“You have small testicles,” Dr. Cheng’s words resonate over a year later following my initial exam, “which is commonly associated with a lack of sperm production.” My experience with Dr. Cheng is limited to male infertility and IVF, although he does cover other urology specialties.
How did you first hear of Dr. Cheng?
My wife and I bore a son in 2020, then suffered a miscarriage in early 2022. We struggled to conceive again before being referred to Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA). Dr. Emily Osman ran blood work on us both and a semen analysis on myself. While our blood work was fine, my “SA” revealed no sperm – a big, fat zero. I was referred to RMA Basking Ridge’s Urology department for further examination. The ultrasound and exam confirmed no blockages or obstructions.
Why did he appeal to you as a physician?
He’s direct and to the point. While he does not sugarcoat, he is empathetic. As my wife and I continued this journey, Dr. Cheng proactively reviewed procedures, their risks & outcomes, etc.
How long had you experienced your condition before seeing him?
Since we had two conceptions, Dr. Cheng explained that following my consecutive bouts of COVID and a tick-borne disease in summer 2022, the two fever-inducing illnesses were “insults to [my] testicles”. When a man gets sick, sperm production is less essential and is halted. However, it should return in 3-6 months. After more semen analyses, seven months following the latter fever, Dr. Cheng recommended a microTESE procedure – sperm extraction surgery. He shared that because I conceived successfully, there should be quality sperm lingering – and he did; five vials from my left testicle (which hastened the surgery and recovery time).
Did you seek care elsewhere before finding Dr. Cheng?
We visited RMA under Progyny's recommendations, which dramatically reduced our out-of-pocket expenses. RMA’s Urology department scheduled my exam with Dr. Cheng.
What has your experience been like while being treated by Dr. Cheng?
Although the microTESE was successful, two vials did not thaw out correctly and did not fertilize my wife’s eggs. Dr. Cheng recommended a TESA (blind biopsy) procedure while my wife simultaneously underwent a second egg retrieval. Unfortunately, no sperm was discovered.
Dr. Cheng explored options: There were still three vials remaining. He coordinated with another office to ensure a higher success rate. The third vial had a “plentiful quantity” of sperm. (Phrases you never thought you’d utter, but here we are.)
Skipping ahead, thanks to Dr. Cheng, we are expecting a son in early July…and we have two more ready to go if we’d like a third son and a daughter.
Anything else you’d like prospective patients to know?
“You have small testicles” became a meta-joke between my wife and me, which is essential since IVF is stressful and demanding, especially for women. Dr. Cheng ensured that our journey concluded with the happiness of another life. I cannot recommend Dr. Cheng enough for men working through infertility.
Author: D.L. - Peak Men's Health patient
