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Male Infertility
 A consultation with a physician may reveal male factors causing a couple's infertility, such as low sperm count or erectile dysfunction. The CWRC offers the following procedures, which may be effective in the treatment of infertility.
Semen Analysis
The semen analysis looks for the presence of high-quality sperm or the presence of conditions that may reduce or prevent the chances for fertilization. Male partners may be asked to undergo a semen analysis as preliminary testing before infertility treatments are initiated at the CWRC.
In semen analysis, a sample of fresh ejaculate is studied under a microscope to assess the sperm count (number of sperm per cubic millimeter), morphology (shape and size of sperm), and motility (movement).
Testicular/Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
In cases where the passage of sperm through ejaculation is not possible, such as blockage or testicular abnormalities, testicular/epididymal sperm aspiration (TESA) can be performed. This is a minor surgical procedure in which the sperm is retrieved from the epididymis or directly from the testicle itself. The retrieved sperm may then be injected into eggs through ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) techniques.
Testicular Biopsy
Testicular biopsy may be helpful in the evaluation of male factor infertility. This procedure allows a tissue sample containing the semniferous tubules that produce sperm to be examined under a microscope. While the patient is under local anesthesia, a tissue sample is removed through a small incision in the scrotum. |
