Sperm Extraction Procedure

When both a standard semen analysis and an extended sperm search do not yield any sperm, a new state-of-the-art infertility procedure, offered exclusively as Maze, often successfully finds and freezes sperm. Maze specializes in FNN-TSA for patients in Westchester, New York City NYC, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

Maze’s Groundbreaking Sperm Extraction Procedure (GN-SEM)

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At Maze Men’s Health, our team—led by Michael A. Werner, MD, FACS, a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained male infertility specialist—offers one of the most advanced infertility breakthroughs available today: Grid Needle Sperm Extraction & Microfreeze (GN-SEM). This cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique is offered exclusively at Maze for men across Westchester, NYC, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and has helped many couples achieve pregnancy when all other sperm retrieval methods failed.

The Challenge: When No Sperm Are Found in the Ejaculate

For men diagnosed with azoospermia—no sperm visible in the semen—even advanced testing like a standard semen analysis or Extended Sperm Search & Microfreeze (ESSM) may occasionally show no results. Historically, the next step was an invasive micro-TESE (microscopic testicular sperm extraction), which can involve surgical incisions and potential damage to testicular tissue.

GN-SEM offers a dramatically less invasive alternative, combining diagnostic mapping and sperm retrieval in one streamlined procedure.

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The Innovation: Sperm Mapping + ESSM = GN-SEM

GN-SEM (Grid Needle Sperm Extraction & Microfreeze) merges the diagnostic precision of Sperm Mapping with the therapeutic power of ESSM—allowing our specialists to locate, extract, and preserve live sperm in one procedure.

  • Traditional Sperm Mapping uses a grid drawn on the scrotal skin to guide a series of micro-aspirations (fine-needle biopsies). Each site is analyzed on a slide to identify where sperm might exist.
  • ESSM then isolates and freezes motile sperm using advanced microscopic search and microfreezing techniques.

GN-SEM eliminates the need for two separate procedures. Instead of sending tissue to pathology slides (where sperm die during preparation), Maze places aspirates directly into sperm-friendly medium, examines them under ESSM, and freezes any viable sperm immediately—preserving fertility potential the same day.

How GN-SEM Works

Mapping & Aspiration

A grid pattern is drawn across the scrotum. Fine needles collect small samples from mapped testicular sites.

Live Sperm Search

Instead of being killed on pathology slides, the aspirated fluid is placed into sperm-friendly media and examined under ESSM for living sperm.

Immediate Preservation

Any motile sperm discovered are individually isolated and micro-frozen for use in future IVF/ICSI cycles.

No Surgery Required

This needle-based method is performed under local anesthesia, causing minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime.

In one procedure, we both diagnose sperm presence and procure viable sperm—without surgical cutting, stitches, or operating-room recovery.

Who Benefits from GN-SEM

GN-SEM is ideal for men who:

  • Have azoospermia and no sperm found in standard semen analysis or ESSM.
  • Wish to avoid invasive surgery such as micro-TESE.
  • Previously had failed sperm retrieval attempts and want a second chance through a less traumatic option.

At Maze, ESSM alone identifies sperm in 44% of azoospermic men. For those who still show no sperm, GN-SEM provides another opportunity to locate and preserve them—often with success.

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Why Maze Leads in Advanced Sperm Retrieval

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Dr. Michael A. Werner is one of the nation’s foremost experts in male infertility and microsurgery. He is the only specialist in the US performing both the ESSM and GN-SEM procedures in-house. His experience diagnosing and treating thousands of men since 1994 has allowed Maze to perfect these innovative, fertility-preserving techniques.

Our lab’s expertise in microscopic sperm isolation and cryopreservation ensures that even a single viable sperm can be preserved for IVF with ICSI, offering hope to couples once told they had none.

About Dr. Werner and Maze

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About Dr. Werner

Dr. Michael Werner is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist with decades of experience helping men and women improve their sexual and reproductive health. Known for his compassionate care and expertise in advanced treatments, Dr. Werner has been a trusted leader in men’s health, infertility, and sexual wellness for over 25 years.

About Maze

Maze Sexual & Reproductive Health is a leading medical practice specializing in men’s health, women’s health, sexual medicine, and reproductive wellness. With a team of expert clinicians and a patient-first approach, Maze has built a reputation for providing compassionate, cutting-edge care designed to restore confidence, intimacy, and overall well-being.
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Maze facility

Our state-of-the-art facilities in Westchester, NY, and New York City offer a warm and welcoming environment where patients receive world-class care in comfort and privacy. With on-site diagnostic testing, advanced treatment options, and a collaborative clinical team, Maze provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services under one roof.

Areas served

Maze proudly serves patients across Westchester County, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Many patients travel regionally and nationally to see our specialists because of our expertise in sexual medicine, infertility, and reproductive health. Whether in person or via telemedicine, we make world-class care accessible to patients near and far.
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Patient Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the no-scalpel vasectomy take?

About 20 minutes; most patients say the recovery is easier than a dental procedure.

Same day if you only used nitrous (no oral meds). If you took oral meds, arrange a driver.

It’s a tiny opening—no stitches—and often hard to find afterward.

Reversal is possible but not guaranteed. Consider this permanent; some patients bank sperm before.

Many plans reimburse most or all costs. Our team handles claims and pre-authorization.

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