Extended Sperm Search & Microfreeze (ESSM)

An email to Dr. Werner & the ESSM team at Maze (Dec. 2023):

During this time of gratitude and reflection, we didn’t want to let the year end without reaching out to express our deepest thanks for your support in our fertility journey this year.

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. Your ability to create an atmosphere of comfort and understanding sets a benchmark in patient care that is truly unparalleled.

We look forward to continuing on this path toward a transfer (fingers crossed for next month!) and hope to have many more milestones to celebrate, but September 28, 2023—the day of Josh’s TESE, when you were able to 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.

We look forward to keeping you updated as we make more progress, but in the meantime, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your work so far.

UPDATE, Dec. 2024: 

We just wanted to follow up and let you know that Josh and I welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby boy on October 26 at 8 lbs, 9 ounces!

During this season of reflection and gratitude, we wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU for your help in bringing our baby boy into the world. We are so grateful to you all for changing the course for us, and helping to make this dream a reality.

J&L

My wife and I traveled from Slovenia to New York a few years ago to undergo the Extended Sperm Search procedure at Maze. At that time, they were able to find 13 sperm cells, which I subsequently imported to the EU.

During this process, the Maze team also helped our local clinic learn more about their methods, leading to a more efficient sperm cell search at their facility. Thanks to Maze’s expertise and support, they were able to find additional sperm cells, and after seven years of struggle, we are now holding our own child in our arms.

This incredible journey would not have been possible without the Maze Labs team and their dedication. I am truly grateful for everything they have done.

I wish you all the best and hope you continue your amazing work, as it has the power to change lives.

With love from Slovenia!

I want to say a special thank you to you and the team. Chaya, both you and Dr. Werner were so patient with my husband.

We started our journey in the fall of 2018  and you guys have been there all the way. He gave up on having children since he was over 50, but the team was always giving me hope. Even when we received zero sperm from a regular donation. Dr. Werner found another way for us to use the extended sperm search method and found the best of the best. Now we are here holding our precious gift. Here is our munchkin… 4.2.2023.

A million thanks are only the tip of the iceberg. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

–NY, 50 –

We have been trying to conceive for over ten years now and honestly we were close to the end of the road before we came to Maze. I have done sperm analyses over fifteen times in four different countries. All with the same disappointing result; azoospermia. After every test I took I would wish for at least one sperm to be found just as a sign of hope but I was always told there is nothing. I have been to the top urologist in this country and their only solution would be a surgery. My wife and I were against the surgery unless we have exhausted all other options.

I say faith brought us to you. I did the test in the morning in Manhattan and was expecting a call the next day or two as usual with the usual disappointing news of azoospermia. I remember getting a call later that evening from a New York number and did not even think it was you. I answered that call that changed our life for the better. I remember you telling me that, “I have good news for you, we were able to freeze over 40 sperm.” and I could not believe my ears. I remember asking you if you’re sure you called the right person!!! It was the greatest news I had ever received in my life to say the least. I did a few more tests with positive results to ensure we have enough just as a safety net even though you told me it’s enough to conceive.

I’m glad to announce that this year we had a beautiful baby boy after a few failed IVF procedures who is the center of our lives now. I ultimately hope that you are able to reach as many people as possible with your innovative techniques and dedication to your skills. Your emotional support was beyond what we expected and much appreciated. This is only a fraction of our gratitude for you and your facility for everything you have done for my family.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts…

– FK, 37 –

“I was told I was azoospermic after going to several well-known fertility centers in the tri-state area. I then came to Maze Laboratories for a standard semen analysis, which also showed zero sperm count. However, after having Maze’s ESSM lab test, 42 sperm were recovered and safely stored. In collaboration with the IVF lab, my wife and I are happy to say that 7 healthy embryos were developed!”

– J, 37 –

Had a diagnosis of cryptozoospermia, so was optimistic about the likelihood of success with having a testicular biopsy on the day of egg retrieval. Unfortunately, there was no sperm found in the tissue, and his partner froze her eggs. His urologist referred him to Maze. ESSM identified sperm in every sample, and they now have healthy embryos ready for transfer.

C (39, NY)

Had multiple semen analyses in multiple centers, all of which showed azoospermia. He had an extended sperm search at another center (using a different protocol). On only one occasion they found small numbers of sperm, that he was told were too poor quality for ICSI. ESSM identified 10 times more sperm, consistently on multiple visits. K is now the father of a beautiful baby boy. 

K (36, NJ)

Had two TESEs and in both cases was told there was no sperm. He came to NY for a second opinion and was referred to Maze for ESSM as a prerequisite to considering additional surgery. He is now planning IVF in NY with the sperm identified and frozen in ESSM. 

F (35, Canada)

A transwoman who wanted to consider fertility preservation before surgery. Uncomfortable with stopping hormones completely, she worked with her doctor to lower her doses and come in for ESSM. She was able to freeze adequate sperm to move on with her transition. 

G (27, CA)

He was frustrated- there was always sperm in his semen analysis, but no motility. While he worked with Dr Werner to try and improve his overall reproductive health, he wasn’t able to move on with IVF. ESSM was able to identify very small numbers of moving sperm that the semen analysis didn’t, and isolate them for IVF. M is now the father of a beautiful little girl.

M (52, NY)

He had some vials of frozen TESE, but there were so few sperm in each vial that it took hours for the IVF lab to find enough for ICSI. They referred him for ESSM in hopes of finding enough to be able to choose the best quality sperm for ICSI, instead of the only one they could find. ESSM recovered 5 times more sperm per vial, enough for 5 sperm per egg.

R (36, NY)