Male infertility treatment · Thanjavur

Surgical sperm retrieval

When there are no sperm in the ejaculate, or ejaculation is not possible, sperm may be collected directly from the testis or epididymis and used for ICSI.

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Open: Mon – Sat: 8:30 am – 5:00 pmSunday: by prior appointment only
Find us: Dean Complex, Maris Corner, Thanjavur

Dr. Sangeetha BalamuruganFertility Specialist & Reproductive Medicine Specialist

Two surgeons operating under theatre lights

About surgical sperm retrieval

Surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) refers to procedures that collect sperm directly from the male reproductive tract, from the epididymis or the testis. It is used when sperm cannot be obtained from the ejaculate, most often in men with azoospermia.

The retrieved sperm are used for ICSI, in which a single sperm is injected into each egg, and may also be frozen for later use. At Skanda Fertility & Women's Health Centre, Thanjavur, the choice of procedure is guided by the man's evaluation and the likely cause of azoospermia.

Types of sperm retrieval

Depending on the cause, procedures may include:

PESA: percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, using a fine needle
MESA: microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration
TESA: testicular sperm aspiration, using a fine needle
Other techniques, when appropriate

The most suitable procedure depends on whether the azoospermia is obstructive or non-obstructive, and on the findings of the evaluation.

Who may need surgical sperm retrieval?

Sperm retrieval may be considered in situations such as:

Obstructive azoospermia, such as after a vasectomy or because of a blockage
Congenital absence of the vas deferens
Some cases of non-obstructive azoospermia
Ejaculation problems, when other methods are not suitable
Spinal cord injury or other conditions affecting ejaculation

Hormone tests, genetic tests and a scrotal ultrasound may be advised before the procedure.

Staff and families with three newborn babies

Sperm retrieval and ICSI

Sperm retrieval is usually coordinated with the female partner's IVF or ICSI cycle, or done beforehand with the sperm frozen for later use.

In some men, particularly with non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm may not be found. The chances and the alternatives are discussed before the procedure.

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Questions

Questions about surgical sperm retrieval

Mon – Sat: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm · Sunday: by prior appointment only · Please contact us in advance to schedule your appointment.

Call +91 73589 75682

Is surgical sperm retrieval painful?

The procedures are done under local or general anaesthesia, so they should not be painful at the time. Mild discomfort or swelling for a few days afterwards is common.

Will sperm always be found?

Not always. In obstructive azoospermia sperm are usually found, while in non-obstructive azoospermia the chance is lower and depends on the cause.

Can retrieved sperm be frozen?

Yes. Surgically retrieved sperm can often be frozen and used in later ICSI cycles, which may avoid repeating the procedure.

What is the difference between PESA, MESA and TESA?

PESA and MESA collect sperm from the epididymis, with a needle or by microsurgery. TESA collects sperm from the testis with a fine needle. The choice depends on the cause of azoospermia.