When it comes to helping men with various needs, one of the leading surgeons and specialists in Houston is Dr. Larry Lipshultz. Using his expertise and commitment to patient care, Dr. Lipshultz has helped numerous patients through advanced surgical techniques and detailed patient education. During a consultation for male fertility and reproductive services, for instance, Dr. Lipshultz will be sure to cover the pros and cons of vasectomy reversal in detail, even making sure to note the alternative treatments that can be of benefit to you.
One particular alternative that can be valuable to you and your needs is sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). We'd like to take a moment to consider this treatment option right now. These are actually two separate procedures that are performed one after another to help men father children of their own. Let's take a moment to address each one individually.
About Sperm Retrieval and What It Means In Basic Terms
Sperm retrieval refers to various means of extracting sperm from a man using a small tissue sample taken from a testicle. This is done through techniques that are minimally invasive, such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE), microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA).
About Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Why It's Performed
Sperm retrieved from the testicles may be viable and mature but may not be able to penetrate an egg through natural means, which is why in vitro fertilization (IVF) is necessary. IVF is essentially the fertilization of an egg with sperm in a lab setting.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is done during the fertilization process of IVF. During ICSI, a fertility specialist injects an individual sperm directly into the egg. This ensures proper insemination and improves the chances of successful fertilization.
The Advantages of Sperm Retrieval and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are both generally successful processes for men to father their own children. Sperm retrieval is less invasive than undergoing a full vasectomy reversal, and potential complications are much lower as well.
This process also allows men to maintain the permanent contraceptive effects of their vasectomy and yet father a child of their own using their own sperm. You see, after a vasectomy, men will still be able to normally produce sperm, it simply will not be present in the semen when the man ejaculates. The sperm cells simply become reabsorbed into the man's body.
Ideal Candidates for Sperm Retrieval and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
The best candidates for sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are men who have normal sperm production but are unable to conceive naturally, whether as a result of a vasectomy or another sort of issue causing blockage of the vas deferens. The patient should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations with regard to the overall nature of the process.
Learn More About Men's Health Treatment
For more information about vasectomy reversal, sperm retrieval, and your many options out there for advanced male fertility treatment, we encourage you to contact our men's health clinic today. By meeting with Dr. Larry Lipshultz, you will be able to learn more about your treatment options and how we can help you start the family you have always wanted.