A 20-something man undergoing the world's first sperm-making stem cell transplant represents a potential breakthrough in treating infertility due to azoospermia, often caused by chemotherapy. Previously tested on animals, the procedure involved implanting the man's harvested stem cells into his reproductive system. Although no sperm has yet been found in his semen, ultrasounds verify normal hormone levels and no testicular damage. If successful, this technique could transform fertility options for many men, particularly cancer survivors who suffered similar issues post-chemotherapy.
'If refined and proven safe, spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation could be a revolutionary fertility-restoring technique for men who've lost the ability to produce sperm,' Dr Justin Houman stated.
The patient was diagnosed with azoospermia, a condition that causes no sperm to be present in his ejaculate and makes it impossible to naturally conceive a child.
Normally, stem cells are capable of developing into various types of cells, and in this procedure, sperm-forming stem cells were transplanted into the man's reproductive system.
Ultrasounds confirmed that the procedure did not damage the man's testicular tissue, but no sperm cells have been detected in his semen yet.
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