Male Fertility and Sperm Retrieval
Parenthood is a life-changing event. Interestingly, most people take it for granted that pregnancy will occur when the time is right. Unfortunately, 10-15% of Canadian couples desiring a child will be impacted by infertility.
Generally speaking, the father’s role in reproduction is rarely considered, as most of the attention is focused on the mother’s well-being. However, when problems with conception arise, both partners need to be examined.
Men in their reproductive years often feel uncomfortable discussing their body in a clinical context. They are typically less emotionally prepared to receive a diagnosis of infertility than their female partners.
When it comes to infertility treatments for men, many misconceptions persist to this day. The good news is that PCRM is available to answer all of your questions.
Once a month, PCRM brings in local urologists Dr. Victor Chow and Dr. Kenneth Poon for one-on-one consultation sessions. Male infertility accounts for a significant percentage of the couples coming to PCRM.
Fatherhood involves many preconceived notions about masculinity. A man’s inability to impregnate his partner often leads to anxiety and unwarranted feelings of inadequacy.
Dr. Chow’s advice reflects that of PCRM: Never give up. Testing and treatment are readily available. Talking to an expert will put your mind at ease.
It is important to remember that any number of factors may contribute to a low sperm count, and each dictates a unique course of action. Some of these factors may include:
- A hormonal disorder such as Hyperprolactinemia or Hypothyroidism
- Lifestyle choices like smoking or excessive alcohol use
- Physical abnormalities including varicocele (an enlargement of spermatic veins) or torsion (a twisted testicle inside the scrotum)
- Infection or disease
- Excessive stress
PCRM has the right facilities, equipment and specialists on hand to help provide an accurate diagnosis and optimal results.
PCRM is the only clinic in British Columbia set up for fresh Microsurgical Testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE). The Micro-TESE procedure is a method of obtaining sperm from men with no sperm in their ejaculate (azospermic). With the use of an operating microscope, testicular tissue is removed and analyzed and sperm is extracted. While it is a more common procedure to freeze sperm, typically sperm numbers are very low from these procedures, using the fresh retrieved sperm maximizes the number of sperm available for fertilization. At PCRM, we coordinate both the Micro-TESE procedure with the egg harvest to provide fresh eggs and sperm.
When it comes to securing their family’s future happiness, men should not waste time second-guessing themselves. Be sure. Chances are, it is not the frequency with which you ride your bike that is negatively impacting your reproductive efforts. Our fertility experts will correctly assess your situation, alleviate your concerns and put you on a path towards pregnancy.
PCRM is an established male infertility clinic. Check our services page for more information on how we can help.
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About the PCRM Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.