Technologies to improve sperm retrieval in men undergoing micro-TESE for NOA

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Urology
• Andrology

Background:

• Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a primary cause of male infertility, posing significant challenges for assisted reproduction.
• Current treatments, including microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE), have limitations in sperm retrieval and subsequent pregnancy success rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review emerging technologies aimed at improving outcomes for men undergoing micro-TESE.
• To identify advancements that can increase sperm retrieval yield and enhance pregnancy and live birth rates.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of scientific literature on technologies applied to micro-TESE.
• Analysis of studies investigating novel sperm retrieval techniques and adjunct therapies.
• Evaluation of data on sperm yield, fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates.

Main Results:

• Micro-TESE offers the highest sperm yield for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) in NOA patients.
• Suboptimal success rates necessitate further technological advancements.
• Various technologies are under investigation to optimize micro-TESE outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Improving micro-TESE success rates is crucial for men with NOA seeking biological fatherhood.
• Continued research and technological innovation are essential to enhance sperm retrieval and reproductive success.
• Future advancements hold promise for improving fertility outcomes in challenging cases of male infertility.