Hey there! We’re super excited to share some great news about our team at the Indiana Fertility Institute—Dr. Lisa Thompson has joined us, and we’ve been honored as Inception Fertility’s Clinic of the Year for 2025! If you’re considering starting a family or exploring fertility options, you’re in the right place.
Let’s talk about sperm retrieval. If you’ve ever heard the term azoospermia, it refers to a situation where a man’s ejaculate contains no sperm. This can be a bit of a downer for those trying to conceive, but don’t worry—often, this can be easily addressed in our office with a procedure that’s minimally invasive and, believe it or not, quite painless.
Understanding Sperm Aspiration
Azoospermia can be classified in two ways: obstructive and non-obstructive. Obstructive azoospermia happens when there’s a physical blockage in the reproductive tract, often due to a vasectomy or some structural issue. Non-obstructive azoospermia, on the other hand, is usually linked to hormonal or testicular problems where sperm production just isn’t happening. At the Indiana Fertility Institute, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to both conditions.
Benefits of Sperm Retrieval
For guys facing fertility challenges, sperm retrieval (or microsurgical sperm aspiration) can be a game-changer. Whether the issue is physical or genetic doesn’t matter; this procedure is effective for any type of male infertility. Here’s why you might consider it:
- High success rates
- Quick, painless procedure (usually around 10 minutes!)
- Compatible with both IVF and IUI
The Nitty-Gritty of Microsurgical Sperm Aspiration
Microsurgical sperm aspiration includes a range of techniques designed to extract sperm from the testes, vas deferens, or epididymis. In cases of obstructive azoospermia, we typically retrieve mature sperm from the epididymis—a small tube that connects the vas deferens to the testes. For non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm are taken directly from the testicles.
Once we’ve got the sperm, we can use it for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or even cryopreserve it for later use. Ideally, we’ll schedule the sperm retrieval to coincide with the egg retrieval process. Plus, we often use a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where we inject a single sperm directly into an egg, using a fine needle.
Choosing the Right Method for You
Every individual’s situation is unique, so we work closely with a urologist to figure out the best sperm retrieval method for your needs. These procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia, meaning you can expect minimal pain and a smooth recovery.
Here are the primary techniques we use:
- Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): This method involves inserting a thin needle into the scrotum to extract sperm from the epididymis, which is primarily used for obstructive azoospermia.
- Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): For this method, we insert a needle directly into the testes to collect a sample. If we can’t find sperm, we may do a small biopsy to retrieve it. TESA is mainly for non-obstructive azoospermia.
Is Sperm Retrieval Right for You?
It’s all about personalizing your treatment. Let’s chat with one of our fertility specialists to see if sperm retrieval could be the right step for you. You can also check out our blog post on your baby’s arrival is expected on June 2 for more tips.
In addition, if you’re looking for at-home options, take a look at what Make a Mom has to offer with their insemination kits. And don’t forget to explore Resolve for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Sperm retrieval is a beneficial option for men facing fertility issues, whether due to obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia. With high success rates and quick, painless procedures, our team at Indiana Fertility Institute is here to support you on your journey to parenthood.