578. From Zero Sperm to Solo Motherhood: Two Paths to Parenthood

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains what happens when a semen test shows no sperm at all. He describes how blood tests and an ultrasound show whether the cause is a blockage, such as a vasectomy, or a problem with sperm production in the testicle. He also explains how modern microsurgery can often find small pockets of sperm, even in a testicle thought to be inactive. Prof Chapman then turns to single women using donor sperm, who now account for around 12 to 14% of IVF cycles in Australia. He covers the counselling process, why telling the child is now the norm, and why a small, dedicated donor support team makes all the difference.