Center For Reproductive Medicine
In a normal situation, sperm are produced in the testes and then pass through a series of tubules called the epididymis, where they collect and are concentrated before ejaculation. As they travel to this point, the sperm mature and gain the ability to swim and fertilise an egg.
Sperm recovered from the epididymis will be very similar to those that are ejaculated, except that they will be immature and therefore unlikely to be able to fertilise an egg at IVF. Sperm recovered from the testes will be even less mature than those recovered from the epididymis and so will also not be capable of fertilising an egg at IVF.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) offers the best chance of gaining fertilisation with these immature sperm. Please see the relevant ICSI information sheets.
A semen analysis showing the presence of no sperm at all (Azoospermia) will indicate that further tests should be carried out to determine whether sperm recovery is an option. These tests will include a blood test to check your hormone levels, an examination of your testes and a blood test to see if you have any genetic problems. If these tests are inconclusive you may also require a testicular biopsy which would determine whether sperm production is occurring in your testes.
You will be asked to shave your testicles the night before the operation. You will also need to not eat anything from midnight and drink anything from 7 am on the day the operation.
1. The stimulated cycle is very carefully monitored. However in any cycle there is a small risk of hyper stimulation, which may result in an enlargement of the ovaries. In this event, conservative treatment usually results in total resolution of the cysts.
2. Chances of multiple pregnancies are 30%, hence once should be prepared to accept twins and triplets.
3. Pregnancies following IVF-ET have higher miscarriage rate than normal.
Is there anything at all you can not do?Talent does what it can; genius does what it must.
Is there anything at all you can not do?Talent does what it can; genius does what it must.
Is there anything at all you can not do?Talent does what it can; genius does what it must.
Is there anything at all you can not do?Talent does what it can; genius does what it must.