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Surgical sperm retrieval
- Dedicated male infertility consultants
- State-of-the-art investigation techniques
- Over 23,000 babies born with us
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MALE FERTILITY TREATMENT AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
We understand how much it means to want to start your family. That’s why our male infertility specialists are dedicated to giving you an exceptional level of individual care.
You’ll be treated by a team of experts including experienced nurse practitioners, and your consultant will work with a dedicated urologist to ensure your surgery has the highest possible chance of success. Our decades of experience in treating male infertility, combined with state-of-the-art treatments and surgical techniques, mean you’ll always be in the best possible hands.
You’ll be treated by a team of experts including experienced nurse practitioners, and your consultant will work with a dedicated urologist to ensure your surgery has the highest possible chance of success. Our decades of experience in treating male infertility, combined with state-of-the-art treatments and surgical techniques, mean you’ll always be in the best possible hands.
There’s a condition called azoospermia that affects about 1% of men. It means your ejaculation doesn’t contain any sperm, so your viable sperm need to be extracted directly from your body before they can be used to fertilize an egg.
We can surgically retrieve viable sperm either from your epididymis, which is the structure next to your testicle, or from your testicle itself.
There are two different ways to retrieve sperm from your epididymis:
There are two different ways to retrieve sperm from your epididymis:
- PESA (Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration): This is the simplest procedure. A fine needle is inserted into your scrotum under local anaesthetic and then used to extract your sperm.
- MESA (Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration): This procedure is recommended when PESA isn’t possible, hasn’t worked, or there’s an obstruction that needs to be surgically corrected. An operating microscope is used to locate and extract viable sperm directly from your epididymis and can sometimes also repair any obstruction. You’ll need to be under general anaesthetic when this happens.
Your retrieval surgery might be planned in advance so your sperm can be frozen after extraction, ready for use in a future fertility process. We can also time your surgery so it happens at the same time as an egg is collected, so the fertilisation process can begin straightaway.
Your consultant and your urologist will help you understand the options and timings that are best for you.
Your consultant and your urologist will help you understand the options and timings that are best for you.
This procedure can be done in one of four dedicated fertility clinics so you can be confident that the strictest clinical protocols are being observed.
4
specialist fertility locations
10+
dedicated fertility consultants
35+
years since we opened our doors
All in one place
Our main clinic is linked to the HCA UK hospital network, with all tests and procedures carried out onsite
State-of-the-art in-house labs
All necessary tests are expertly processed in our outstanding in-house labs
Exceptional, personalised care
Be looked after in one of the UK’s leading private fertility centres, offering personalised care and a wealth of fertility specialists
SURGICAL SPERM RETRIEVAL
What to expect
We understand that your fertility journey is a personal and emotional one, and that any related surgery can be a cause for concern. You’ll be treated with consideration and care by dedicated male infertility consultants, trained to help you at every stage of the process. They can answer any questions or concerns about your treatment, and you’ll always be kept informed, so you can take this important step with total confidence.
01
Initial consultation
When you first talk to your consultant, they’ll ask you about your medical history, which might include your family’s medical history, any illnesses you’ve had, any medications you’re taking and your overall health and lifestyle.
You’ll also have a detailed physical examination, including your reproductive organs.
You’ll also have a detailed physical examination, including your reproductive organs.
02
Tests and scans
Your consultant may order a number of different tests to help determine the best possible treatment, such as:
A semen test - You’ll be asked to provide a semen sample at one of our clinics, and it’ll be examined to see if you have azoospermia and could benefit from surgical sperm retrieval.
Blood tests - These will check the levels of hormones associated with sperm production, and screen for any abnormalities or infectious diseases.
Scans - Your consultant might order ultrasound scans to assess the condition of your testicles and epididymis prior to your retrieval surgery.
03
Referral to a urologist
If your consultant decides that surgical sperm retrieval is the right course of treatment, you’ll be referred to one of our dedicated urologists. They’ll discuss the specifics of your test results, and decide which surgical option is likely to be the most effective way to extract viable sperm.
04
Individual treatment plan
Your consultant and urologist will put together a treatment plan designed around your specific medical circumstances. That plan will also consider other factors in your fertility journey, such as the timing and availability of eggs, any treatment a partner is having, and other details particular to you.
Where can I have treatment?
You can access our specialist male fertility services at dedicated clinics in London and Beaconsfield. From your initial consultation through to any tests and treatment, your expert team will provide one-one-one care throughout.
Lister Fertility Clinic
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital
First Floor 215 Great Portland Street W1W 5PN London
Lister Fertility Clinic at The Beaconsfield Clinic
Little Hall Barn Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JW Buckinghamshire
Lister Fertility Clinic at The Shard
The Shard Outpatients St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Lister Fertility Clinic at Canary Wharf Outpatients
40 Bank Street Canary Wharf E14 5NR London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our fertility treatments can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll provide you with a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQ
You should be able to secure an appointment with one of our male fertility specialists within 24 hours.
Yes, you can. We have both male and female fertility consultants available, so you can make your appointment with a specialist that you can feel comfortable with.
Surgical sperm retrieval can involve different methods and procedures depending on your specific circumstances and the treatment we recommend. To get a more detailed idea of costs, get in touch and we’ll be able to talk you through your options.
The HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) inspects all our clinics to assess their compliance with regulations and standards and gives them a rating. This is to help you choose your clinic based on the quality of its services.
Our Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital and The Lister Fertility Clinic both hold a top HFEA inspection rating of 5/5.
Our Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital and The Lister Fertility Clinic both hold a top HFEA inspection rating of 5/5.
Our patients’ stories
Alice and Aaron's fertility treatment
After being told they’d never have children, Alice and Aaron turned to the Lister Fertility Clinic. They now have a beautiful two-year-old daughter.
“My experience with the Lister Clinic was incredible. All of the staff are fantastic. They are incredibly knowledgeable and understanding and always there to support you!”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.