More Treatments for Men 

Men who want to have children and are, for any number of reasons, unable to conceive with their partner normally, are using a variety of methods available today to help with procreation.

Sperm Washing

One such method is called sperm washing. Sperm washing isolates and prepares only the healthiest sperm for insemination. Sperm is combined with a washing medium and then centrifuged (spun rigorously). If necessary, the process is repeated. Sperm washing separates the sperm from white blood cells and prostaglandins - fatty acids - in the semen which potentially may hinder sperm motility. The concentrated sperm allows for greater chance for conception.

Sperm Retrieval

In sperm retrieval methods---such as micro epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), where sperm is gathered via an incision in the scrotum, percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) where a fine needle is used to collect the sperm without surgery or TESE, testicular sperm extraction which is done by the removal of a small amount of testicular tissue from which sperm is harvested---the sperm gathered is then suitable for IVF, in vitro fertilization or ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In ICSI, one sperm is injected into one egg and the egg is incubated and later transferred to the uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization

IVF is a method which involves combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory under proper fertilization conditions and then, after fertilization, the embryos are transferred to the uterus. Eggs are retrieved using ultrasound to guide a very fine needle through the vaginal wall into the ovary where an egg is removed. Or, a method called laparoscopy is used wherein an incision is made in the abdomen of the woman to get to the ovary. Using either method, the eggs are retrieved, combined with sperm that has been prepared in a sterile dish and they are left for two to four days. After the eggs are fertilized, the embryos are transferred to the uterus. IVF is most commonly used in cases of female infertility.

Excess sperm from either micro epididymal sperm aspiration or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration can be frozen and used in the future. However, sperm gathered through testicular sperm extraction or TESE, is not suitable for storage as there is usually not sufficient quality or quantity.

GIFT - And It Is

For couples with unexplained fertility problems but normal reproductive anatomy, gamete intrafallopian transfer or GIFT (appropriately named) is recommended. Mature eggs and sperm which have been prepared are combined together in a syringe and injected into the fallopian tubes using laparoscopy. Any embryos which result from this procedure naturally arrive in the uterus for implantation.

The average conception rate for these procedures is roughly 30%.