How is sperm retrieved for ART treatments?
Sperm retrieval is not limited to ejaculated semen. With today’s technology, sperm can be obtained from men with azoospermia (lack of sperm) that is caused by an obstructive lesion, failed vasectomy reversal, inherited absence of the vas deferens, or other uncorrectable blockage. By applying microsurgical methods in a process known as micro epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), sperm can be gathered close to the blocked portion of the epididymis, the elongated, coiled duct that provides for the maturation, storage, and passage of sperm from each testis. Similarly, percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) uses a small needle to penetrate the testicular skin and draw sperm from the area near the epididymal obstruction. Testicular sperm extraction (TESE), the removal of a small amount of testicular tissue under local anesthesia, also can be a source of sperm. Sperm retrieval methods usually are scheduled to coincide with the female partner’s time of ovulation, so that they may be use
