Summary

Sperm retrieval for use with the advanced form of assisted reproduction, ICSI, is now possible for many men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Men with NOA may have unique genetic defects that should be evaluated prior to an attempt at conception. At New York Hospital-Cornell, 58% of couples have sperm retrieved from the testis with TESE, and 55% of couples achieve a clinical pregnancy using sperm retrieved with TESE, using the advanced reproductive technique of ICSI. Since some couples will not have sperm retrieved with TESE, the potential use of back-up frozen donor spermatozoa should be discussed with couples prior to simultaneous TESE-ICSI attempts.