• What is Semen Aspiration?

    Semen aspiration, also referred to as sperm retrieval, is a medical procedure used to collect sperm from the male reproductive tract body for use in fertility treatments. The sperm retrieved are used to fertilize the eggs of the female partner through in vitro fertilization (IVF). There are many different techniques that can be used for sperm retrieval, and the best method will depend on the individual’s situation.

    There are several reasons why this procedure may be necessary, including sperm transport disorders, blockages in the reproductive tract, or a lack of sperm production. Read on to learn more about semen aspiration, why it’s done, and what to expect during the procedure.

    What to Expect During Semen Aspiration Treatment

    There are a few different methods of semen aspiration treatment. The sperm may be retrieved from the testicles, epididymis, or vas deferens. In some cases, the sperm may be obtained from the ejaculate.

    Semen aspiration is typically performed under sedation or anesthesia. A needle is used to retrieve the sperm, which are then collected in a sterile container. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.

    In most cases, semen aspiration is successful in retrieving sperm for use in IVF. Semen aspiration is considered a low-risk fertility treatment and has a high success rate.

    What Are the Risks of Semen Aspiration?

    Although semen aspiration is generally safe and effective, there are some risks associated with the procedure.

    First and foremost, there is a small risk of infection. The uterus is a sterile environment and introducing bacteria from the outside can lead to an infection. There is also a slight risk of puncturing the uterus, which can cause internal bleeding. In very rare cases, this can lead to serious health complications.

    There is a very small risk that the needle used to aspirate the semen will damage the embryo. However, this is typically only a concern when aspiration is performed before implantation has occurred.

    Overall, while there are some risks associated with semen aspiration, they are generally very rare and can be effectively mitigated with proper medical care. As such, semen aspiration remains a safe and effective way to collect genetic material. Risk can be minimized by working with an experienced medical professional.

    Why is Sperm Retrieval Needed?

    The most common reason for needing sperm retrieval is due to a blockage in the man’s reproductive tract. This blockage can occur at any point along the way, from the testicles to the opening of the penis. A blockage can be caused by an injury, surgery, or a birth defect.

    In some cases, a man may have no sperm in his ejaculate at all. This is called azoospermia and can be caused by several factors, including infection, cancer, and other conditions.

    Why Choose Us?

    The Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Florida is one of the world’s leading fertility centers, offering a wide range of fertility treatments to help couples conceive. Sperm retrieval is used for men who have had a vasectomy or for those who have a condition that prevents them from producing sperm.

    At CVR, our experienced team offers a variety of sperm retrieval techniques, including microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), and testicular sperm extraction (TESE). We also offer intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which can be used in conjunction with any of these techniques. Our goal is to help you conceive the healthy baby you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation!

  • Sperm Retrieval for IVF: What to Expect

    After a vasectomy, in some cases, men who want to start a family are better candidates for sperm retrieval than a vasectomy reversal. Sperm retrieval is performed as part of in-vitro fertilization, or IVF. This option is necessary in the case of azoospermia, which means that there is no sperm present in the ejaculate. During sperm retrieval, sperm is removed directly from the epididymis so that it can be used in IVF procedures. If your vasectomy reversal surgeon recommends this procedure, here is what you can expect.  

    Sperm Retrieval Through MESA 

    Sperm retrieval is performed using the MESA procedure, or Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. It is performed using an operating microscope, so your surgeon can see exactly where sperm is located in the epididymal tubules. Through the use of the operating microscope, it is possible for your surgeon to remove the sperm with as little damage as possible to the surrounding structures and with as little blood and other fluid as possible. This increases the chances of success during IVF. 

    Local Anesthesia  

    MESA is usually performed under local anesthesia, though some patients receive spinal blocks or general anesthesia. During the procedure, once you receive the anesthesia that the surgeon deems appropriate for you, he or she will make a series of small incisions in order to access the epididymal tubes. Using the microscope, he or she will remove the sperm from the tubes and frozen for use in future IVF sessions. Generally, it is possible to get enough sperm for multiple rounds of IVF during one MESA procedure.  

    Recovery 

    MESA is a minimally invasive procedure, and recovery is usually fast. It’s normal to have some swelling and tenderness for a few days after MESA that is easily controlled with pain medications. Most people return to normal activities within a few days.  

