Extended Sperm Search and Microfreeze (ESSM) is a revolutionary procedure that can detect sperm in previously diagnosed azoospermic men. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and has found sperm in upt to 44% of cases. Here’s a break down of the process and equipment we use in our lab to perform this procedure. THE INVERTED MICROSCOPE …
Continue ReadingThe Results Are In: Sperm Found in 37% of Azoospermic Patients
We’re proud to have just completed a very successful Year 1 of performing Extended Sperm Search and Microfreeze (ESSM) procedures at Maze Health. We have worked with a wide variety of patients this year and are excited to share some of our outcomes. What is ESSM? ESSM is a revolutionary semen evaluation and processing technique …
Continue ReadingSlow Freeze versus Microfreeze
Male Infertility: Why Microfreeze is Superior to Slow freezing for Low Sperm Counts The successful freezing and thawing of reproductive tissue first occurred in the 1950s. The method implemented then, which we now refer to as ‘slow freezing’, is still utilized in every reproductive laboratory today. The method combines 2 protective aspects, which work together …
Continue ReadingSuccess After Microfreeze! (Extended Sperm Search & Microfreeze)
Our Extended Sperm Search and Microfreeze program, also known as ESSM, saw our first patients in November 2019. This program was designed to: Detect sperm in cases of virtual azoospermia- a sperm count too low to be detected on a standard semen analysis. This is typically a total sperm count below 200 (0.0002 million). Isolate …
Continue ReadingWhat is a Semen Analysis and what are the basic tests involved?
Couples having trouble conceiving will likely be advised to evaluate the male partner’s fertility by getting a semen analysis test. This noninvasive test measures the quantity and quality of semen and sperm. This isn’t a thrilling prospect for most men because the actual process is a little awkward and the possibility of having a fertility …
Continue ReadingFertility Treatment: How to Catch a Good Swimmer
When performing an Extended Sperm Search and Microfreeze procedure, sperm are collected using a modification of the techniques used during an ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) procedure. In ICSI, a micropipette- a needle thinner than a human hair- is used to draw up a single sperm and inject it into an egg. The primary criteria used …
Continue ReadingThe Male Experience of Infertility Treatment
As a woman sitting down to write a blog post about male infertility, I started by turning to my old stand-bys: the fertility blogs and research sites I frequent regularly for up to date information. I found myself 3 pages deep before I found even one post about men: a dry explanation about what a …
Continue ReadingThe anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric
As we age, we have more aches, pains, and inflammation throughout our body. Certain foods, especially in the fruits and vegetables category, have been shown to help fight inflammation and disease. One spice that has been highlighted recently is turmeric, which is commonly used in Asian food, especially curry. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a …
Continue ReadingExercise May Be Linked to Sperm Quality
Most people know that diet and exercise are important for our health, and every month more studies are published showing how our lifestyle choices significantly impact our body systems. A new study published in Human Reproduction found that men who engaged in the most physical activity had the highest sperm motility, which is defined as …
Continue ReadingTo Increase Fertility, Go Nuts!
A recent study has shown that including nuts in a regular western diet significantly improves fertility in men by improving the quality and function of sperm. The duration of the randomized trial was 14-weeks, and was comprised of young healthy men between the ages of 18-35 years-old. The intervention group added 60 grams, or about …
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