Testicular Sperm Extraction

What is testicular sperm extraction?

If your ejaculate doesn’t contain sperm, either due to a previous vasectomy or some form of male infertility, a procedure called testicular sperm extraction can be used to retrieve healthy sperm. This minor surgery allows Dr. Seaman to gather sperm right from the source, your testicles and epididymis, which is a tiny organ on the back of each testicle.

Many testicular sperm extractions are performed using microsurgery, a state-of-the-art procedure that requires specialized training and use of a surgical microscope. Dr. Seaman is extremely experienced in microsurgery, having used it to successfully treat thousands of men over his career.

Why would I need testicular sperm extraction?

One of the most common reasons men have a testicular sperm extraction procedure is because they’re getting a vasectomy reversed. Before your vasectomy reversal, you may have the option to ask for sperm extraction as well. Even though the tubes connecting your testicles to the reproductive system are sealed off during a vasectomy, sperm is usually still being produced in your testicles.

To give you the widest range of options for conception, you can choose to have sperm extracted in the event that the vasectomy reversal is ineffective. This allows you to proceed with options like in vitro fertilization. If you don’t have sperm extracted during your vasectomy reversal, you can always have the procedure done sometime later, although many people choose to do them at the same time to avoid a second surgery.

If you’ve never had a vasectomy, testicular sperm extraction can vary depending on the cause of the infertility you’re experiencing. For some men, a blockage in some part of the reproductive system limits the sperm's ability to travel to the prostate. This is often the easiest form of testicular sperm extraction, as sperm can just be gathered from wherever the blockage occurs.

For men who have problems with sperm production, the surgery can be more complex as the sperm may be within the tubules of the testicle itself.

How should I prepare for a testicular sperm extraction?

You can expect to receive general anesthesia for a testicular sperm extraction. This is both to minimize discomfort and because the more complex procedure can be more time-consuming.

You’ll be unconscious for the entire surgery, which usually takes from two to four hours, but should be able to go home that night. You may want to bring a tight-fitting pair or underwear or athletic supporter to help hold your bandages in place, and you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment.

For more information on testicular sperm extraction, or any other male fertility procedures, call the office of Eric K. Seaman, M.D., or schedule an appointment online today.