Sperm aspiration is an option for men who do not produce sperm during ejaculation (azoospermia), for men who have had a failed vasectomy reversal (vasovasostomy) and for men who have had a vasectomy and only want for 2 more children.

For men who have had a vasectomy or a failed vasovasostomy a simple testicle biopsy can be done either in the office or in the operating room. Another option is a MESA. This is a microsurgery procedure that harvests sperm from the epididymis instead of the testicle, It yields better sperm and pregnancy rates are higher than with a simple biopsy. I am the only urologist in Central Ohio that performs this procedure.

For men who do not produce sperm a special type of testicle biopsy is done. This is a TESE, It is only performed in the operating room using microsurgery techniques under a powerful operating microscope. This procedure offers a 10-30% chance of finding sperm in men who a few years ago were told to adopt or use donor sperm. I am the only urologist in Central Ohio that performs this procedure.

I don't perform percutaneous aspirations because success rates are too low.

Sperm obtained through biopsy, MESA or TESE are too weak to be used for intrauterine insemination (formerly called artificial insemination). ICSI is the only way to become pregnant.