ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a method of artificial insemination very similar to IVF. For ICSI, sperm and eggs are collected from both partners and egg fertilization is performed in the laboratory under a microscope, using a single sperm cell selected from the sample. The sperm is collected in a thin glass needle and injected […]
Sperm Freezing / Cryopreservation
Sperm freezing, or cryopreservation, is a simple process that allows for male fertility preservation. The sperm is mixed with a cryoprotectant, a fluid which protects the sperm and allows it to be frozen without being damaged, and then slowly cooled and placed into liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C). A frozen sperm sample can last for […]
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD, is a diagnostic technique used together with IVF. PGD is used in cases where the parents are at risk of passing on serious genetic disorders to their children. Instead of conceiving naturally, the couple will undergo the normal IVF procedures, beginning with an egg extraction. After the eggs have been […]
Semen Hyperviscosity
One of the parameters measures in standard semen analysis is viscosity or the thickness/stickiness of the ejaculate and its ability to flow. Under normal conditions, a semen sample, which is initially quite viscous, will liquefy within 15 minutes of ejaculation. Semen hyperviscosity (SHV) is a condition, found in 12-29% of samples, where liquefaction does […]
Electroejaculation – EEJ
Electroejaculation (EEJ) is a quite common technique that can be used to obtain a semen sample in men who for any reason, whether psychological, neurological, physiological, or otherwise, have trouble producing ejaculate. It offers a safe and effective alternative to achieve motile sperm, which can then be used for Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) or ICSI-IVF or […]
Split Ejaculate
The whole semen sample is composed of multiple secretions from various parts of the male reproductive system. As each part contributes a different portion of the greater whole, in a specific sequence, it, therefore, makes sense that the distribution of sperm cells throughout the ejaculatory process is uneven. The split-ejaculate method describes the collection […]
Vasectomy
The vas deferens are small tubes that carry sperm to the urethra, to be ejaculated. During a vasectomy, these tubes either are either cut or blocked, thus preventing sperm from leaving the body and causing a pregnancy. It is a simple procedure with nearly 100% effectiveness, and the patient can go home the same day. […]
Sperm Retrieval Methods
Obstructive azoospermia (OA) occurs when something blocks the mature sperm’s ability to reach the ejaculate. Instead, they remain “stuck” in the testis. Several surgical techniques have been developed in order to reach and extract these cells, which can then be used for IVF. In cases of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), when a male has no sperm […]
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) This method is used for men who have an epididymal obstruction preventing the sperm from moving, as well as for men who have undergone a vasectomy or who have CBAVD. During MESA, an incision is made in the scrotum while under local anesthesia. The fluid is then aspirated from the […]
Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) For conventional TESE, a random incision is made in the testis and a sample of tissue is removed and analyzed. After removing a section of these tubules, the tissue is examined and searched for sperm. When found, the sperm can either be frozen or used for immediate IVF. While TESE […]