With the advent and improvement in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the options available for retrieval of sperm from the male have increased tremendously. Several methods exist, and most are indicated in men who have an obstruction that cannot be repaired, such as absence of the vas deferens, congenital obstruction, or failed vasectomy reversal.

Sperm may be obtained through testicular biopsy. This procedure, testicular sperm extraction (TESE), can be performed under general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia with  intravenous sedation. A small incision is made in the scrotum, and the testis is exposed. A piece of testicular tissue is then obtained, and passed off to lab personnel for processing. Alternatively, sperm may be obtained from the testicle using needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration. In cases of sperm production disorders, as opposed to obstructive problems, a more extensive procedure for surgical sperm retrieval may be helpful. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (TESE), performed under general anesthesia and with the use of the operating microscope, may allow the surgeon to identify even tiny islands of sperm production within the testicles. These areas can then be biopsied and passed off to lab personnel for processing.

Surgically retrieved sperm may be cryopreserved (frozen and banked), and used later for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Another option would be to use fresh sperm, on the same day of surgical retrieval, for IVF.  The latter option would require to perform the sperm retrieval at the same time as egg retrieval.

To Schedule a Urology Clinic Appointment

Adult non-cancer appointments:
319-356-2421 or 1-800-777-8442

Adult cancer appointments:
319-356-4200 or
1-800-777-8442