. This could be caused by: 

Azoospermia

• Non-obstructive azoospermia occurs when the genital tract and testicles are healthy, hormonal stimulation is insufficient to cause sperm production. Abnormal or poorly developed testes can also cause this condition. 
• Obstructive azoospermia occurs when the genital tract has blockage which prevents the sperm from traveling outside the body during ejaculation. This can be caused by infection or a vasectomy.   

Failed Vasectomy Reversal

A vasectomy is an intentional blocking of the genital tract and is reversible. However, sometimes reversing this is not always successful, and could result in more permanent blockage.

Genetic Conditions

Studies have shown that abnormalities in the chromosomes such as multifactorial genetic diseases, monogenic disorders and epigenetic disorders are some of the causes of azoospermia. Genetic testing helps to understand the disorder better, and mitigate against passing the condition on to offspring. 

How the Procedure Works and Recovery Time

Sperm can be retrieved from the ejaculatory tract, the vas deferens, the epididymis, or directly from the testicles. In order to determine which location is ideal a minimally invasive procedure called sperm mapping is done. Since the purpose of sperm retrieval is to retrieve viable sperm in a good enough quantity, the procedure has to be done with great care. Recovery time could be anywhere from a few days to a week and swelling or bruising may occur after the procedure. Rest is vital for a quick recovery. 

Success Rates with IVF & ICSI

When it comes to using retrieved sperm for ART procedures, success rates between IVF and ICSI are good. However, ICSI is a more direct approach to fertilization, where a sperm cell is injected directly into the female egg. Regular IVF places the sperm next to the egg for it to swim and fertilize the egg somewhat independently. As a result ICSI is more successful and increasingly becoming a preferred method for ART treatments.

What to Expect at Dallas Fertility Center

You can expect to find a professional team of fertility experts who work closely with you to manage male factor infertility. We use the best in technology to give accurate diagnostics, dedicate the best of our know-how for your treatment plan, giving each of our patients care suited to their circumstances for positive outcomes. Contact us for your fertility concerns and family building goals, today. 

FAQs

What foods improve sperm health?

Foods rich in zinc, folic acid, antioxidants and omega-3s can improve sperm health.

What vitamins and supplements help improve sperm parameters?

Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Folate, Coenzyme Q10 and Zinc, improve sperm quality and concentration. 

How does smoking and alcohol affect sperm?

Yes. Smoking lowers sperm count and motility. Excessive alcohol lowers testosterone levels and overall sperm production.

Does heat exposure really affect sperm?

Testicles when exposed to heat over a prolonged period of time, such as time spent in saunas or hot tubs, or working with laptops directly on the laps can reduce sperm production in the testicles. 

Can stress impact fertility?

High stress levels produce elevated levels of cortisol which lowers testosterone production, and impacts sperm production.