The Prelude Connect App is now available for all patients!
The Prelude Connect App is now available!
At PCRM, we understand that the journey towards parenthood can be filled with challenges, and we are here to provide compassionate and comprehensive solutions, including sperm retrieval. Our sperm retrieval services are tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient, employing cutting-edge technologies and a team of experienced professionals dedicated to ensuring your comfort and success.
Whether you are facing male infertility issues, require sperm for fertility preservation, or are exploring assisted reproductive techniques, our clinic offers a diverse array of specialized services to support your dreams of becoming a parent. Discover the possibilities with PCRM, where expertise meets empathy on your fertility journey.
One of the most common reasons for needing sperm retrieval is for men who have previously had a vasectomy. Although vasectomies are considered to be a permanent form of birth control, in many cases, they can be reversed. However, if vasectomy reversal fails, men still have the option of undergoing sperm retrieval to conceive. The retrieved sperm can then be used as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which the sperm is injected directly into the egg. In patients with a previous vasectomy, retrieval of sperm is almost always successful.
Sperm retrieval is also recommended for men who have very severe forms of infertility, with complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. In these instances, it is not possible to conceive without assisted reproductive technology (ART) or the use of donor sperm. As such, these patients require a procedure to retrieve sperm in order to conceive using their own sperm. In patients who do not have sperm in their ejaculate for other reasons, an attempt may be made to retrieve sperm from various points along the male reproductive tract, including the testes. This is successful approximately 50% of the time.
The different types of sperm retrieval are percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), and testicular sperm extraction (TESE).
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) is a procedure that is performed as a day procedure under local anesthesia. This is commonly used to retrieve sperm in individuals who do not have sperm in their ejaculate due to a blockage, including men with a previous vasectomy. This procedure involves placing a small needle into the epidydimis and aspirating sperm. The procedure often takes only a few minutes, providing sperm that can be frozen for later use.
Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is a procedure that is performed under general anesthesia, or occasionally light sedation. This procedure is often performed in individuals who did not have any sperm identified during a PESA procedure, or in individuals who do not have sperm in their ejaculate. A small incision is made in the skin and connective tissue overlying the testicle, and a small amount of tissue removed from the testicle. This tissue is examined under the microscope to isolate sperm for use in a future ICSI cycle. Occasionally, sperm cannot be found in the testicle and other treatment options (such as donor sperm) may be offered.
Our team welcomes the opportunity to discuss possible treatment paths with you, including sperm retrieval.