    MESA is one of the procedures offered at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota. Dr. Green can help you decide if vasectomy reversal or another procedure, such as MESA, is the best fit for you. Schedule an appointment today by calling (941) 894-6428. 

  • Sperm Retrieval Terms and Acronyms to Know

    When you decide to address male infertility , you can expect to encounter many new terms as your doctor explains your options. Understanding the terms that surround these infertility procedures will help you make the right decisions for yourself and your goals of starting a family. Here is a look at some of the terms you may encounter when you undergo sperm retrieval.

    SSR

    SSR is the acronym for surgical sperm retrieval. SSR involves removing sperm from the epididymis or vas deferens for men who are experiencing fertility issues, such as a low sperm count or a lack of sperm in the semen. SSR is often combined with IVF, or in vitro fertilization, to achieve a pregnancy. There are multiple types of SSR procedures. Finding the right one for you depends on a number of different factors, including the reason surgically retrieving sperm is necessary for you.

    PESA/TESA/MESA

    PESA, TESA, and MESA are types of SSRs that can be used if there is an obstruction preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate. PESA stands for percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration and involves removing sperm from the epididymis via a fine needle under local anesthesia. If PESA fails, then TESA or MESA may be tried. TESA stands for testicular sperm aspiration and involves removing sperm from the testicles. MESA is microsurgical epididymal aspiration and involves the use of a microscope to locate and correct the obstruction in the epididymis to remove the sperm.

    TESE

    TESE involves taking biopsies from multiple areas of testicular tissue in order to find retrievable sperm. Micro-dissection TESE is another form of TESE in which a microscope that can perform micro-dissections is used to find tissue that is likely to help sperm, in order to biopsy smaller amounts of tissue than traditional TESE. Both of these techniques can be used when low sperm production, rather than an obstruction, is impacting fertility.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Green can help you choose the right infertility procedure to help you get the best possible chances of conceiving. For more information about vasectomy reversals and infertility procedures in Sarasota , please call (941) 894-6428.

  • Exploring Sperm Retrieval Techniques

    When determining the appropriate sperm retrieval technique to use for a patient, the first thing your doctor will determine is if your inability to conceive is caused by a low sperm count or by a blockage that is preventing normal levels of sperm from traveling through the reproductive system. These causes of male infertility require very different treatments.

    Watch this video to learn about the different sperm retrieval techniques your doctor may consider, based on the cause of your fertility issues. MESA, TESE, and MicroTESE are just a few of the options.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal , Dr. Green provides comprehensive treatment for male infertility in Sarasota, including vasectomy reversals. Set up an appointment for a consultation today by calling (941) 961-4581.

  • Sperm Retrieval Using the MESA Procedure

    In-vitro fertilization is one of many infertility procedures that can help couples suffering from female or male infertility conceive a child. Microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration, or MESA, is a step in the IVF procedure that is used to harvest sperm from the father. During MESA, sperm are retrieved directly from the epididymis with the assistance of an operating microscope. Due to the ease of visualizing the epididymal tubules for sperm retrieval using microscope equipment, this procedure has a high rate of success with a low chance of complications. Once the sperm have been retrieved, they are frozen and stored until viable eggs have been removed from your partner. MESA is a short procedure that is typically performed under some level of sedation; you can return home immediately but should refrain from physical exercise and strenuous activity for up to a week.

    Dr. Green can help you evaluate your options to overcome infertility and grow the family you want. You can find more information about infertility procedures in Sarasota , including IVF and vasectomy reversals, when you visit the website of the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility or give us a call at (941) 961-4581.

  • Understanding the Sperm Retrieval Process

    If you suffer from male infertility, you likely already know that sperm retrieval is key to infertility procedures in Sarasota. Watch this video to gain a better understanding of how the sperm retrieval process works.

    Male infertility is a medical term that refers to the problems that result when a man is unable to impregnate his female partner. Fortunately, vasectomy reversal surgeons like Dr. Green also help men overcome infertility. Sperm retrieval is recommended so all viable sperm can be collected and then used to help male who struggle with male infertility father a child.

    Learn more about male infertility procedures by contacting the Dr. Joshua Green Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility at (941) 961-4581 today. Dr. Green has helped countless men overcome male infertility.

  • Comparing Vasectomy Reversal and Sperm Retrieval

    If you have previously had a vasectomy, you should know that it’s not uncommon for men to change their minds about wanting to become fathers or to expand their existing families. Regardless of what your circumstances are, there are multiple options you can consider when you’re ready to have a child. Talk to a vasectomy reversal surgeon about infertility procedures that may be appropriate for you.

