Infertility (Male)

The Department of Urology offers a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services for men suffering from male infertility.

At the core of the program’s effectiveness are an arsenal of highly advanced equipment and an expert team of physicians and staff members, led by urologist David Shin, M.D., who are both knowledgeable and sympathetic to the needs of patients suffering from problems of such a delicate nature. We perform a variety of corrective techniques for patients with low sperm count. We also work closely with a variety of other experts to help couples achieve their ultimate goal – parenthood.

Diagnostic Tests

• Thorough evaluation – experts will gather information on a variety of issues to develop an accurate account of the patient’s fertility history
• Semen analysis – semen samples are tested to assess the amount and quality of semen produced by a man who is experiencing infertility. If any abnormalities are detected in the semen analysis, your physician will order further testing of the blood, urine, and semen.
• Physical examination – a comprehensive physical exam will be performed to reveal any anatomical abnormalities that hinder sperm development or sperm’s progress through the reproductive tract.

Treatments

• Sperm aspiration – if the male partner’s low sperm count is a result of a blockage in the reproductive system that prevents sperm from being ejaculated, our fertility experts can perform microscopic surgery to retrieve sperm from the testes (two organs in the scrotum that produce and store sperm) or epididymis (tube through which sperm travels after it has left the testes) to be used in in vitro fertilization procedures.
• Sperm cryopreservation – a state-of-the-art technique that involves freezing of sperm samples for use in future in vitro fertilization of the partner’s egg. The procedure enables the same specimen to be used in multiple in vitro fertilization attempts, if necessary, to achieve a pregnancy.
• Varicocelectomy – surgical correction of varicocele, a common cause of infertility, whereby dilated veins in the scrotum hinder the development of sperm. During the outpatient procedure, the dilated veins are tied off.
• Vasectomy reversal – For men who have previously undergone vasectomy, the two ends of the vas, a tube through which sperm travels during ejaculation, can be reattached to each other during a technologically advanced microsurgical procedure.