Obtaining good quality sperm for in-vitro fertilization, ICSI, or for cryopreservation can be a major problem if a man suffers from medical conditions that preclude normal collection. Major advances in sperm retrieval and preparation techniques have been witnessed in recent years, allowing a better understanding of the contribution of the sperm to a couple's fertility. This Manual is a complete guide to sperm retrieval methods performed for men with azoospermia. Covering all the basic and advanced steps for implementation of these procedures, the Manual includes descriptions of the underlying science along with detailed, practical advice on methods, including tips for optimizing outcomes and trouble-shooting, using an evidence-based approach. This will be an invaluable resource for andrologists, urologists, embryologists, male fertility specialists, gynecologists, and other healthcare workers practising reproductive medicine. It is particularly valuable for reproductive laboratory personnel wishing to refine or develop technique and improve outcomes, and for IVF Quality Managers.

Selecting good-quality sperm for use in in-vitro fertilization is a key step in assisted reproduction. For many years purely morphological attributes have been used to assess suitability, but increasingly biochemical and molecular biological techniques are now identifying sperm with the best chances of producing viable and healthy embryos. Focusing on modern sperm function testing, this manual provides technical details of commonly used tests and gives an overview of the laboratory techniques used to evaluate sperm samples. Covering a variety of testing methods in detail, from manual and computer-assisted semen analysis to zona pellucida binding assays, and tests assessing sperm DNA damage such as the TUNEL assay. Describing the underlying science, practical advice for performing the tests is given, including tips for optimizing outcomes and trouble-shooting. This is an essential guide for reproductive medicine specialists, clinical andrologists, urologists and gynecologists working with sub-fertile men.

This unique textbook - the first of its kind - presents a thoughtful and comprehensive discussion of the significance of varicocele and its impact on male fertility. This hot topic is covered from a multitude of angles in seven thematic sections: origin and pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, medical and surgical therapy, controversies, pro and con debates, and clinical case scenarios. The scope of varicocele includes basic and transitional research, genetics, diagnostic testing with conventional and advanced molecular biology approaches, hormonal control, interventional therapy and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Repair of varicocele, which can be carried out by various methods, not only alleviates oxidative stress-associated infertility but also prevents and protects against the progressive character of varicocele and its consequent upregulations of systemic oxidative stress. Even with the advances in the understanding of this intriguing disease and consensus on some areas such as diagnosis and pathophysiology, substantial controversy still exists, in particular concerning the benefits of treatment and to whom treatment should be offered. Additional chapters discuss, in depth, such controversies surrounding the role of varicocele in male infertility and present clinical case scenarios dealing with management of subclinical and clinical varicocele. A series of editorial comments is provided by the editors at the end of selected chapters, containing an objective and concise summary of the information from each chapter. In addition, chapters open up with key points for quick references and conclude with multiple choice questions and answers for immediate review and retention of the rich content. Generously illustrated, Varicocele and Male Infertility: A Complete Guide represents an invaluable tool for medical students in reproductive medicine as well as researchers and clinicians working in the field of infertility (e.g., urologists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and embryologists) and is comprised of chapters written by leading and internationally recognized clinicians and scientists with expertise in varicocele, skillfully edited by leaders in the field.