Surgical Sperm Retrieval
Inability towards ejaculating sperm while trying to reproduce through the normal process could call for surgical sperm retrieval. Based on its cause, this condition is curable in most of the cases. So, besides looking at the different surgical sperm retrieval procedures. We would also be discussing the reasons for sperm ejaculation problems.
What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval?
It is a process helping couples treat infertility, but wherein the male partner isn’t able to ejaculate sperm. Surgical sperm retrieval involves extracting the required amount of sperm from the testicles or epididymis through a small surgical process.
Reasons for the Inability towards Ejaculating Sperm
In some cases, sperm is produced in the testes but aren’t ejaculated. In other cases, sperm is completely absent in the semen. These sperm problems are a result of multiple conditions.
Types of Surgical Sperm Retrieval Procedures
There are three types of surgical sperm retrieval recovery procedures – Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA), Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), and Microepididymal Sperm Aspiration(MESA).
- Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA): Generally, this procedure involves sedation with pain relief. This process includes passing a fine needle through the skin of the scrotum.
- Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): TESA involves sperm extraction by passing a fine needle directly into the testicles.
- Microepididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): In PESA and TESA procedures, however, the woman must be undergoing a standard stimulated IVF cycle, wherein ovaries would be stimulated to generate multiple eggs.
For some couples, it may not be as simple to undergo such procedures. But, based on the condition and with the right guidance and treatment through the right fertility centre, one can achieve success. Besides, the centre would also guide on the cost and the pain involved in all the above procedures.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval
What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval?
As mentioned above there could be several reasons for the absence of sperm from the ejaculate. Blockages, low sperm count, low sperm motility are some of the factors that account for issues in male fertility. Surgical Sperm Retrieval techniques like PESA and TESA are some procedures to extract the sperm directly from the source.
The PESA, TESA, TESE and MESA male fertility treatments for surgical sperm retrieval all involve small surgical procedures that obtain sperm samples directly from the testes or surrounding tissue.
Who is Surgical Sperm Retrieval suitable for?
Surgical sperm retrieval procedures like PESA, TESA are for men who produce sperm but the sperm is not released during the ejaculate, men suffering from following conditions are best suited for surgical sperm retrieval procedures
- Men who have an obstruction that causes a blockage for sperm release from the testes. This could happen due to an injury or infection
- Men who have undergone a vasectomy, but now are looking to father a child
- Men born with the absence of vas deferens (a tube that drains the sperm from the testicles)
- Men with a very low sperm count such that the sperm don’t reach the vas – Non-obstructive azoospermia
Procedures for Surgical Sperm Retrieval:
Each method of surgical sperm retrieval is slightly different from the other. The various surgical sperm retrieval procedures are as follows:
1
PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
This procedure involves the collection of sperm via a thin needle injected directly into the epididymis where the sperm is stored after formation in the testes
Advantages: The procedure is simple, avoids open surgery can be repeated since it is very quick to perform. Adequate sperm can be collected during each procedure
2
TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)
This surgical sperm extraction process involves the collection of sperm from a biopsy from the testicular tissue
Advantages: TESE involves the biopsies of seminiferous tubules containing sperm. Only selective tubules are biopsied and hence there is less damage to the testicles. Using this method of surgical sperm retrieval a large area of tissue can be dissected making it easier to find sperm cells
3
TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)
This procedure is primarily used for men who are suffering from obstructive azoospermia. The patient is given local anesthesia and a needle is injected into the testicular substance. Fluid is aspirated and the aspirated fluid is checked for sperm. Color Doppler Ultrasonography procedures are used in the TESA procedure to ensure that blood vessels are avoided.
Advantages: This is an entirely non-surgical procedure or sperm retrieval. TESA is a very simple procedure that does not require additional training for the experts in Infertility procedures.
4
MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
An incision is made in the scrotum. The epididymal tunica is observed and incised under a microscope and the epididymal ductile is mobilized. The mobilized ductile is opened and fluid is extracted. When enough sperm fluid is collected the duct can be sutured up.
Advantages: MESA is a very precise procedure that allows for aspiration free from unwanted fluids like blood. Sperm recovery is very high with this MESA procedure of sperm retrieval.
Why IVF Spring?
IVF Spring Fertility center prides itself with the achievements that it has gained in Fertility and Reproductive Health niche. We have been treating people with various fertility issues for decades. We have gone to great heights in helping couples have children of their own successfully via different varieties of treatment options. This is only possible because of the highly experienced doctors who consult you, backed up with the state of art clinic and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to help you achieve your dreams.