Advancements in IVF for Transgender Patients

For the first time ever in the United States, a 40-year-old transgender woman who was on gender-affirming estrogen therapy for 18 years has just had sperm identified and frozen using a specialized technique called Extended Sperm Search & Microfreeze (ESSM). The patient had previously undergone a monthly semen analysis for 10 months in an attempt to identify and retrieve her sperm, with no success. But just a week before her vaginoplasty, in late April, she underwent the ESSM procedure in anticipation of having IVF in the next few years.   Fortunately, over 250 moving sperm were found and successfully frozen.  Here to discuss the technique is Dr. Michael Werner, MD, FACS, a board-certified  urologist, Medical Director and Founder of Maze Men’s Sexual & Reproductive Health.  ESSM is bringing noteworthy results to couples dealing with severe male infertility (azoospermia or cryptospermia).  

MICHAEL A. WERNER, MD, FACS

Dr. Werner is a board-certified urologist who received his specialized fellowship training in male infertility and surgery, and male sexual dysfunction at Boston University Medical Center. Dr. Werner completed his urology residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan and received his medical school training at the University of California at San Francisco. He holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from Harvard College.

Dr. Werner’s private practice is limited to male infertility and male sexual dysfunction. He lectures and writes extensively on these topics in medical journals and books. More importantly, his concentration in these areas means he practices the latest and most advanced treatments and surgical techniques, ensuring the greatest likelihood of success for his patients.