Using the MESA Procedure to Retrieve Sperm for IVF

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) is a surgical procedure that precedes in vitro fertilization (IVF). It may be appropriate for some men for whom a vasectomy reversal alone won’t result in pregnancy. The vas deferens may be absent because of a congenital defect, or it might be significantly damaged by scar tissue from physical trauma or surgery. For these men, the MESA procedure gives them hope of becoming fathers.

The vasectomy reversal surgeon can perform this operation at around the same time as the female partner’s ovulation. Or, MESA may be done ahead of time. The sperm can be preserved for later use in IVF. During the procedure, the surgeon uses an operating microscope to extract sperm directly from the epididymis. Since extracted sperm are generally not as mature as they otherwise would be, the IVF cycle may need to be performed with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Let Dr. Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal answer all of your questions about treating male infertility. Call (941) 894-6428 to request a consult with our vasectomy reversal surgeon in Sarasota.