Sperm Retrieval: An Integral Aspect of Male Fertility Treatments
When a couple faces the challenge of infertility, the focus often shifts to female-related factors, but male infertility is just as significant. For men who struggle with the inability to produce or ejaculate sperm naturally, advanced techniques have been developed after years of research. These techniques have opened doors to the joy of parenthood. Sperm retrieval is one such breakthrough in the world of fertility treatments.
The sperm retrieval procedure helps men with various kinds of fertility issues to become biological fathers. There are numerous approaches utilized for this objective. Each technique is designed differently. However, the common goal of these is to retrieve viable sperm for various fertility treatment approaches.
Want to know more? In the sections below, we will discover all the information about sperm retrieval. This includes the surgical sperm retrieval cost in India, types of procedures, time of the process, success rates, and a lot more.
What is Sperm Retrieval?
Sperm retrieval is the specialized procedure used to extract sperm directly from the reproductive system. This is usually done when natural ejaculation is not possible. In cases where the semen sample has no sperm, this technique is found to be useful. Whether male infertility is caused by blockages, previous laparoscopic surgery, or genetic factors, it can be overcome with the help of a sperm retrieval operation.
Sperm retrieval is usually done to make use of the extracted male gamete in assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or IMSI IVF.
The Importance of Sperm Retrieval Techniques
Sperm retrieval techniques play an essential role in modern fertility treatments, offering a solution for males with infertility issues. With these processes, men get a pathway to biological parenthood. Irrespective of the kind of medical conditions, surgical sperm retrieval serves as a bridge between male infertility and successful conception. This has proved to be a ray of hope for many couples who want to start their own family.
In addition, sperm retrieval techniques are also known to help in the advancement of reproductive medicine. How? IVF Treatment has proven to be an excellent way of providing viable sperm for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF and ICSI. The result is an increase in the success rates of fertility treatment. Hence, what seemed like an impossible problem is changed into a chance to conceive without the need for a donor sperm.
Exploring the Different Kinds of Sperm Retrieval Procedures for Conception
Now, let us walk you through the different kinds of procedures available for harvesting sperm from the male partner.
TESA or Testicular Sperm Aspiration
TESA sperm retrieval refers to the procedure used for retrieving sperm for procedures such as IVF and ICSI. TESA is performed under local anesthesia. A brilliant team of experts performs this procedure in an operating room. Usually, this kind of retrieval is coordinated with the egg retrieval from the female partner.
The surgeon inserts a needle into the testicle, and the tissue or sperm is directly aspirated. TESA has proven to be very effective for males who have obstructive azoospermia after a vasectomy. Sometimes, Testicular Sperm Aspiration will not provide ample tissue or sperm. In this situation, an open testis biopsy is needed.
PESA or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
PESA sperm retrieval is the process in which sperm is retrieved from males who are suffering from obstructive azoospermia, with the reason being either vasectomy or an infection. Just like TESA, PESA is also performed under general anesthesia. This happens either in an operating room or your doctor’s office.
The goal of this minimally invasive procedure is to retrieve the sperm from the epididymis region of the males who have ejaculatory disorders.
TESE or Testicular Sperm Extraction
TESE, or Testicular Sperm Extraction, involves making a small incision in the testis. Then, the tubules are examined to check for the presence of sperm. This procedure can be scheduled to coordinate with egg retrieval or done as a standalone procedure.
TESE is performed in the operation theater under general anesthesia. Sometimes, it may also be done under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office. The sperm extracted in this procedure is either frozen using cryopreservation techniques or is used in the IVF or ICSI Treatment technique.
MESA or Microepididymal Sperm Aspiration
MESA is an ICSI sperm retrieval technique that is used for males who have epididymal or vasal obstruction due to the congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens or as a result of vasectomy. This technique is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room. An operating microscope is used for the same.
Micro TESE or Microdissection TESE
For sperm retrieval for IVF in men who have azoospermia, Micro TESE has emerged as one of the most advanced and successful methods. This procedure is currently the most trusted approach by doctors because it increases sperm retrieval rates in men with azoospermia. Furthermore, microdissection TESE promises minimum damage to your reproductive organs during sperm retrieval.
The microscope used in the specific procedures has a lens with a limited magnification. Hence, your doctor will sort out the tubules that have a higher probability of containing sperm. Then, they will send small amounts of these tributes to the IVF laboratory. Here, a state-of-the-art and advanced microscope is present. It is then harvested for use in the fertility treatment.
Selecting the Right Time for the Surgical Sperm Retrieval
Performing the sperm retrieval process at the right time is one of the most critical factors in ensuring the success of your fertility treatment. The process of sperm retrieval generally takes around 15 to 30 minutes. When the procedure is timed correctly, the probability of harvesting sperm that is healthy and viable increases. Oftentimes, it is suggested that the retrieval is coordinated with the female partner’s reproductive cycle or with the egg retrieval procedure. This helps to synchronize the reproduction process and ensure that a fresh sperm sample is available for fertilizing the egg.
In standard conditions, the sperm retrieval is performed on the same day as the egg retrieval. However, this is not the only aspect used to select the right time. The other factors influencing the timing of the sperm retrieval procedure include:
- Suppose the patient wants a pregnancy in the future and not immediately. They may prefer freezing the semen because they want to preserve their fertility for the future. In this case, the procedure can be scheduled irrespective of the egg retrieval.
- Sometimes, couples don’t want to undergo the procedure together. This is because they will need additional support to go back home and manage their routine activities. Hence, the sperm may be retrieved first and preserved.
- Lastly, the doctor will analyze your condition thoroughly and check if you are an ideal candidate for IVF or ICSI. Depending on this assessment, they will time the sperm retrieval.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval Recovery Time
Depending on the kind of technique used for your case, the surgical sperm retrieval recovery time will vary significantly. However, for a standard period of 1 to 2 weeks, performing strenuous activities, weightlifting, etc., is prohibited.
If you wish to know more about what the recovery for your situation will look like, you need to get in touch with your doctor for a discussion.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval Side Effects
The side effects of the procedure for sperm retrieval are mild. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Drop in testosterone levels (very rare)
- Impact on sexual function (post-procedure)
- Anxiety
Sperm Retrieval Success Rates: Does the Process Actually Work?
The surgical sperm retrieval success rates are commendable, i.e., more than 90%. Hence, it can be said with confidence that this is one of the best advancements in the field of fertility treatments when male infertility is the cause of the hindrance. Of course, the success rates will vary from one patient to another. The factors involved are:
- Age
- Infertility Duration
- Body Mass Index
- Smoking Status
- Testicular Volume
- Hormonal Levels
- Clinical Varicocele
- Medical and Surgical History
- Total and Free Testosterone
Bloom IVF: A Promise of the Most Successful Sperm Retrieval and Male Fertility Treatments
At Bloom IVF, we specialize in advanced sperm retrieval techniques. By doing this, we are able to provide a ray of hope to men who wish to become fathers but are unable to because of fertility-related issues. Our expert team employs state-of-the-art procedures for sperm retrieval.
Bloom IVF is considered the most prestigious fertility clinic in the country. This can be attributed to the fact that we tailor our treatment plans according to your unique case. What’s more? Our comprehensive male fertility treatments ensure that you get the most compassionate care possible. The best part about Bloom IVF is the affordable surgical sperm retrieval cost.
Apart from sperm retrieval, we also have the best experts for many other fertility treatments for men and women, along with numerous technical services. These include the following PRP Treatment and Embryo Transfer.