Extended Sperm Search
& Microfreeze (ESSM)
Maze specializes in Extended Sperm Search & Microfreeze (ESSM) treatment for patients in Westchester, New York City NYC, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
- Maze’s Unique Approach
- A Life-Changing, Non-Invasive Procedure
- Who Should Have ESSM?
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How ESSM Works:
Step-by-Step - Why ESSM is Performed Before Any Surgical Procedures
- ESSM + Sperm Mapping
- ESSM on Surgically Retrieved Sperm (SRS) Specimens
- Why Choose Maze for ESSM
- About Dr. Werner and Facility
- Patient Stories
- Videos
Maze’s Unique Approach
Turning “No Sperm” Into New Possibilities — Exclusively at Maze Men’s Health
At Maze Men’s Health, we understand how devastating it can feel to be told that there are no sperm in your semen. But that diagnosis doesn’t always mean infertility.
Through our Extended Sperm Search & Microfreeze (ESSM) technique, we have helped hundreds of men once diagnosed with azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate) to successfully find and preserve viable sperm for use in IVF/ICSI.
ESSM is a revolutionary, non-invasive laboratory procedure—developed and performed exclusively at Maze—that detects and freezes tiny numbers of sperm invisible to conventional testing. In fact, 44% of men diagnosed with azoospermia are found to have sperm through ESSM.
We proudly serve patients from Westchester County, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and welcome men from across the country seeking this one-of-a-kind breakthrough.
A Life-Changing, Non-Invasive Procedure
“I wanted to share the good news… my wife is currently 12 weeks pregnant! We appreciate all the dedication and support you and the entire Maze team gave us throughout the process.”
— ESSM patient, New York
In a standard semen analysis, technicians examine only a few microscopic fields under the microscope—just a small sample of the total specimen. If no sperm are seen in that limited view, the report reads azoospermia.
But the Extended Sperm Search & Microfreeze expands the search exponentially.
At Maze, our trained andrologists divide the entire semen specimen into thousands of 5-microliter droplets spread across specialized slides. Using high-powered microscopes (up to 1000× magnification), they spend hours meticulously scanning every droplet for movement. Any sperm that are identified—sometimes as few as one or two—are gently isolated and placed on a specialized freezing device called a SpermVD (Sperm Vitrification Device).
The SpermVD is engineered to freeze sperm in ultra-small droplets of protective medium, rather than the large volumes used in traditional freezing. This results in:
- 90–95% post-thaw survival (compared to 40–50% with conventional methods)
- Easier identification of sperm during IVF cycles
- Faster use during egg retrieval, optimizing fertilization outcomes
- The ability to preserve even a single viable sperm for future use
This process allows Maze to locate sperm in many men who were told it was impossible—giving couples renewed hope and a real path toward pregnancy.
Who Should Have ESSM?
ESSM is recommended for any man who has been told his semen contains little or no sperm. That includes those diagnosed with:
- Azoospermia: No sperm observed on a standard semen analysis. In 44% of cases, Maze finds and freezes viable sperm through ESSM.
- Cryptozoospermia: Only trace sperm found after centrifugation or in a pellet. Nearly all men with cryptozoospermia have a successful ESSM result.
- Severe Oligozoospermia: Extremely low sperm concentrations (<1 million/mL). ESSM helps identify and preserve every viable sperm.
Men who have undergone prior vasectomy reversal, experienced testicular injury, or have conditions like varicocele, hormonal imbalance, or Y-chromosome microdeletions may also benefit from ESSM.
Because it’s completely non-invasive, ESSM can be repeated multiple times over a few months, allowing Maze to capture sperm as production fluctuates naturally over time.
