Genital Tract Obstruction
Written by: Dr. Shlomi Barak. Male reproductive anomalies and investigations Most men with genital tract obstruction have azoospermia, normal testicular size, normal male characteristics, and normal serum FSH levels. However, some have combined obstruction and spermatogenic disorders or partial obstructions and severe low sperm count oligospermia. There may be a history of an event that caused the obstruction, […]
Is alternative medicine helpful for fertility?
The efficacy of alternative medicine has not been examined in randomized, controlled clinical trials. Therefore, is no conclusive proof for the ability of such treatment to increase fertility or overcome infertility.
What is spermatogenesis?
The term used to describe the process of producing sperm cells from the precursor stem cells.
If I am azoospermic can I be a father?
Depending on the type of azoospermia (obstructive vs non-obstructive) surgical procedures such as TESA and microTESE can be suggested for retrieving sperm and searching for functional sperm suitable for IVF or ICSI. The chances of identifying such sperm cells depend on the quantity of such sperm in the testicles, which in turn depends on the […]
What is round spermatid injection?
Round spermatids are precursors of mature spermatozoa, meaning immature sperm cells, and are seen in about 30% of men with non-obstructive azoospermia that have no sperm seen during microTESE surgery. In round spermatid injection (ROSI) these cells are injected directly into an oocyte (in the lab) in hopes of fertilization and pregnancy.
What is sperm mapping?
A process of assessing areas where localized sperm production occurs in the testis. Mapping the testicles for areas of sperm production adds to the certainty that sperm will be collected through the process of “blindly” inserting a needle into different part of the testicles.
What is FNA?
The technique of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the testis was initially used as a diagnostic procedure in azoospermic men. Subsequently, testicular FNA for the recovery of spermatozoa has been developed. In FNA, a fine needle is used to extract sperm from areas of sperm production in the testis of patients with nonobstructive azoospermia.
What is TESA?
Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) is a procedure performed for men who need to have sperm retrieved for IVF/ICSI procedures. A needle is inserted in the testicle and tissue/sperm is aspirated. TESA is performed for men with obstructive azoospermia (for example vasectomy). Occasionally, TESA does not provide enough tissue/sperm and an open testis biopsy is needed.
What is microTESE?
Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is another procedure performed on men who have a sperm production problem and are azoospermic (non-obstructive azoospermia). MicroTESE is performed in the operating room with general anesthesia under the operating microscope. MicroTESE is a more advanced procedure compared to other sperm retrieval surgeries, has significantly improved sperm retrieval rates in […]
What is Mesa?
Microepididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) is a procedure performed for men who have vasal or epididymal obstruction, a form of obstructive azoospermia caused by vasectomy or a congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. MESA allows for an extensive collection of mature sperm for IVF cycles as compared to aspiration techniques, and it is the preferred […]