Testicular Biopsy Questions and Answers

Question:

My husband has had a vasectomy (18 months ago) and now we are wanting to have a baby--I am 29, he is 43. We know we could try to have the vasectomy reversed, but what are our other options for having a child that is conceived by both of us? Is there such a thing as aspiration of sperm that can be implanted into me or into one of my eggs, and is there as much of a chance of that being successful as our chances of having the vasectomy reversed? I don't think there is any problem that would prevent me from carrying a child. Thanks.

Answer:

Dear Renee: There is a sperm aspiration process you may use to retrieve sperm from testicular tissue, then inject the sperm into the cytoplasm of your eggs. This would require doing an IVF cycle. You would need to check with your husband's urologist for statistics regarding vas reversal. Pregnacy rates for you doing IVF with testicular biopsy would be close to fifty percent, but again check with an IVF center in your area for more detailed pregnancy rates and prices. Good Luck. Sincerely, Eric Silverstein, M.D.

ERIC SILVERSTEIN, MD
Colorado Springs, CO

Question:

My husband is being referred to a urologist as 2 sperm analysis tests have come back with no sperm present. What will the urologist be able to tell about this problem? My husband had an infection in his testicles when he was 14 he is now 36. Our doctor think this infection may have damaged his tubes that is why he is now to see a urologist. What are our chances of him producing sperm but not ejaculating it and if so will the option of taking sperm direct form his testes be an option?

Answer:

THe urologist will perform a physical exam and order hormonal tests. If the tests and physical exam indicate that the testicle is healthy, a testicular biopsy might be perfromed to see if sperm are being made. If sperm are beng made, these sperm can be injected into your eggs at the time of in vitro fertilization with the chances for success depending on the age of the female partner and how well her ovaries are functioning. Daniel A. Potter MD Huntington Reproductive Center HTTP://www.havingbabies.com

Next Step

• Learn about Testicular Biopsy in the Articles Section
• Ready for a consultation? See qualified Infertility (IVF) doctors in your area

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