Surgical Sperm Retrieval in London
Surgical sperm retrieval is a procedure used to collect sperm directly from the testicle or nearby tubes for use in IVF. It may be considered when there are very few or no sperm in the ejaculate.
For suitable men, it can provide a route to biological fatherhood when natural conception is not possible. Your consultant will explain which technique may be appropriate and coordinate care with your fertility team.
What is surgical sperm retrieval?
Surgical sperm retrieval is a way of obtaining sperm directly from the testicle or the small tubes around it, rather than from a semen sample. It may be used when there are no sperm, or very few sperm, in the ejaculate. This is sometimes known as azoospermia.
There are several possible reasons for this. Sperm may be unable to reach the semen because of a blockage or a previous vasectomy. In other cases, there may be an issue affecting sperm production.
Even if sperm are not present in an ejaculated sample, it may still be possible to retrieve sperm directly. The right technique depends on the underlying cause and can range from using a fine needle to a small surgical procedure.
Retrieved sperm are used as part of IVF treatment, usually through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, known as ICSI. This is where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg by the fertility laboratory.
As surgical sperm retrieval sits between urology and assisted conception, your consultant will work alongside your fertility team to coordinate the procedure with your IVF treatment.
Collecting sperm directly
Surgical sperm retrieval provides a way to obtain sperm when they are not available in an ejaculated sample.
Collected directly
Sperm are collected from the testicle or nearby tubes, rather than from semen.
Technique matched to the cause
Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate method based on why sperm are absent or reduced in the ejaculate.
Used with IVF
Retrieved sperm are used by the fertility team as part of IVF, most commonly with ICSI.
Who Surgical Sperm Retrieval may suit
Surgical sperm retrieval may be considered for men who:
- Have very few or no sperm in the ejaculate
- Have a blockage affecting sperm transport
- Have had a previous vasectomy
- Are not suited to, or do not wish to have, a vasectomy reversal
- Are pursuing IVF with their partner
- Have been assessed by a consultant urologist and fertility specialist
What to expect
- Consultation and assessment
Your consultant will assess the likely cause of absent or low sperm in the ejaculate and discuss which retrieval technique may be appropriate. - The procedure
Sperm are collected directly using the technique recommended for you. The timing is coordinated with your IVF treatment plan where appropriate. - Coordination with IVF
The retrieved sperm are transferred to or used by your fertility laboratory for IVF treatment, usually with ICSI.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for surigcal sperm retrieval in London?
A possible route to biological fatherhood
Surgical sperm retrieval may make IVF possible for men with little or no sperm in the ejaculate.
Technique tailored to the cause
The retrieval method is selected based on the likely cause of the problem and the information from your assessment.
Coordinated with IVF treatment
Your consultant can work alongside your fertility team to ensure the timing and next steps are clearly planned.
An alternative to vasectomy reversal
For men who have had a vasectomy, sperm retrieval may be an option if reversal is not suitable or is not the preferred route.
Frequently asked questions
Who may need surgical sperm retrieval?
It may be considered for men who have no, or very few, sperm in the ejaculate because of a blockage, previous vasectomy or a problem with sperm production, and who wish to pursue biological parenthood through IVF.
Is sperm always found?
Not always. The likelihood of finding sperm depends on the cause of azoospermia and individual factors. Your consultant will explain what may be realistic following assessment.
How does surgical sperm retrieval work with IVF?
The sperm retrieved are used by an IVF laboratory, usually with ICSI. ICSI is a technique where a single sperm is injected into an egg to support fertilisation.
How is this different from vasectomy reversal?
Vasectomy reversal reconnects the tubes that carry sperm, with the aim of restoring sperm to the ejaculate and allowing natural conception. Surgical sperm retrieval collects sperm directly for use with IVF. Your consultant can explain which option may be more suitable for your circumstances.
Discuss your fertility options
If you have been told there are no sperm in your semen sample, or you are exploring IVF after a vasectomy, our consultant urologists can explain whether surgical sperm retrieval may be appropriate.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
