What Are My Options for Sperm Retrieval?

Posted on January 27, 2026 by root

For many men, the path to fatherhood isn’t always straightforward. When sperm is not present in the ejaculate—whether due to a blockage, prior vasectomy, hormonal issues, genetic conditions, or problems with sperm production—sperm retrieval offers a way to build a family through assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or ICSI. Understanding your options is the first step toward making an informed, confident decision.

Dr. Justin Houman, a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist in Los Angeles, focuses on state-of-the-art and compassionate reproductive care. His mission is to improve men’s quality of life by providing individualized solutions for sexual and reproductive health. For men facing infertility challenges, he offers several advanced sperm retrieval techniques tailored to each patient’s unique condition.

Why Men May Need Sperm Retrieval

Sperm retrieval procedures are commonly recommended for:

Azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate)
Obstructive azoospermia, where sperm is produced but blocked
Non-obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is extremely low
Prior vasectomy or failed vasectomy reversal
Congenital absence of the vas deferens
Spinal cord injuries that prevent ejaculation
Ejaculatory dysfunction due to medical conditions
Genetic disorders that impact sperm production

Roughly 10–15% of couples experience infertility, and male factors contribute to nearly half of all cases. Sperm retrieval allows many of these men to father a biological child even when ejaculate sperm is unavailable.

Microsurgical Sperm Retrieval

Microsurgical sperm retrieval refers to highly specialized techniques used to extract sperm directly from the testes or epididymis. These procedures are especially useful when sperm cannot reach the ejaculate or when the testicles produce only very small quantities.

Microsurgery improves precision, reduces tissue damage, and increases the chances of obtaining viable sperm for reproductive treatment.

What Is TESE? (Testicular Sperm Extraction)

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) is a widely used procedure in which a small amount of testicular tissue is removed and examined for sperm. It is most commonly used for:

Men with extremely low sperm production
Men with blockages preventing sperm from entering the semen
Cases where other methods have not produced usable sperm

During TESE, sperm is carefully extracted from the tissue and then used immediately for IVF/ICSI or preserved for future use. TESE is effective but may require multiple tissue samples to locate viable sperm, depending on the underlying condition.

What Is MicroTESE? (Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction)

MicroTESE is the most advanced and refined method of testicular sperm retrieval. This procedure uses a high-powered operating microscope, allowing Dr. Houman to locate sperm-producing tubules with exceptional precision.

Benefits of MicroTESE include:

Higher likelihood of finding viable sperm
Less removal of unnecessary tissue
Lower risk of damage to the testicles
Best option for men with non-obstructive azoospermia

MicroTESE is considered the gold standard for the most challenging cases. Studies show that MicroTESE offers significantly higher sperm retrieval rates compared to conventional TESE, especially for men with severely impaired sperm production.

Other Sperm Retrieval Options

Depending on your diagnosis, one of these additional techniques may also be considered:

PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) – Retrieves sperm from the epididymis using a fine needle.
MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) – A microsurgical method used when obstructive azoospermia is due to vasectomy or congenital absence of the vas deferens.
Electroejaculation – Used for men unable to ejaculate due to spinal cord injuries or nerve dysfunction.

Each option is selected based on the underlying cause of infertility, sperm production levels, and future reproductive goals.

Why Choose Dr. Justin Houman for Sperm Retrieval?

Dr. Houman is recognized for his expertise in men’s reproductive health and surgical precision. His approach combines:

Board-certified urological training
Men’s Health fellowship specialization
Advanced microsurgical techniques
Personalized treatment plans
Compassionate, discreet care

Patients trust Dr. Houman for his commitment to evidence-based medicine and individually tailored treatment solutions. Whether the cause is hormonal, genetic, or structural, he works to identify the most effective path to sperm retrieval and fertility success.

Take the Next Step Toward Fatherhood

If you are facing infertility, have had a non-reversible vasectomy, or have been diagnosed with azoospermia, options are available—and hope is real. With today’s advanced microsurgical techniques, many men are able to retrieve viable sperm and achieve biological fatherhood.

Contact Justin Houman, MD, in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation and explore the sperm retrieval method best suited to your needs and goals.