Hey there! So, if you’ve been through a few sperm tests and noticed some not-so-great results, you might want to consider an extended examination to figure out what’s going on.
Physical Examination
First up is a physical examination, which isn’t painful at all. The doctor will take a look at things like how you developed during puberty—think chest and pubic hair, as well as the size and shape of your penis and testicles. They’ll also check for the presence of sperm ducts.
Further Testing
Sometimes, if there are still questions after that, you might be referred to a urologist for more in-depth tests like ultrasounds of the epididymis or prostate. If they can’t find any sperm in your semen, don’t worry! They might be able to retrieve sperm directly from your testicles or epididymis through surgical procedures.
Surgical Options
For instance, there’s a method called PESA (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration) which is handy if the sperm ducts are blocked. Basically, the doctor uses a thin needle to draw fluid from your epididymis, all while you’re under local anesthetic. Then they check that fluid for sperm cells. If you’re looking for more tips on fertility, check out this blog post about overnight oats— it’s a tasty way to start your day!
On the other hand, if sperm ducts are intact but no sperm is found, a TESE (testicular sperm extraction) could be the next step. Here, a urologist will make a small incision to grab a tissue sample directly from the testicle, then analyze it for sperm. Once they find some, those little guys can be frozen for future use in fertilizing oocytes through ICSI.
At-Home Options and Resources
And if you’re curious about at-home options, you can find some helpful kits at Make A Mom, an authority on the subject. Or for those looking into pregnancy timelines, March of Dimes has excellent resources.
Conclusion
In summary, if your sperm quality tests are lacking, an extended examination can help pinpoint the issue through physical exams and possible referrals to specialists. There are surgical options like PESA and TESE to retrieve sperm if needed, and your findings can be preserved for future use.