How ESSM Works: Step-by-Step
- Specimen Collection
The patient provides a semen sample in our laboratory or at home (under specific conditions). The specimen is carefully processed to preserve sperm motility and viability. - Sample Preparation & Micro-Scanning
The sample is divided into hundreds to thousands of micro-droplets, each no larger than a pinhead. Using high-magnification microscopes and differential interference contrast (DIC) optics, our andrologists spend up to 6–8 hours examining the entire specimen—far longer than typical IVF labs. - Identification of Sperm
Any motile sperm—even if only partially moving—are meticulously located and aspirated using micro-tools under sterile, temperature-controlled conditions. - Microfreezing on SpermVDs
The retrieved sperm are placed individually or in pairs on SpermVDs, then cryopreserved using micro-volume freezing, which protects sperm structure and ensures over 90% survival after thawing. - Storage & Coordination with IVF Centers
Frozen sperm can be stored indefinitely. When ready for IVF/ICSI, the sperm are thawed and easily identified by embryologists, making the fertilization process smoother and more efficient.
This intricate process—performed only at Maze—turns a routine lab visit into a potentially life-changing fertility opportunity.
Why ESSM is Performed Before Any Surgical Procedures
“ESSM should always be performed before considering surgical sperm retrieval.”
— Michael A. Werner, MD, FACS
Before recommending procedures like sperm mapping or micro-TESE, Dr. Werner and his team advocate performing ESSM. Surgical retrievals, though sometimes necessary, involve anesthesia, incisions, and potential testicular damage. ESSM provides a risk-free first step to identify hidden sperm in the ejaculate that standard analyses miss.
If no sperm are found, ESSM provides valuable diagnostic information that guides the next step—such as Sperm Mapping, GN-SEM, or Micro-TESE—with greater precision and reduced invasiveness.
ESSM + Sperm Mapping: The Least Invasive Path to Finding Sperm
For men whose ESSM results show no sperm, Maze offers the next-generation combination: Sperm Mapping with ESSM, also known as Grid Needle Sperm Extraction & Microfreeze (GN-SEM).
In this hybrid technique, fine needle aspirates are systematically collected from the testes following a mapped grid pattern. Instead of sending tissue to pathology slides, Maze places the aspirated fluid into sperm-friendly media and immediately performs an ESSM on it.
Any sperm found are instantly frozen on SpermVDs, achieving both diagnosis and treatment in a single session.
This method avoids the need for micro-TESE surgery, shortens recovery, and preserves testicular tissue while still allowing sperm to be used for IVF/ICSI.
ESSM on Surgically Retrieved Sperm (SRS) Specimens
In cases where sperm must be surgically retrieved, Maze enhances success rates by performing an ESSM on the collected tissue. Unlike IVF labs, which may have limited time to process samples, Maze’s andrology team devotes 6–8 continuous hours to identifying viable sperm within testicular or epididymal tissue.
We then use the same SpermVD microfreezing technology to:
- Maximize sperm survival rates after thawing
- Simplify future identification for IVF teams
- Coordinate directly with egg retrieval timing to use fresh or frozen sperm
This approach is valuable for men undergoing:
- Micro-TESE (microscopic testicular sperm extraction)
- GN-SEM (Grid Needle Sperm Extraction & Microfreeze)
- MESA (Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
- Testicular removal for cancer (fertility preservation)
- Gender-affirming surgery (testicular tissue preservation)
Why Choose Maze for ESSM
- Exclusive to Maze in the United States — no other fertility lab offers this advanced sperm search and freezing technique.
- 44% success rate in azoospermic men; nearly 100% success in cryptozoospermia.
- 90–95% post-thaw sperm survival using microdroplet vitrification.
- Led by Michael A. Werner, MD, FACS — a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained expert in male infertility and microsurgery.
- State-of-the-art laboratory equipped with high-resolution optics, micro-manipulation tools, and cryopreservation systems.
- Compassionate, personalized care for couples facing infertility backed by decades of Maze expertise.
How to Become a New Patient
Schedule a Free Phone Consultation
Your journey begins with a quick, confidential phone call with one of our Patient Care Coordinators. We’ll discuss your symptoms, explain what to expect, and schedule your first appointment at a convenient location.
