Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
06:28
Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy to Treat Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia
Published on: May 27, 2022
[Sperm retrieval for assisted fertilization in azoospermia]
Hans Ivar Hanevik1, Unn Mette Friberg, Anette Bergh
1Fertilitetsklinikken Sør, Sykehuset Telemark, 3901 Porsgrunn. hans.ivar.hanevik@sthf.no
Summary
Testicular sperm extraction with intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (TESE-ICSI) offers new hope for azoospermic men in Norway. This assisted reproduction technique enables couples facing male infertility to achieve successful pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Biotechnology
Context:
- Assisted reproduction for male infertility was limited in Norway until 2004.
- Changes in biotechnology laws permitted new techniques for azoospermic couples.
- Fertilitetsklinikken Sør initiated TESE-ICSI treatments following legal changes.
Purpose:
- To present the clinical experience with TESE-ICSI in azoospermic men.
- To evaluate the efficacy of TESE-ICSI for achieving pregnancies.
- To assess the success rates of TESE-ICSI compared to standard ICSI.
Summary:
- 60 out of 94 azoospermic couples underwent TESE-ICSI between 2004-2006.
- TESE involves retrieving sperm via testicular biopsy under local anesthesia.
- Retrieved sperm were used for intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Impact:
- 100 TESE-ICSI cycles resulted in 39 clinical pregnancies.
- Achieved a 39% pregnancy rate per stimulation cycle.
- TESE-ICSI provides a viable option for azoospermic couples to achieve genetic parenthood.
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The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
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01:38Fertilization
During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
01:23Infertility in Males
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