Surgical Sperm Retrieval

Step 1: Informed consent

Before the procedure can be done, the patient must have a detailed discussion about the operation with the treating Doctor and informed consent must be obtained.  

Step 2a: Out-patient SSC 

Your SSC will be conducted by a specialist Doctor, a Fertility Nurse and an Embryologist in one of Fertility North’s private treatment rooms.     

Following application of a numbing cream, a local anaesthetic is administered to the area, allowing a small sample to be collected using a fine needle.  This sample is assessed for the presence of sperm, and once confirmed, the sample may be frozen for future use.  

Step 2b: In-patient SSC 

Your SSC will be conducted by a specialist Doctor within an operating theatre at Joondalup Private Hospital.     

Under a general anaesthetic, a small incision is made allowing a small sample to be collected from the epididymis or testicle.  This sample is assessed for the presence of sperm, and once confirmed, the sample may be frozen for future use.  

Step 3: Post-operative

The degree of discomfort following your procedure will be related to the degree of difficulty in finding and retrieving sperm. Generally, the more invasive the collection technique, the greater the post-op tenderness. This is generally controlled with simple pain relief and 24 – 48 hours of resting, avoiding strenuous physical activity or direct testicular pressure.