Your first visit to a fertility treatment centre can be anxiety provoking to say the least, not knowing what to expect and what the outcome might be. At Bioart Fertility Clinic, we are acutely aware of the anxiety and mixed emotions new patient’s face, particularly those who are venturing on this course for the first time. In order to prepare you, here is what you can expect on your first visit with us The main goal of your first appointment is to obtain as much information about you and your partner’s health as possible. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment to complete all the administration associated with opening up a new file and fertility treatment course. At Bioart, we value you and your partner and the unique history and story of your fertility journey.
A free mini consult with our in-house psychologist (when available).
Consult with the fertility specialist (which includes, full medical history, ultrasound scan and discussion of possible treatment plan).
Nurses’ station for hormonal profile/HIV/pap smear and further treatment discussion and instructions.
Possible booking for theatre and semen analysis (if and when recommended).
Booking of follow up appointment.
Sperm Harvesting Techniques used to Obtain Sperm from Men with Obstructive Azoospermia
Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. This is the optimal way of obtaining sperm in those men with a reproductive tract blockage, such as after a vasectomy or congenital absence of the vas deferens. The epididymis (organ above the testicle where the sperm are stored) is isolated through a half inch incision made in the scrotal skin. An operating microscope is used to examine the very small tubules of the epididymis that contain the sperm. A dilated tubule is opened then the fluid is collected and examined for the presence and quality of sperm. All of the sperm containing fluid is collected and taken to the IVF lab for processing, use and freezing. If the fluid is devoid of sperm or only dead sperm are found, then another area of the epididymis is sampled. This is done until enough sperm is obtained to use and store for future use. A needle is placed into the epididymis in the hope that a pocket of sperm will be found and aspirated.
Testicular Sperm Extraction. It is an open procedure performed under direct vision and therefore minimizes potential complications. A small piece of testicular tissue is removed through a half inch skin incision. The tissue is placed in culture media and morsalized into tiny pieces. Sperm is liberated from within the seminiferous tubules where they are produced and are then extracted from the surrounding testicular tissue. This can be an exhaustive process depending on the degree of sperm production. This procedure can be performed in an operating room or office procedure room using a local anaesthetic. We recommend mild sedation for patient comfort. Sperm harvested using TESE can be frozen and stored for later use. Testicular Sperm Aspiration. This is a needle biopsy of the testicle. It is an office procedure performed under local anaesthesia. A small incision is made in the scrotal skin and a spring loaded needle is fired through the testicle. While it is possible to retrieve sperm using this technique, the amount is often low because the needle cuts a thin sliver of tissue. Sperm aspiration via the appropriate technique is usually a successful, minimally invasive procedure that allows men who make very few sperm to conceive a child of their own. Our goal is to provide the safest, most effective patient care and to collect as much good quality sperm as possible to minimize the need for multiple surgeries in the future.