Complete Your Intake Forms
Before your visit, you’ll receive secure online forms to share your medical history, medications, and goals. This helps our providers prepare for your evaluation and design a tailored plan from day one.
Comprehensive First Appointment
Your initial consultation lasts 45–60 minutes and includes a detailed review of your medical, sexual, and lifestyle history, lab testing (including hormones), and discussion of both physical and psychological factors that may be contributing to delayed ejaculation.
Begin Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, we’ll create a customized plan that may include medications, hormone therapy, behavioral techniques, or desensitization exercises—all designed to improve function, pleasure, and confidence.
About Dr. Werner and Maze
About Dr. Werner
About Maze
Maze facility
Areas served
Patient Stories
Our deepest thanks for your support in our fertility journey
We want to express our deepest thanks for your support in our fertility journey.
We are still very much in the throes of our family building story, but as we reflect back on the last year, the moment we stepped into your office is one of our biggest turning points. We were terrified, and your guidance, reassurance, and compassion during a time of extreme uncertainty for us meant more than words can express. That moment when you let us know that having biological children would be a possibility for us will hold a special place in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
Your ability to create an atmosphere of comfort and understanding sets a benchmark in patient care that is truly unparalleled.
L, NY
I deeply appreciate the efforts you and your staff have made...
Maze has created an experience of gaining insight and comfort with and acceptance of, my post surgical sexual self.
Based on my experience with Maze, I would highly recommend you, your clinicians and staff, to others — your approach and quality of concern and support (and determination!) have been hugely valuable.
A, NJ
I have been a patient for almost 10 years...
If you want to go to an office where everyone there is encouraging, helpful, and sincere then Dr. Werner and staff is the place for you. I have been a patient for almost 10 years and never did I think it was about money for his operation.
They have always gave me clear information and guided me through any procedure or process I was working through. I would recommend this office to anyone that needs help!
SR, NY, 49
I could not recommend Dr. Werner and his great team more highly!
I have been seeing Dr. Werner and his fine staff for a few years now and simply put-its the best medical care I’ve ever experienced. Due in large part to the guidance and healthcare I’ve experienced here I feel like the best version of myself at age 41. I could not recommend this Dr. Werner and his great team more highly! Thank you all for what you do!!
JC, NY, Age 41
I Wish I Could Give Them More Stars!!
This is an amazing place!!!! Not only is Dr. Werner great, but the entire staff is incredible. They have completely changed my life for the better. Only wish I had known about them sooner. I wish I could give more stars!!!
David, NY, Age 39
I am in great, knowledgeable, and experienced hands.
Excellent care and follow up by Dr. Werner and Nick. As a doctor myself, I feel I am in great, knowledgeable, and experienced hands. A+
A, NY, Age 44
To state that Dr. Werner saved my life, would be an understatement!
I have been under his care for almost a decade during which he guided me through successful Peyronies treatment, a penile fracture, erectile dysfunction, and in the end, a life beyond my wildest dreams. Dr. Werner, Nick, Paul, Rima, and his entire staff, have spent so much time investing in my physical health, in an effort to not only solve medical problems, but to maximize my overall quality of life.
Dr. Werner is beyond a great practitioner. He’s a great man. His balance of exemplary knowledge, comprehensive treatment, humor, and individualized patient care, has far exceeded any expectation that I have ever had for a doctor. This is to say that Dr. Werner has always treated me as a human being, first. Therefore, his understanding of the person whom he treats, in addition to only the most sound scientific research, makes his work life-altering.
Over the past 10 years, I have continually peppered his staff with questions and concerns, as I have always felt the need to stay educated. Backed by tremendous patience and humility, Dr. Werner has never made me feel like a number. I feel grateful that I found his office, years ago. To that end, I no longer consider him, Nick, or Paul, mere practitioners, but dear friends. I owe much, if not all of my progress over the last few years, to MAZE MENS HEALTH.
Alix B, NJ, Age 51
Dr. Werner and team are knowledgeable, confident and really care about you as an individual!
