Sperm retrieval in London
A man might need sperm retrieval procedures for several reasons, typically related to fertility issues.
A surgical sperm retrieval involves extracting sperm from the male reproductive tract, usually the testicle or epididymis. The type of procedure needed depends on the reason why a man may have no sperm in his semen when he ejaculates.
- Obstructive Azoospermia: In this condition, sperm production is normal, but there is a blockage preventing sperm from being ejaculated with semen. Sperm retrieval can bypass the blockage to collect sperm for fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- Non-obstructive Azoospermia: In this case, the testicles produce little to no sperm due to issues like genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or testicular injury. Sperm retrieval techniques can be used to extract the limited sperm available for assisted reproductive technologies.
- Ejaculatory Dysfunction: Some men may have difficulty ejaculating, which can be due to physical (spinal cord injury/ neurological disease) or psychological factors. An electroejaculation procedure may be possible
- Previous Vasectomy: Men who have undergone a vasectomy and now wish to have children will have obstructive azoospermia. They can undergo a simple sperm retrieval procedure or a vasectomy reversal.
- Fertility Preservation: Men facing cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which can damage sperm production, may choose to undergo sperm retrieval and freezing (sperm banking) to preserve their fertility before starting treatment. Pippa Sangster is a world recognised specialist in dealing with oncology cases where simple ejaculation does not allow for sperm freezing.
These procedures involve different methods such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) or microsurgical extraction sperm (MTESE).
They tend to be carried out as day case, general anaesthetic procedures. They can be performed prior to a partners egg retrieval procedure or on the same day as a synchronised procedure for both the male and female.