Couple Conceives Despite Spinal Cord Injury

The next step is for the woman to go through fertility treatment called in vitro fertilization (IVF).  A fertility clinic takes the sperm and fertilizes the egg in a laboratory.  The embryo is then returned to the woman’s uterus.

 “Despite the devastating physical damage to the body from SCI, these men can be very fertile,” said Dr. Turek.  "Ejaculation is a spinal reflex and it is my job to stimulate the reflex.  This procedure has been very successful and can help fulfill the hopes and dreams of many couples who want to have their own child.” 

Carl went through the electroejaculation procedure with Dr. Turek and Larissa received IVF treatment at the Pacific Infertility Clinic in San Francisco. They found out a few weeks ago that Larissa is pregnant and due in July.

“ I first saw this option as impersonal and not the way to have a baby at all,” stated Carl Richardson.  “However, we learned so much about how life begins– much more than most couples who conceive the old-fashioned way.  We are still amazed and grateful this option was available to us.” 

This Christmas will be one to remember since The Richardsons plan to break the happy news about their pregnancy to the entire family on the morning of December 25.

About The Turek Clinic

The Turek Clinic is a next-generation men's healthcare medical practice specializing in issues facing reproductive age men, including male infertility, vasectomies, vasectomy reversal, varicocele repair, and other minimally invasive procedures. The practice was founded by Dr. Paul Turek, a leading surgeon and former endowed chair professor at the University of California San Francisco in May, 2008. Dr. Turek's work combines innovative and cutting edge techniques with the wisdom of old-world medicine to treat and solve the problems of men ages 21 to 55 years of age. For more information visit www.TheTurekClinic.com.

Male Fertility Treatment after Spinal Cord Injury Success