My first impressions of Dr. Werner: smart, caring, confident, warm. He really listened to me and demonstrated a high level of confidence that he could help me. He understood the impact my symptoms were having on my life and didn’t minimize them. Paul (therapist) and Kristy (exercise physiologist) were also professional and inspired both calm and confidence.
I was initially referred to Dr. Werner for ED and began using a combination of medication and penile injections. Once Dr. Werner found the right dose for me, I was able to get the best erection I had had in over six months. I later developed Peyronie’s Disease as well. I was fortunate that Dr. Werner had significant experience treating Peyronie’s Disease, as he was able to assess me and recommend Xiaflex injections. While treating my Peyronie’s, Dr. Werner also suggested I begin Shockwave Therapy to further help my ED. Since completing both treatments, not only has my Peyronie’s seen dramatic improvement, but my ability to get an erection has improved 95%!
I feel very positive about my experience with Dr. Werner and Maze. These are good people and they are good at what they do. They understand the problem, treat you with respect and take your concerns seriously. I can’t imagine there’s any sexual health issue Dr. Werner would not be able to help you with! If you do consider coming to Maze, it’s important to stick with it and remember that these are medical issues and results do not happen overnight. I was incredibly nervous when I came in for my first appointment, but Dr. Werner has created an environment and a team at Maze that will immediately put you at ease.
Additionally, you and your partner must be on the same page since treatment is a process and requires both patience and good communication. I’m happy to say my wife and I have seen tremendous benefits, becoming even more communicative and closer as a couple throughout this process. Two years ago, I never would have believed coming in for treatment would have changed our relationship so positively.
D, PA, Age 69
Bottom line is that Dr. Werner and all the staff were wonderful!
Very impressive and professional medical practice. Top staff, rigorous process, timely service and excellent follow-up. There is also a positive and vibrant demeanor projected by everyone in the office that I have not seen in other places. There is extensive testing that can get pricey for out of network patients, but cannot argue with the treatment process, quality and results. Bottom line is that Dr. Werner and all the staff are wonderful!
AP, NY, Age 63
The word I would use for Dr. Werner is “thorough."
In 2009, I came to see Dr. Werner for erectile dysfunction, but I was having symptoms for ten years before I got here! I had seen many other urologists, but they just couldn’t figure it out. When I found Dr. Werner, all that changed.
I was very impressed with the caring and knowledge he possesses. He really went out of his way to find out everything that was a piece of my issues. The word I would use for Dr. Werner is “thorough.”
He discovered that I had low testosterone as well as erectile dysfunction. Once I started treatment he had me come in every 4-6 months to check my numbers and regulate me. Together, we found the right treatment cocktail, and my issues were resolved within 4-6 weeks!*
If you ever feel, at any point in your life, that there is a problem, seek help immediately!
A, NY, Age 47
Dr. Werner combines thoroughness with panache.
Dr. Werner combines thoroughness with panache. I feel like his care is totally comprehensive and I feel total confidence that no details will be missed. I have very high standards and he more than surpassed them all.
R, NY, Age 59
Dr. Werner helped us start a family. We will always be extremely thankful.
How are you, Bat Sheva, and Dr. Werner? We hope all of you are doing well and I’m sure helping people move towards sexual wholeness.
We’re doing really well. Our little miracle from God, Anna Joy, is almost 5 months old now!! She is rolling over, babbles a lot, and has the cutest toothless smile. Stan and I absolutely adore her and marvel every day that God gave us this amazing little girl to take care of. We’re so blessed.
We will never forget how Dr. Bat Sheva, and Dr. Werner played such a vital role in our journey towards parenthood. We will always be extremely thankful to God for you.
Please send our love to them.
S & J, NJ
Most compassionate, friendly doctor.
I have been a patient of Dr. Werner’s for over 21 years and he is the most compassionate, friendly doctor I have ever met.
I look for his advice even outside of his specialty. The same can be said for Nick and all of the staff at Maze.