cryopreservation Archives - Men's Health Clinic

Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE)

April 4, 2018

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Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE)

Advances in reproductive medicine over the last 10 years have allowed men who were previously considered absolutely sterile to father biological children.

Those advances have come on two fronts. The first was the advent of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

This technological breakthrough reduced the requirement of the number of sperm needed to fertilize an egg from millions to just one sperm per egg. It meant that men with very low sperm counts who could not be improved with other means had a new way of effectively conceiving. It also led us to reexamine our understanding how the testicles function.

It turns out that men who have no sperm in the ejaculate because of problems with sperm production, a condition called Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA), actually may have small pockets of sperm production within the testicle. In fact, greater than 60% of men with NOA actually do produce small amounts of sperm inside the testicle that can be used with IVF/ICSI to create a baby.

Sounds like great news all around, right? Well, the challenge for experts has been to develop techniques that improve the chances of finding sperm inside the testicle and then to create effective strategies to best harvest that sperm IN THE SAME PROCEDURE, for use with IVF.

Extracting that single sperm takes skill and technology

A new surgical technique, called Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction or “Micro-TESE” has been developed to detect sperm in the testicles of men who have poor sperm production.

Because the testicular tubules are microscopic structures, they cannot be distinguished by the naked eye. However, by using an operating microscope to examine the tubules at the time of testicular biopsy, So that the Andrologist can selectively remove the “better” or more normal appearing tubules. He is very aware that there is a higher chance that he will find sperm in “fuller,” more normal tubules than in scarred or fibrotic tubules.

Once the specimens are removed, the tubules are opened in a Petri dish containing sperm wash media and the search for sperm begins by examining the specimens under the microscope. It can take up to five hours to search for sperm in the specimens. This is a very involved and tedious process, but very thorough and important. Once they are found, the sperm are then either incubated and injected into awaiting eggs or frozen for future injection.

This advanced technique allows us to direct the biopsy to the best areas and increase the chance of finding sperm while removing smaller amounts of tissue then a random biopsy, causing less damage.

Micro-TESE can be performed as a diagnostic procedure and if usable sperm are found, then they can be frozen and the couple is recommended to proceed with ICSI. It can also be performed and timed with an egg retrieval/IVF cycle so that the sperm are injected into the eggs without freezing. Freezing the sperm from men with sperm production problems can be difficult since these sperm are usually few in number and don’t thaw well. Therefore the best chance of pregnancy is to use fresh sperm obtained just prior to IVF.

The chance of finding sperm with Micro-TESE is better than 60%. This is twice the chances of finding sperm by non-microsurgical or needle biopsies taken by general urologists.

Male Infertility

December 20, 2017

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Male Infertility

Definition

Up to 15 percent of couples are infertile. This means they aren't able to conceive a child even though they've had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. In up to half of these couples, male infertility plays a role.

Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility.

Not being able to conceive a child can be stressful and frustrating, but a number of male infertility treatments are available.

Symptoms

The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There may be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilated veins around the testicle, or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm causes signs and symptoms.

Although most men with male infertility do not notice symptoms other than inability to conceive a child, signs and symptoms associated with male infertility include:

Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
Recurrent respiratory infections
Inability to smell
Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)
Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality
Having a lower than normal sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or a total sperm count of less than 39 million per ejaculate)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have been unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse or sooner if you have any of the following:

Have erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function
Have pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area
Have a history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems
Have had groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery

Causes

Male fertility is a complex process. To get your partner pregnant, the following must occur:

You must produce healthy sperm.Initially, this involves the growth and formation of the male reproductive organs during puberty. At least one of your testicles must be functioning correctly, and your body must produce testosterone and other hormones to trigger and maintain sperm production.
Sperm have to be carried into the semen.Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis.

There needs to be enough sperm in the semen.If the number of sperm in your semen (sperm count) is low, it decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner's egg. A low sperm count is fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or fewer than 39 million per ejaculate.
Sperm must be functional and able to move.If the movement (motility) or function of your sperm is abnormal, the sperm may not be able to reach or penetrate your partner's egg.

Medical causes

Problems with male fertility can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:

A varicocele is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It's the most common reversible cause of male infertility. Although the exact reason that varicoceles cause infertility is unknown, it may be related to abnormal testicular temperature regulation. Varicoceles result in reduced quality of the sperm.

Treating the varicocele can improve sperm numbers and function, and may potentially improve outcomes when using assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization.

Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis) and some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV. Although some infections can result in permanent testicular damage, most often sperm can still be retrieved.
Ejaculation issues.Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out the tip of the penis. Various health conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation, including diabetes, spinal injuries, medications, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra.

Some men with spinal cord injuries or certain diseases can't ejaculate semen, even though they still produce sperm. Often in these cases sperm can still be retrieved for use in assisted reproductive techniques.

