Posthumous sperm retrieval

A medical procedure involving the retrieval of sperm from a deceased individual for reproductive purposes

Posthumous Sperm Retrieval

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique that can be used with posthumously retrieved sperm.

Posthumous sperm retrieval (PSR) is a medical procedure that involves the extraction of sperm cells from a deceased male for the purpose of reproduction. This procedure is typically considered in cases where the deceased had expressed a desire to have children or where the surviving partner wishes to conceive a child using the deceased's genetic material.

Procedure

The process of posthumous sperm retrieval usually involves several steps:

Consent and Legal Considerations

Before the procedure can be performed, it is crucial to address the legal and ethical considerations. Consent from the deceased prior to death or from the next of kin is typically required. The legal framework surrounding PSR varies by jurisdiction, and it is important to ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Timing

The timing of sperm retrieval is critical, as sperm viability decreases rapidly after death. Ideally, the procedure should be performed within 24 to 36 hours post-mortem to maximize the chances of obtaining viable sperm.

Retrieval Techniques

There are several techniques for retrieving sperm posthumously:

• Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA): A needle is inserted into the epididymis to aspirate sperm.
• Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): A small incision is made in the testis to extract tissue containing sperm.
• Electroejaculation: Electrical stimulation is used to induce ejaculation, though this method is less commonly used posthumously.

Use in Assisted Reproductive Technology

Once retrieved, the sperm can be used in various assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, which can be particularly useful when dealing with limited or compromised sperm samples.

Ethical and Moral Considerations

The use of posthumous sperm retrieval raises several ethical and moral questions, including:

• The rights of the deceased and their autonomy in reproductive decisions.
• The welfare of the potential child and the implications of being conceived posthumously.
• The rights and desires of the surviving partner or family members.

Related Pages

• Assisted reproductive technology
• In vitro fertilization
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
• Bioethics