Surgical sperm retrieval

Surgical sperm retrieval is a treatment option for men with an absence or blockage of the tube (vas deferens) or non- obstructive azoospermia.

Sperm can be collected directly from the epididymis situated inside the scrotum (the pouch holding the testicles) where sperm are stored and mature using a fine needle and syringe. This is known as ‘percutaneous epidydimal sperm aspiration’ or PESA. Sperm can also be retrieved from the testicles, a process known as ‘testicular sperm extraction’.

Surgical sperm retrieval is carried out by a Consultant Uroandrologist who works in close association with the fertility unit and the procedure is timed to coincide with the female partner’s egg collection. If enough sperm is retrieved it may be possible to freeze small amounts for use at a later stage. The sperm collected is then used to inject the eggs using ICSI.