Antibodies that attack sperm.Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to eliminate them.
Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland, or through unknown causes. In some cases, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat tumors can affect male fertility.
Undescended testicles.In some males, during fetal development one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (scrotum). Decreased fertility is more likely in men who have had this condition.
Hormone imbalances.Infertility can result from disorders of the testicles themselves or an abnormality affecting other hormonal systems including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) and other hormonal problems have a number of possible underlying causes.
Defects of tubules that transport sperm.Many different tubes carry sperm. They can be blocked due to various causes, including inadvertent injury from surgery, prior infections, trauma or abnormal development, such as with cystic fibrosis or similar inherited conditions.

Blockage can occur at any level, including within the testicle, in the tubes that drain the testicle, in the epididymis, in the vas deferens, near the ejaculatory ducts or in the urethra.

Chromosome defects.Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter's syndrome — in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome (instead of one X and one Y) — cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic syndromes associated with infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann's syndrome and Kartagener's syndrome.
Problems with sexual intercourse.These can include trouble keeping or maintaining an erection sufficient for sex (erectile dysfunction), premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, anatomical abnormalities such as having a urethral opening beneath the penis (hypospadias), or psychological or relationship problems that interfere with sex.
Celiac disease.A digestive disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten, celiac disease can cause male infertility. Fertility may improve after adopting a gluten-free diet.
Certain medications.Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal medications, some ulcer drugs and certain other medications can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.
Prior surgeries.Certain surgeries may prevent you from having sperm in your ejaculate, including vasectomy, inguinal hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and large abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and rectal cancers, among others. In most cases, surgery can be performed to either reverse these blockage or to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis and testicles.

Environmental causes

Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm production or sperm function. Specific causes include:

Industrial chemicals.Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead may contribute to low sperm counts.
Heavy metal exposure.Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also may cause infertility.
Radiation or X-rays.Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production, though it will often eventually return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.
Overheating the testicles.Elevated temperatures impair sperm production and function. Although studies are limited and are inconclusive, frequent use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily impair your sperm count.

Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time also may increase the temperature in your scrotum and may slightly reduce sperm production.

Health, lifestyle and other causes

Some other causes of male infertility include:

Illicit drug use.Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well.
Alcohol use.Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking also may lead to fertility problems.
Tobacco smoking.Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility.
Emotional stress.Stress can interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including problems with fertility, can affect your sperm count.
Obesity can impair fertility in several ways, including directly impacting sperm themselves as well as by causing hormone changes that reduce male fertility.

Certain occupations including welding or those involving prolonged sitting, such as truck driving, may be associated with a risk of infertility. However, the research to support these links is mixed.

Risk factors

Risk factors linked to male infertility include:

Smoking tobacco
Using alcohol
Using certain illicit drugs
Being overweight
Having certain past or present infections
Being exposed to toxins
Overheating the testicles
Having experienced trauma to the testicles
Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
Having a history of undescended testicles
Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder
Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses, such as sickle cell disease
Taking certain medications or undergoing medical treatments, such as surgery or radiation used for treating cancer

Tests and diagnosis

Many infertile couples have more than one cause of infertility, so it's likely you will both need to see a doctor. It might take a number of tests to determine the cause of infertility. In some cases, a cause is never identified.

Infertility tests can be expensive and might not be covered by insurance — find out what your medical plan covers ahead of time.

Diagnosing male infertility problems usually involves:

General physical examination and medical history.This includes examining your genitals and asking questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that could affect fertility. Your doctor might also ask about your sexual habits and about your sexual development during puberty.
Semen analysis.You can provide a semen sample by masturbating and ejaculating into a special container at the doctor's office or by using a special condom to collect semen during intercourse.

Your semen is then sent to a laboratory to measure the number of sperm present and look for any abnormalities in the shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm. The lab will also check your semen for signs of problems such as infections.

Often sperm counts fluctuate significantly from one specimen to the next. In most cases, several semen analysis tests are done over a period of time to ensure accurate results. If your sperm analysis is normal, your doctor will likely recommend thorough testing of your female partner before conducting any more male infertility tests.

Your doctor might recommend additional tests to help identify the cause of your infertility. These can include:

Scrotal ultrasound.This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images inside your body. A scrotal ultrasound can help your doctor see if there is a varicocele or other problems in the testicles and supporting structures.
Hormone testing.Hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles play a key role in sexual development and sperm production. Abnormalities in other hormonal or organ systems might also contribute to infertility. A blood test measures the level of testosterone and other hormones.
Post-ejaculation urinalysis.Sperm in your urine can indicate your sperm are traveling backward into the bladder instead of out your penis during ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation).
Genetic tests.When sperm concentration is extremely low, there could be a genetic cause. A blood test can reveal whether there are subtle changes in the Y chromosome — signs of a genetic abnormality. Genetic testing might be ordered to diagnose various congenital or inherited syndromes.
Testicular biopsy.This test involves removing samples from the testicle with a needle. If the results of the testicular biopsy show that sperm production is normal your problem is likely caused by a blockage or another problem with sperm transport.