    Evaluating the Possibility of Vasectomy Reversal

    Vasectomy reversals boast a high rate of success, especially when men undergo the reversal within five years of having the original vasectomy. A vasectomy reversal is an outpatient procedure that is best performed by an experienced specialist in the field. There are a couple of approaches the surgeon may use, depending on the patient’s particular needs. In general, however, a vasectomy reversal involves the restoration of function of the vas deferens to allow for the passage of sperm. Even if you have previously undergone a vasectomy reversal without success, a skilled surgeon may be able to perform another reversal to help you have a child. However, couples may also wish to consider the possibility of surgical sperm retrieval, especially if a second vasectomy reversal fails to result in pregnancy.

    Understanding Surgical Sperm Retrieval

    Surgical sperm retrieval can only result in pregnancy if the couple plans on having in vitro fertilization (IVF). Couples will need to decide if they are willing and capable of taking on the cost and emotional investment of IVF. If so, the vasectomy reversal surgeon may perform microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA). This technique involves collecting sperm directly from the epididymis. Since the surgeon uses visual guidance to locate the sperm, this technique tends to be more successful than other methods of sperm retrieval. Once the sperm has been collected, it can be combined with the female partner’s eggs or injected directly into the eggs for fertilization.

    At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, Dr. Joshua Green specializes in giving couples new hope of having a child through vasectomy reversal in Sarasota. For couples who are planning to undergo in vitro fertilization, Dr. Green also offers the option of microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration. To learn how you can become a patient of our vasectomy reversal surgeon, call our office at (941) 961-4581.

  • Get to Know What Happens During Sperm Retrieval IVF

    One of the possible causes of male infertility is a problem with the sperm. Sperm is produced in the testicles and stored in the epididymis. Once sperm has fully developed, they can travel through the vas deferens and be ejected out of the body through the penis. However, if a man does not have sperm present in his semen, he may undergo a sperm retrieval procedure.

    You can hear about sperm retrieval procedures by watching this video. You’ll learn the differences between percutaneous epididymis sperm aspiration (PESA) and percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). Both of these are minimally invasive procedures that do not require an incision. However, if these procedures fail to retrieve sperm, men may undergo an open procedure, which involves making an incision in the scrotum to aspirate sperm directly from the epididymis.

    Dr. Joshua Green is a leader in the field of vasectomy reversals and male infertility. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Green in Sarasota, you can call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility at (941) 961-4581.

  • Spotlight on Sperm Retrieval Techniques

    Male infertility in Sarasota is a problem that can damage your self esteem as well as your ability to reproduce. Watch this video clip for a brief overview of a few sperm retrieval techniques.

    The microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration, or MESA procedure, tends to yield the best results. This procedure involves the extraction of large amounts of high quality sperm directly from the epididymis. The procedure is relatively quick and easy, and sperm that is extracted may be frozen for future fertilization. Testicular sperm extraction is an in-office procedure that results in lower sperm numbers, but there is usually enough for at least one cycle of in vitro fertilization.

    For more information about sperm retrieval techniques, contact the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility or visit our website. Dr. Joshua Green is happy to provide vasectomy reversals and other infertility procedures in the Sarasota area. Feel free to stop in and meet with us or call (941) 981-4341.

  • The Role of Sperm Retrieval in IVF

    If you want to have a child and start a family but you suffer from male infertility in Sarasota, all hope is not lost. There are infertility procedures that can be performed in order to draw out your sperm and help you achieve your dream. Here is a look at the role of sperm retrieval in IVF.

    IVF, or in vitro fertilization, allows a doctor to combine the egg and sperm outside of the body and implant the embryo into the uterus. In order to do this, sperm may be retrieved from the male in a number of ways. Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration is among the most effective procedures; in this infertility procedure, a doctor will retrieve sperm from the epididymis. Once the sperm has been retrieved, it can be combined with the egg to form an embryo.

    Call the Center for Vasectomy Reversal and Male Infertility at (941) 981-4341 if you would like to learn more about the role of sperm retrieval in in vitro fertilization. Dr. Green is a male infertility and vasectomy reversal surgeon who works in the Sarasota area. Please feel free to visit our website to learn more about our infertility procedures.