Dr. Kavoussi is fellowship trained in the evaluation and medical and surgical treatment of male infertility, including microsurgical expertise in the field required for sperm harvest (microTESE) under certain circumstances.
Dr. Kavoussi was involved in basic science research investigating new technologies on a cellular level to help improve the efficiency and success rates of sperm retrieval in an animal model to ultimately be applied to men without sperm in the semen to allow these couples to undergo IVF with the man’s sperm.
Having a sperm count of zero is not a diagnosis that any man expects to receive; however, it impacts 1% of men in the general
Non-obstructive azoospermia, having a sperm count of zero due to testicular cellular failure in making sperm rather than a blockage, is the most challenging clinical
When one thinks about passing on traits, one often imagines characteristics such as eye color, height, or build. But for fathers, could they also be
A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the veins from the testicle. Fifteen percent of men in the general population and forty percent of men presenting with infertility have a varicocele, and this is the most common correctable cause of male infertility. The varicocele can be repaired through an approximately 1/2 inch incision made in the groin. This is performed as a day surgery and the patient may return to full activity in one week. Seventy percent of men with infertility, abnormal sperm counts or abnormal sperm function, and a varicocele will have improvement in sperm counts/function after varicocele repair. Varicoceles can also damage the DNA inside of the head of the sperm cells with a process known as sperm DNA fragmentation. When men have high percentage of sperm cells with fragmented DNA, the fertilization and pregnancy rates are lower, and higher rates of miscarriage are associated with varicoceles. Varicocele repairs improve the health of the sperm cells and studies have shown higher pregnancy rates after varicoceles are repaired, even if sperm parameters do not improve and levels of reproductive assistance are required, as the healthier sperm cells do a better job fertilizing eggs and help sustain pregnancies. Dr. Kavoussi is fellowship trained in microscopic varicocele surgery and each perform multiple varicocele repairs on a weekly basis. Dr. Parviz Kavoussi was a co-author on a clinical guideline scientific paper on sperm DNA fragmentation and its importance in specific male fertility evaluations, including men with varicoceles.
Dr. Parviz Kavoussi provides care for a large number of men with varicoceles and with azoospermia (sperm count of zero) at Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF. Dr. Kavoussi has contributed a chapter on varicoceles and azoospermia to the Springer published textbook of Varicocele and Male Infertility. In these complex scenarios, it is always recommended that a man with a sperm count of zero without a blockage as the cause, who has a varicocele has that varicocele repaired as 20-40% of these men will have return of sperm to the semen several months after repair of the varicocele. In men who do not have return of sperm to the semen after varicocele repair, and have to go through the next step of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE), a meticulous microsurgical search for sperm in the testicle to be retrieved for use with IVF, the odds of retrieving sperm increase after the varicocele has been repaired. There will also be healthier sperm retrieved with better outcomes with IVF after the varicocele has been retrieved if microTESe is ultimately required.
The American Urological Association (AUA) holds its national meeting annually, and in 2025, the event took place in Las Vegas. This premier conference brings together over
Varicoceles, abnormally dilated veins around the testicle, are the most common correctable diagnosis in infertile men. There have been a large number of studies revealing
A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of veins around the testicle which can cause cellular harm and worsen a man’s fertility. Dr. Parviz Kavoussi recently
It is known that 1% of all men will have no sperm in their semen and 10-15% of infertile men will have no sperm in their semen. In such cases or in cases when a man has a non-surgically correctable blockage not allowing the sperm to reach the semen, there are still options to retrieve sperm that can be used in combination with assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to successfully achieve a pregnancy. There are multiple options for retrieving sperm including percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) where aspiration is performed from the epididymis (the structure connecting the testicle to the vas deferens), microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA), testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) aspirating sperm directly from the testicle, testicular sperm extraction (TESE), and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE).
MicroTESE is a specialized procedure used for men without sperm in the semen who do not have a blockage, but have a sperm production failure. Genetic testing is done prior to the procedure to give us an understanding of what the odds are of finding sperm at the time of sperm retrieval. A precise microsurgical technique is then used to look for possible pockets of sperm production throughout the testicle under the visualization of an operative microscope to find sperm that can be used in combination with IVF. The success rates of retrieving sperm using this procedure are highly dependent on the experience of the microsurgeon. Dr. Kavoussi is specialty fellowship trained in microsurgery to find such microscopic pockets of sperm production to allow these couples a chance to achieve a pregnancy with the man’s sperm with high percentage success rates. The team at Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine has a 71% of retrieving sperm in men undergoing microTESE which has been published in peer reviewed scientific articles, and is as high if not higher than any program that performs microTESE.
One of the most challenging scenarios for infertile couples is what is known as non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). This occurs when there is severe dysfunction in
Non-obstructive azoospermia (having a sperm count of zero due to a failure of adequate production of sperm rather than a blockage), arguably poses the most
Approximately 1% of men in the general population in the United States have a sperm count of zero. It is remarkably common considering that is
Although the traditional semen parameters obtained on a semen analysis are the cornerstone to a man’s fertility evaluation, higher levels of sperm testing are useful in certain situations. Sperm DNA fragmentation is the test that has had enough scientific data to support its use in clinical practice thus far. It has been demonstrated that in men with elevated levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, there may be lower fertilization rates, lower pregnancy rates, and higher miscarriage rates for the couple. The current clinical recommendations are to offer sperm DNA fragmentation testing for couples with recurrent pregnancy losses, men with varicoceles, and in IVF failures with healthy eggs. Dr. Parviz Kavoussi was a co-author on the scientific manuscript used as the clinical guideline for testing and treating men for high DNA fragmentation.