However, this test is not commonly used to diagnose the cause of infertility.

Specialized sperm function tests.A number of tests can be used to check how well your sperm survive after ejaculation, how well they can penetrate an egg, and whether there's any problem attaching to the egg. Generally, these tests are rarely performed and often do not significantly change recommendations for treatment.
Transrectal ultrasound.A small, lubricated wand is inserted into your rectum. It allows your doctor to check your prostate, and look for blockages of the tubes that carry semen (ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles).

Treatments and drugs

Often, an exact cause of infertility can't be identified. Even if an exact cause isn't clear, your doctor might be able to recommend treatments or procedures that will result in conception.

In cases of infertility, the female partner is also recommended to be checked. This can help to determine if she will require any specific treatments or if proceeding with assisted reproductive techniques is appropriate.

Treatments for male infertility include:

For example, a varicocele can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens repaired. Prior vasectomies can be reversed. In cases where no sperm are present in the ejaculate, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis using sperm retrieval techniques.
Treating infections.Antibiotic treatment might cure an infection of the reproductive tract, but doesn't always restore fertility.
Treatments for sexual intercourse problems.Medication or counseling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
Hormone treatments and medications.Your doctor might recommend hormone replacement or medications in cases where infertility is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the way the body uses hormones.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART).ART treatments involve obtaining sperm through normal ejaculation, surgical extraction or from donor individuals, depending on your specific case and wishes. The sperm are then inserted into the female genital tract, or used to perform in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Cancer and Male Fertility

November 27, 2017

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Male cancer, cryopreservation, and fertility

What is the difference between semen and sperm?

This can be confusing since the terms are often used interchangeably in the media and casua conversation.

However, they are very different. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that contain genetic material. A sperm is made up of three main parts: the head, the midpiece, and the tail. Semen is the liquid that is ejaculated and may or may not contain sperm. This liquid is produced by glands in the reproductive system and also contains enzymes and fructose in addition to sperm.

How can cancer treatment affect my ability to have a child?

Chemotherapy or radiation can affect your ability to make sperm or impact the ability of the sperm to fertilize an egg.
The type, location, and duration of the treatment can affect whether those changes are temporary or permanent. For some types of cancer, the reproductive organs are removed or damaged during surgery that is performed to remove the cancer.

Are there options for preserving fertility in men who have been newly diagnosed with cancer?

Yes! Sperm can be collected and frozen for later use before cancer treatment is started. This way, you may be able to have children after your treatment. This process is called
cryopreservation or freezing. The kind of cancer you have and the treatments you will receive can determine what your options are.

What is involved in sperm collection?

For many men, collecting sperm to freeze is a simple, noninvasive procedure. You will be shown to a private room, asked to masturbate to orgasm, and collect your semen in a special container.
A usual semen sample will contain around 5-20 million sperm per milliliter and is able to be divided into several vials for storage. Often, since sperm production is affected by many factors, you may be asked to collect more than one sample. This helps to improve your chances of being able to have a child later.

What if I can’t give a sample?

Some men are unwilling or unable to collect a sample through masturbation. For these men, a special condom may be used to collect semen during intercourse.
Other men have a blockage in their reproductive tract; as a result, no sperm are found in their semen. Sperm can be obtained through various procedures that remove them
directly from the testicle or reproductive tubes located beside the testicles.
Some men may have a condition that causes sperm and some or all of the semen to collect in the bladder instead of being released through the tip of the penis. For those men,
sperm can often be collected from the urine after intercourse.
If a man is unable to ejaculate (release semen durin orgasm), there are options. Sperm can be surgically removed from the testicles and injected directly into an egg in a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

If a man is not able to ejaculate due to spinal cord injury, vibratory stimulation or electroejaculation can be used.

How is sperm cryopreserved?

Once collected, the semen sample is mixed with cryoprotectants. These are liquids that help protect the sperm against damage during freezing and thawing. The sample is then frozen by a slow-cooling method or a flash freezing method called vitrification.

How long can sperm be stored?

Sperm can be stored indefinitely. Sperm that have been frozen for over 20 years have been used to create pregnancies. Testicular tissue cryopreservation Because very few sperm are necessary to fertilize an egg in a dish, it is possible to obtain sperm directly from the testicle. In cases where very few sperm are produced, this may be the best option. Additionally, some patients have
not yet reached a point of puberty where they have sperm in their ejaculate. It is important to note that it will be necessary to have intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) when using testicular sperm.

When a boy has not begun to make mature sperm, options are limited. In some research centers across the world, samples of testicular tissue are removed and frozen. When
it’s time to attempt pregnancy, the tissue is examined for stem cells. Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into many different kinds of cells. The hope is to
isolate these few cells and mature them into functional sperm. So far, animal research is promising and human studies are ongoing. It is important to remember that this is
an experimental procedure and whether it will be successful is not known.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember about fertility preservation is that it should be done prior to any cancer treatment if possible. This will give you the best chance of having usable sperm.