Is it possible to retrieve sperm from the testes after a vasectomy has been done? My new husband had a vasectomy 18 years ago.

Yes. A qualified urologist can retrieve sperm form the testicles (TESA) of epididymis (MESA) to use for In vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, typically sperm can be retrieved from the epididymis or testicles and used as part of an in vitro fertilization attempt. The exact procedure depends somewhat on the patient's history and exam.
I recommend evaluation by a Urologist who specializes in male fertility.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are 2 possible ways to obtain speed after a vasectomy if, for some reason, a reversal is not desired. 1) TESA - a sperm aspiration procedure can be done with a local anesthetic. A needle is placed in the epididymis and sperm are aspirated out and frozen. 2) TESE - epididymal tissue is harvested and then sperm can be isolated and frozen. Both methods require sperm freezing with subsequent assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. For most couples, a vasectomy reversal can be a simpler and more economical answer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, sperm can be removed from the testicle with a small aspiration/extraction procedure. The key point to know is that extracted sperm must then be used in combination with IVF/ICSI (in vitro fertilization). It cannot just be inseminated into the women's uterus (intrauterine insemination) as this approach is uniformly ineffective in producing a pregnancy when surgically extracted sperm are used.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes. Sperm can be aspirated from the epididymis of one of the testes then be prepared for artificial insemination. This is best done at a full service infertility clinic for maximum results. A point or two about vasectomy reversals: They are more likely to achieve pregnancy when done by a well trained and experienced specialist and at a much lower cost. Even if this fails there is a greater than 90% chance there will be sperm in the ejacualate that is of better quality than epididymal sperm procurement, and is much easier to process for artificial insemination. Eighteen years is a long time but the chance of success is a good 30% to 40% by reversal method

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes and the clinics that do the in vitro type procedures are where you'd start. The success however diminishes with time and can be dependent on whether obstructive pressures have affected the production of sperm. These doctors will often times aspirate fluid and then examine for the quality and number of sperm. If suitable they can be frozen and then used. If you Google reproductive clinic and or sperm aspiration you'll find a plethora of information or even call a reproductive clinic hotline. As a rule urologists are not involved with this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, either through needle aspiration or through an incision of the testis, sperm can be extracted. Sperm production does not halt with age.

Published on Jul 11, 2012