Sperm Aspiration IVF
Some men do not produce sperm at all or only in insufficient numbers
Even when sperm doesn’t appear in the ejaculate, it is possible to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or the epididymis.
Sperm aspiration can serve as an alternative to vasectomy reversal.
What Is Sperm Aspiration?
Sperm aspiration is a procedure that collects sperm directly from the epididymis (tightly coiled tubules attached to the top of the testes that store the sperm before ejaculation) or testicle when very few or zero sperm are present in the ejaculate.
At Bay IVF, the urologist and our embryology team work together during the retrieval so that viable sperm can be used immediately in your partner’s IVF cycle.
Who Might Need It?
You may be a candidate for sperm aspiration if you have one or more of the following:
- A prior vasectomy with a low chance of reversal.
- Blockage of the tubes carrying sperm (obstructive azoospermia) or absence of vas deferens.
- A very low sperm count, poor motility, or morphology that prevents normal fertilization.
- Previous IVF attempts where sperm could not fertilize or the numbers were insufficient.
During your urologist consultation, your semen analysis and medical history will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate retrieval method for you.
Our Approach at Bay IVF — Personal, Transparent, Supportive
- Collaborative team care: Your urologist performs the retrieval, while our embryology lab stands by ready to assess sperm viability and coordinate with your partner’s egg retrieval.
- Tailored retrieval method: The urologist will choose from epididymal aspiration, testicular aspiration (TESA), or other techniques depending on your condition.
- Seamless integration with IVF/ICSI: Because retrieved sperm is often few in number or of low motility, we pair it directly with IVF + Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to maximize fertilization success.
- Clear communication: We’ll walk you through the process, timeline, cost implications, and recovery — you’ll know what to expect.
What the Process Looks Like
Here is a simplified overview of how sperm aspiration and subsequent IVF/ICSI would work at our clinic (your plan will be personalized):
- Consultation & review – We evaluate your semen analysis, potential blockages or production issues, your partner’s fertility profile, and set realistic expectations.
- Scheduling sperm aspiration & egg retrieval – Often, the sperm aspiration is scheduled to coincide with your partner’s egg retrieval so embryos can be created in the same cycle.
- Sperm aspiration procedure – The urologist retrieves sperm via needle or small incision under sedation and local anesthesia; the tissue/fluid is immediately handed to the embryologists. This is typically a straightforward outpatient procedure performed at an outpatient surgery center.
- ICSI fertilization – Because sperm may not be motile or numerous, each egg is injected with a single sperm in the lab to maximize fertilization.
- Embryo culture & transfer – The embryos are grown, selected, and transferred into the uterus per your personalized treatment plan.
- Support & follow-up – We monitor early pregnancy and coordinate the hand-off to your OB/GYN when appropriate.
Considerations & Key Questions
It’s important to understand both the opportunities and the realities:
- Success still depends on multiple factors: egg quality, uterine health, lab protocol, sperm health — retrieving sperm bypasses one barrier but does not guarantee outcome.
- Retrieval method varies: Some men may need a more extensive procedure (TESE/micro-TESE) if aspiration alone is insufficient.
- Cost & logistics: Retrieval adds procedural cost, and coordination with the IVF cycle is critical.
- Frozen sperm backup: We often freeze retrieved sperm for future use, reducing the need to repeat the sperm aspiration.
Why Bay IVF Is Right for This Journey
- Boutique, expert-led clinic in Palo Alto with personalized care.
- Team experienced in male-factor treatments and in synchronizing sperm aspiration seamlessly with IVF/ICSI.
- Transparent discussion of procedures, cost, timeline, and realistic expectations.
- Local Bay Area access, not a large impersonal chain.
In situations where patients had to use a sperm donor in the past, we will now almost always be able to use the partner’s sperm.
Take Your Next Step
Your journey starts with a conversation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Call or text us at 📞 650 322 0500 to schedule your in-person or a complimentary video consultation with Dr. Polansky.
- You will review your male fertility profile (semen analysis, urology history).
- Review how the IVF + ICSI cycle would be planned, visit count, timeline, and cost.
- Get your questions answered in a warm, private, no-pressure setting.
You’re not alone — we’re here to partner with you. We’re ready when you are.
Meet Your Doctor
- Dr. Polansky received his medical diploma from Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, in 1978.
- After completing his OB/GYN residency at Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, he graduated from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship at Stanford University in 1985.
- In the same year, he co-founded the Stanford IVF Clinic.
- Dr. Polansky obtained board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1986 and became REI subspecialty board certified in 1988.
- In 1987, he left Stanford University and established Nova IVF.
- In 2011, he founded Bay IVF, where he provides advanced fertility treatments with a holistic approach, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques.
- Dr. Polansky personally performs ultrasound examinations, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and ovarian and endometrial stimulations for his patients.
- He is deeply committed to his patients and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Frank Polansky, M.D.
Initial Appointment Questions
When you call to schedule your consultation, one of our Front Office Coordinators will ask you a short series of simple questions regarding your reproductive history. You will also have an opportunity to ask any financial questions.
This is Erica
She will be providing you with exceptional support throughout your treatment journey at Bay IVF.
Your Initial Visit at Bay IVF
A new patient appointment at a fertility clinic can be stressful. Our goal is to make your initial visit as friendly and relaxing as possible. We encourage you to ask questions at every step of the process to make you feel comfortable and informed.
When You Arrive
You will be welcomed by one of the clinic’s receptionists. One of our nurses will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure.
Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Polansky will ask you a series of clarifying questions and then provide you with a summary of the factors contributing to your infertility.
Ask Your Questions
You will then have a discussion with him about the most suitable reproductive treatment(s) for you. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Exam Room
One of the nurses will escort you to an examination room. Your examination will begin with listening to your lungs and heart.
Ultrasound of the Ovaries
The next step is a pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound will help determine the number of antral follicles present within the ovaries.
Financial Part
After that, you will discuss the financial aspects of your treatment with one of the financial advisors, including potential financing options.
Support 24/7
If you have any questions after leaving the clinic, please feel free to reach out to us by phone, text, or email. Open and discreet communication is an integral part of the care we provide at Bay IVF.
What About Time?
Your entire visit is expected to last approximately one hour.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With Dr. Polansky
Online (no cost) or In-Person
Call or Text Us: Call or text us at 📞 650 322 0500
You can also complete the form below to request your initial consultation.Let’s talk about your next step