The andrology laboratory at Westlake IVF offer sperm DNA fragmentation testing. To learn more about andrology laboratory services at Westlake IVF.
Dr. Parviz Kavoussi contributed the textbook chapter on surgical, radiographic, and endoscopic anatomy of the male reproductive system in the 11th and 12th editions of Campbell’s Walsh Urology textbook, which is considered the “bible of urology” used for training urology residents as well as the primary reference for practicing urologists. A mastery of this anatomy is paramount to optimize outcomes with the complex, meticulous surgical procedures performed to optimize male fertility outcomes.
Dr. Kavoussi and his team are down to earth, empathetic and there for you. He is very knowledgeable and kind hearted. He remembered my case when I saw him a...
Dr. Kavoussi and his team are down to earth, empathetic and there for you. He is very knowledgeable and kind hearted. He remembered my case when I saw him a month later. His practice is even open on weekends if your IVF journey needs it. This is different than other practices. This practice is worth the price.
Before we found Dr. Kavoussi at Austin Fertility, we felt so overlooked by other doctors. From the very beginning, he completely changed our experience. He is hands down the most...
Before we found Dr. Kavoussi at Austin Fertility, we felt so overlooked by other doctors. From the very beginning, he completely changed our experience. He is hands down the most caring, knowledgeable doctor with the best bedside manner. No matter when results came in – weekends, after hours – he would call me as soon as he could. That level of care is rare.
Every single time I called the clinic, someone answered the phone – something we never experienced at other fertility centers. I felt truly seen and supported by every nurse, and especially by Dr. K. We started our journey with IUIs and eventually moved to IVF, and while the process is long and often overwhelming, Dr. Kavoussi made it feel manageable and even hopeful.
What stood out most is how personalized everything felt. You’re never just a number here – he makes you feel like you’re his only patient. I can’t recommend him enough!
Dr. Kavoussi changed my life – truly. I’ve had debilitating periods since my teens: passing out from pain, missing days of life every month, and developing unhealthy coping habits. For...
Dr. Kavoussi changed my life – truly. I’ve had debilitating periods since my teens: passing out from pain, missing days of life every month, and developing unhealthy coping habits. For years, doctors brushed it off as “normal”, and I started to question myself. That all changed when my current OBGYN (also amazing) suspected endometriosis and referred me to Dr. Kavoussi. She emphasized how skilled he is at excision while protecting fertility – something very important to me as we plan for children.
From our first meeting, Dr. Kavoussi was clear, calm, and deeply knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand, and just as importantly, he listened. I live abroad, and he went above and beyond to accommodate my limited time in Austin. During surgery, he discovered I had stage 4 endometriosis with organs fused together. What was planned as a 1.5-hour procedure turned into 4 hours, because he took the time to do it thoroughly and right. He kept my family updated every step of the way, and they were raving about him before I even woke up.
Recover was remarkably fast – two days in, I already felt better. Within two weeks, I was back to normal, only without the monthly agony. Four cycles later, I can say with confidence: the pain is gone. No side effects. Just a completely different life. If you’re struggling and haven’t been taken seriously, Dr. Kavoussi is the one to see.
Dear both Dr. Kavoussi’s and everyone at AFRM – Thank you for helping us bring our beautiful little baby into the world. A friend of mine who recommended you all...
Dear both Dr. Kavoussi’s and everyone at AFRM – Thank you for helping us bring our beautiful little baby into the world. A friend of mine who recommended you all told me “there’s a great team of doctors in town who specialize in IVF” and she went on to tell me about the great experience she had with your clinic. After we came to your office for the first time, it was clear to me that we were meant to work with y’all, and the kindness, warmth and sense of humor we always felt when at AFRM just confirmed all of what we had heard along the way. Thank you for all you do, and your encouragement & patience as we navigate this amazing journey. We will be forever grateful!!
Great place. They are so professional and kind. We had a great experience. The facilities are well staffed and every time we went, we were encouraged to ask questions. The...
Great place. They are so professional and kind. We had a great experience. The facilities are well staffed and every time we went, we were encouraged to ask questions. The medical team spent so much time with us, making sure we had all our questions and concerns answered. They followed up each visit and we feel we received personalized care. We got the results we wanted 😉
Very professional and detailed staff. Had my vasectomy done and doc was very clear in his procedure. Helped me feel confident and comfortable with his professionalism. Had zero pain during...
Very professional and detailed staff. Had my vasectomy done and doc was very clear in his procedure. Helped me feel confident and comfortable with his professionalism. Had zero pain during and after and officially got the green light of no more swimmers. Would definitely recommend this team.
AFRM offers multiple financing options to help you start your family. Whether you need help paying for IVF or Egg freezing, our financing partners are there to help.
3 locations around Austin Texas to serve your fertility needs.
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