When are Assited Reproductive Technology (ART)procedures such as IVF indicated?
Ideally, non-obstructive azoospermia should be treated using aprocedure which aspirates sperm from the testicle and obstructive azoospermiashould be treated via a procedure which aspirates sperm from the epididymaltubes. Also, needle procedures are notnearly as successful as microsurgery especially in males with low spermproduction. Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE), is a procedure which shouldbe performed under a microscope to allow for the removal of the smallest amountof testicle for the maximum amount of sperm. This procedure is appropriate for men who have non-obstructiveazoospermia. However, there are risksassociated with sperm retrieval in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia becausea fair amount of the testicle may need to be removed before sperm can be foundand blood supply to testicle may be injured. Also, whatever minimal sperm production there may be, can be knocked outand this may cause the testicles toshrink. This may also cause a declinein testosterone levels to the poi
