Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
This procedure is performed when sperm is unable to penetrate the membrane that surrounds the egg. Using a very fine needle, the microinjection technique provides the means to introduce a single sperm cell into the cytoplasm of the egg. The course of treatment then follows that of IVF without microinjection.
Today, this technique gives excellent results and enables couples, where the man is deemed infertile, to one day hopefully conceive a child. For instructions on the microinjection of sperm, please consult the Fact Sheets on the subject matter given by the nurse.
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
The procedure is only performed when dealing with In Vitro Fertilization with ICSI (microinjection of sperm). It is performed under local anesthetic, when there is an obstruction of the vas deferens and most often consists of passing a small needle directly into the epididymis. However, making a small incision in the epididymis is sometimes necessary. Sperm is then retrieved and treated, the healthiest sperm is used for IVF microinjection. Instructions on the microinjection of sperm are on Fact Sheets given by the nurse to the patient.
Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESE)
The procedure is only performed when dealing with In Vitro Fertilization with ICSI (microinjection of sperm). It consists in taking sperm directly from the testicles and is performed under local anesthetic. This technique is used when there is a complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate or in the epididymis while the testicles continue to produce sperm. Sperm is retrieved and treated, the healthiest sperm is then used for IVF with microinjection. Instructions on the microinjection of sperm are on Fact Sheets given by the nurse to the patient.
In Vitro Fertilization Using Donor Sperm
In the case where the spouse experiences severe infertility, it is possible to perform In Vitro Fertilization with donor sperm. The process is identical to that of conventional IVF. Instructions on In Vitro Fertilization with donor sperm are on Fact Sheets given by the nurse to the patient.