The Male Fertility Unit
Director: Prof. Gil Raviv
Director of the sperm bank: Dr. Micha Baum
Person in charge of the laboratory:
Yelena Koitel
Office Manager: Karin Alboim Schneider
Contact:
Sunday to Thursday, 8:00-15:00
Appointments for the sperm bank/ sperm freezing/ sperm test: 03-5302804
Email: sperm.bank@sheba.gov.il
Fax: 03-5309818
Laboratory: 03-5302991 (Sunday-Thursday, 12:00-13:00)
Laboratory fax: 03-5308046
Laboratory email: pirion.hagever@sheba.health.gov.il
Laboratory secretary phone: 03-5302804
Laboratory secretary fax: 03-5354334
To make an appointment with Prof. Gil Raviv:
Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00-15:00
Phone: 03-5302804
Email: Mirp.Ivf@sheba.health.gov.il
Location:
Department of Gynecology and Maternity Center, 1st floor
The Male Fertility Unit has a wealth of expertise in addressing male fertility issues, and holds the distinction of conducting the greatest number of diverse surgeries and treatments on a global scale.
Our clinic specializes in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of male fertility issues. If a problem necessitates treatment of the individual’s partner, such as insemination or IVF, we will refer you to our IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) unit. This allows us to coordinate your treatment, as a couple, under one roof, in collaboration with fertility doctors across different units.
Our clinic also provides care for individuals with spinal injuries, paraplegics and quadriplegics, utilizing electrical stimulation to help them produce sperm.
We employ advanced surgical techniques in cases where the extraction of sperm directly from the testicle is necessary. For obstructive issues, a procedure known as Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) is performed. In the event this proves unsuccessful, a diagnostic testicular biopsy called Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) is conducted, with the aim of isolating sperm cells.
Thanks to today's innovative fertilization methods, fertilization can be performed even if a single sperm cell is found, using a method called micromanipulation (ICSI), whereby the sperm is injected directly into the egg.
If sperm production is normal but the fertility problem arises from psychogenic or nervous factors that hinder sperm ejaculation, electrical stimulation can assist. The technique, known as EEJ (Electro Ejaculation), aids in the successful release of sperm.
Our clinic also performs varicocele surgeries and all other surgerical procedures aimed at enhancing fertility.
Andrology Laboratory services
Sperm quality test
A sperm test is a crucial factor in determining male fertility and can be conducted at a relatively early stage during fertility evaluation for couples. Within the male fertility laboratory, we carry out tests to evaluate sperm quality in compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and under international quality control on behalf of the ESHRE organization, headquartered in Sweden.
When evaluating sperm quality, we take into account the following factors: concentration, motility and morphology (normal shape). Additionally, the sample is visually inspected to assess color, viscosity and acidity (pH). In the laboratory, additional tests are performed to examine sperm quality. These include a vitality test to assess the percentage of dead sperm cells in the semen sample and a fructose test, to rule out obstruction or congenital defects in the seminiferous tubules.
Sperm enhancement
This procedure involves washing the sperm and preparing it for intrauterine insemination (IUI). Enhancements are performed for both fresh samples and samples frozen in a sperm bank.
Analysis of testicular biopsies
Following a testicular biopsy, a histological evaluation is carried out to distinguish between a blockage of the sperm ducts and a disturbance in the sperm production process, known as spermatogenesis.
