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Male Reproductive Surgery

UCSF Center for Reproductive Health works closely with the Urology Department and Reproductive Urologists in particular to treat male factor infertility.

The team specializes in the full range of microsurgical procedures and medical treatments currently available for male infertility. Once the diagnostic evaluation is complete, one or more options are chosen to treat the infertile male.

Problems with the male anatomy can often be treated effectively with surgery while medical conditions and the need to enhance sperm production can sometimes be treated using medical therapy. Any treatment may be expected to have an effect on semen quality roughly 3 months after it is started, as this is the length of time required for a single cycle of spermatogenesis (sperm production). If neither surgical nor medical therapy is appropriate, assisted reproductive technologies are available.

In choosing a treatment plan, consideration should be given to the couple's long term goals and financial constraints and the results of the female partner's evaluation in addition to male factor findings.

Meet Our Director

James F. Smith, MD, MS

Dr. Smith received his undergraduate training from the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained a degree in molecular biology with high honors. He then enrolled in the University of California's Joint Medical Program, a partnership between Berkeley's School of Public Health and San Francisco's School of Medicine where he earned a master's degree in health and medical science in 2000 and a medical degree in 2002. Smith completed his general surgery and urology training at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, returning to the University of California, San Francisco as an Andrology Fellow in 2007 for advanced clinical and clinical research training in male reproductive and sexual health under the guidance of Tom Lue, MD and Ira Sharlip, MD.  In 2009, he was awarded a K12 MRHR (Male Reproductive Health Research) grant to continue his investigation into male reproductive health.