Surgical Sperm Retrieval is a technique for collecting sperm directly from a man’s testicles or epididymis. It is a procedure carried out under local anaesthetic and/or with sedation. The fertility team may use different methods of SSR depending on your hormone levels and testicular size.
There are a number of reasons why a man may have little or no sperm in his sample. Some have to do with genetic factors whilst others are related to previous illnesses.
For men where no sperm is found in a sample the first step is usually testing, most commonly with blood tests and an ultrasound to try and determine the cause. Following testing your doctor will discuss with you the pros and cons of surgical sperm retrieval and whether it is suitable for you. It can also be indicated for those with a high degree of fragmentation in their sperm DNA.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval is a technique for collecting sperm directly from a man’s testicles or epididymis. It is a procedure we carry out under sedation. It usually involves a small incision in the skin of the scrotum. It takes about 30 minutes.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval is a technique for collecting sperm directly from a man’s testicles or epididymis. It is a procedure we carry out under sedation. It usually involves a small incision in the skin of the scrotum. It takes about 30 minutes.
Azoospermia is a condition in which there’s no measurable sperm in a man’s semen. Sometimes the cause of azoospermia is down to genetics. However it can also occur as a result of sexually transmitted infections, blockages along the reproductive tract, hormonal problems, ejaculation problems or issues with testicular structure or function. Sometimes, the causes are treatable and fertility can be restored.
There is no evidence to show that collecting sperm surgically poses a risk to the health and wellbeing of any children conceived with it. Research has shown that sperm extracted surgically may not fertilise as well, although this could be due to the fact that some sperm is of lower quality.