Sperm Mapping
Sperm Mapping can determine if there are sperm-producing areas in the testes, and where they are. Maze specializes in Sperm Mapping for patients in Westchester, New York City NYC, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
No Sperm Count?
Sperm Mapping Will Let You Know for Sure.
In fact, studies show that between 43% and 68% of azoospermic men may still have small pockets of active sperm production inside their testicles. These sperm simply never make it into the ejaculate. Through a cutting-edge diagnostic procedure known as Sperm Mapping, Maze Men’s Health can pinpoint exactly where sperm-producing regions exist, allowing for targeted retrieval and eliminating the need for unnecessary invasive surgeries.
At Maze, under the direction of Michael A. Werner, MD, a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained male infertility specialist, we offer Sperm Mapping for patients across Westchester, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. This procedure has changed how azoospermia is diagnosed and treated, offering men answers that previously required surgery to obtain.
Sperm Mapping: Is It Right for Me?
Sperm Mapping—also called testicular fine needle aspiration (FNA) mapping—is a diagnostic procedure designed to locate areas within the testes that continue to produce sperm, even when none appear in the semen. The test is valuable because the testes are heterogeneous, meaning sperm production can vary significantly from one small area to another. A man may have broad regions producing no sperm at all, while other tiny sections are still active.
During a Sperm Mapping procedure, multiple fine needle biopsies are performed in a grid-like pattern across both testes. Each sample is labeled according to its location and examined under a microscope by an expert andrologist. The result is a “map” showing precisely where sperm production is occurring. If sperm-producing areas are identified, these locations can later guide a minimally invasive retrieval procedure during IVF or ICSI, increasing efficiency and success rates.
If no sperm are found, the result is equally valuable—it confirms that sperm are not being produced anywhere in the testicles. This saves the patient from unnecessary open testicular surgery and prevents couples from investing in costly, emotionally draining IVF cycles that would have no chance of success.
For patients who live outside the New York area, Maze offers a streamlined two-day process: consultation and mapping can be completed during the same visit, with results reviewed via phone or virtual appointment.
Understanding the Diagnosis: Obstructive vs. Nonobstructive Azoospermia
Men with no sperm in the ejaculate fall into two main categories. The first is obstructive azoospermia (OA), where sperm are produced normally but are blocked from reaching the semen. Obstructions can occur in several places along the reproductive tract, including the vas deferens (the muscular tube carrying sperm), the epididymis (the structure that stores and matures sperm), or as a result of surgical repairs such as hernia or hydrocele correction. These cases are often treatable through reconstructive microsurgery, allowing sperm to reach the ejaculate again.
The second category is nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), in which the problem lies in sperm production itself. Some men with NOA produce no sperm at all, while others make very small numbers that never exit the testes. The first step for men with NOA is to identify and treat any underlying causes such as varicoceles or hormonal abnormalities. Once these factors are addressed and sperm production is maximized, Sperm Mapping becomes an invaluable next step to determine whether any active sperm-producing regions exist within the testicles.
Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction (micro-TESE)
Traditionally, men with nonobstructive azoospermia underwent a procedure called microscopic testicular sperm extraction, or micro-TESE. In this technique, the patient is placed under anesthesia, and the testes are surgically opened. Using a high-powered operating microscope, the surgeon removes small pieces of tissue from various areas of the testes, searching for regions that appear more likely to contain sperm.
An embryologist examines each tissue sample during the procedure to identify any viable sperm. If sperm are found, they can immediately be injected into eggs retrieved from the patient’s partner during an IVF cycle, using a process known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The advantage of micro-TESE is that sperm retrieval and fertilization occur at the same time, eliminating the need for multiple procedures.
However, the downside is significant: if no sperm are found, the man has undergone invasive surgery unnecessarily, and his partner has completed a full IVF cycle in vain. This is why many couples now choose Sperm Mapping before committing to surgery or IVF—it provides clear answers first, without the physical or emotional toll of a failed cycle.
Sperm Mapping: A Smarter, Less Invasive Alternative
The Sperm Mapping technique, developed by Dr. Paul Turek, offers a far less invasive way to locate sperm production within the testes. It is performed in an outpatient setting and requires only local anesthesia. After the area is numbed, the testes are gently positioned against the skin, and a small grid pattern is drawn to guide sampling. Using a very fine needle, the clinician takes small aspirates—usually around eighteen per side—which are placed onto labeled slides for microscopic analysis.
Each slide corresponds to a specific area of the testes, allowing the laboratory to build a precise map of sperm-producing regions. If sperm are identified, this information guides targeted sperm retrieval later on, often through a much simpler and less invasive procedure than micro-TESE. If no sperm are found in any area, it is strong evidence that the man produces no sperm at all, and more aggressive procedures can be safely avoided.
Because Sperm Mapping is performed before any IVF cycle, couples gain crucial insight before undergoing ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. When sperm are found, the chances of success in later procedures are excellent. Studies show that if sperm are found in one or two mapping sites, sperm will be successfully retrieved about 81% of the time in a follow-up procedure. If multiple sites show sperm, success rates rise to 90%, and when all biopsy sites are positive, sperm are retrieved 98% of the time.
The main disadvantage of Sperm Mapping is that a second procedure is needed later to collect the sperm for use in fertilization. However, for men with no sperm production, this process spares them from unnecessary surgery, protects testicular function, and saves their partners from enduring IVF cycles with no realistic chance of pregnancy.
Why Choose Maze for Sperm Mapping
Because Maze specializes exclusively in male and sexual health, our patients receive a level of focus and expertise rarely found in general fertility centers. We tailor every evaluation to your individual situation, coordinate seamlessly with your partner’s fertility team, and ensure that you understand every option—from medical treatment to sperm retrieval and assisted reproduction.
If you’ve been told you have no sperm count, Sperm Mapping could be the test that changes everything. It may confirm that your testes still produce sperm and that you have the potential to father a biological child. Contact Maze Men’s Health today to schedule a consultation or learn more about Sperm Mapping. Whether you’re local to Westchester or traveling from out of state, we can arrange your evaluation and results quickly, discreetly, and efficiently.
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.