Surgical Sperm Retrieval

What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval

Infertility has become a common problem among couples worldwide, various factors contribute to the difficulties in conceiving. Factors such as male infertility including low sperm count, obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia, or retrograde ejaculation contribute to the same. Our medical science provides hope by directly collecting sperm from the male reproductive tract, a specialised process called surgical sperm retrieval.

In this blog, you will get all the information about this procedure, different techniques of the procedure, when it is needed etc

What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval

When a man has azoospermia, a condition in which he has little or no sperm in his ejaculate.

A medical procedure called surgical sperm retrieval is used to directly obtain sperm from a man’s reproductive tract. It is beneficial for couples who struggle with male fertility to achieve pregnancy through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Such conditions become a hurdle in achieving pregnancy where a man faces difficulties in the production of sperm. Urologists or IVF experts perform the procedure of extracting sperm from the male reproductive system.

When is surgical sperm retrieval necessary?

Surgical sperm retrieval is a process of extracting sperm from a man’s reproductive system in the case of low or no sperm production, which leads to issues in pregnancy and becomes very challenging for couples. In several scenarios, it becomes necessary to go for surgical sperm retrieval where natural conception is hindered due to male infertility issues.

Following are the main indications for when to visit the IVF centre for a surgical sperm retrieval procedure.

1. Obstructive Azoospermia

This condition is called when there is a blockage in the male reproductive system and is causing issues in sperm production with the semen. Due to these blockages, the sperm is unable to pass by.

It can occur through the congenital absence of the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra.

2. Non-obstructive Azoospermia

In such conditions, the amount of sperm produced is very low or no sperm is produced through the testicles of a man. It occurs due to genetic factors, testicular damage caused due to trauma or chemotherapy or due to hormonal imbalances.

You can go through infertility treatment including Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) to retrieve sperm directly from the testicular tissue.

3. Retrograde ejaculation

A condition in which semen enters the bladder and is not expelled through the urethra during ejaculation. Such is the scenario with people suffering from neurological conditions, previous surgeries if any or diabetic patients.

You need to visit the best fertility doctor to get the right treatment in such a case.

Techniques used in Surgical Sperm Retrieval.

Techniques used for Surgical Sperm Retrieval

There is a set of techniques, that have indications, considerations, and advantages based on the cause of male infertility. The choice of technique depends on the condition of a person and careful evaluation by the best fertility specialist.

Here are the Primary Techniques used in Surgical Sperm Retrieval:

1. Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)

This method involves sucking out sperm from the epididymis from a fine needle attached to a syringe. This technique is used for patients having obstructive azoospermia, where there is a blockage in the epididymis preventing sperm from reaching the semen.

It is a process that can be easily performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting.

2. Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

A procedure when sperm production is impaired or absent within the epididymis or when epididymal sperm retrieval is not feasible. This technique involves a needle that extracts sperm directly from the testicle. It can be performed under local anaesthesia and is less invasive than other techniques.

3. Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)

It is a technique useful in cases in which the number of sperm needed is high or in the case where previous attempts with PESA were unsuccessful. High powered surgical microscope is used in performing such a technique, a small incision in the scrotum is made to directly visualize the epididymis. The fertilization specialist then identifies the sperm and extracts it from the epididymal tubules.

In this technique, there is less chance of damage to surrounding tissues and it also allows precise identification and retrieval of sperm.

4.  Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

TESE is used in the cases of patients having non-obstructive azoospermia, a condition that includes impaired or low sperm production within the testicles. It is a feasible technique that involves retrieval of sperm directly from the testicular tissue, by removing a small piece of testicular tissue through a minor surgical procedure and then is sent to the laboratory to examine the areas containing sperm.

5. Microdissection TESE (Micro-TESE)

Such a technique is perfect for cases of severe non-obstructive azoospermia, where there are extreme impairments in sperm production. It is performed under higher magnification as it is a specialized form of TESE. The goal of this technique is to lower the trauma to the testicular tissue and increase the retrieval of sperm.

RISKS INVOLVED!

Risks involved in such IVF procedures are minimised when performed in top fertility clinics. And is generally a safe and effective procedure performed under the proper supervision of the experts.

However, there can be risks involved like any other surgical procedure.

The following are the factors that should be considered before proceeding with the procedure:

  1. Infection
  2. Bleeding
  3. Discomfort and pain
  4. Damage to surrounding tissues
  5. Anaesthetic risks

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

1. Is surgical sperm retrieval painful?

It is relatively a less painful procedure involving a fine syringe being inserted in the epididymis or the testicle to extract the sperm performed under local anaesthesia.

2. How successful is surgical sperm retrieval?

In patients with obstructive azoospermia, there is a very high chance of recovering sperm by this method (>90%). Whereas in patients with non-obstructive, the chances are 40%.

3. What is the difference between TESA and TESE?

TESA= no incision or surgery required in TESA, only the needle is inserted under local anaesthesia with very low pain, low time and low charges. Whereas in TESE, biopsy surgery is done to extract tissue under General anaesthesia.

4. What are the side effects of PESA and TESA?

Side effects of PESA and TESA include mild swelling or bruising at the site of the procedure which usually resolves within a few days.

5. What are the signs of low sperm count?

Decreased facial or body hair, inability to impregnate women, pain or swelling in the testicle area, and difficulty maintaining an erection can be the symptoms of low sperm count.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing our clinic Imprimis IVF for surgical sperm retrieval will turn out to be the best decision when it comes to your reproductive health because we ensure compassionate care with a team of highly experienced professionals. We are equipped with advanced technologies to tailor to your unique fertility needs and provide treatment accordingly.

We understand this emotional challenge and hence provide a supportive environment and transparent communication to help you gain the trust and confidence in choosing us. Our clinic provides expert care and personalised attention throughout your journey to parenthood.  We have a track record of successful procedures, providing reassurance and support at every step.