Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)

What is PESA?

Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) is the least invasive sperm retrieval technique. It retrieves sperm directly from the epididymis, the tube on top of the testicle where sperm matures. PESA helps men who produce sperm, but have a blockage that prevents ejaculation.

Indications for PESA

PESA is particularly useful for men with obstructive azoospermia.
In this condition, sperm production is normal, but a blockage prevents sperm release during ejaculation.
This blockage can be due to congenital absence of the vas deferens, prior vasectomy, or scarring from infections or surgeries.

PESA offers an effective and less invasive option for sperm retrieval, providing hope for men with fertility challenges.

Male Infertility Male Infertility Causes Micro-Tese

What Is the Purpose of Using PESA?

PESA is primarily performed to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis in men. The key reasons why PESA is done include:

Obstructive Azoospermia: PESA helps retrieve sperm when a blockage prevents ejaculation despite normal sperm production.
Facilitating IVF/ICSI: Sperm retrieved through PESA can be used in fertility treatments. This includes in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Minimally Invasive Approach: PESA is a less complex and minimally invasive procedure compared to other sperm retrieval methods.
Higher Success Rates: When combined with IVF/ICSI, PESA has high success rates in achieving pregnancy, especially in obstructive azoospermia cases.

How is PESA Performed?

PESA is typically used in cases where there are difficulties with sperm production or ejaculation. Here’s an overview of how PESA is performed:

Preparation

Consultation: The patient meets with a fertility specialist to discuss the process, indications, and any potential risks.
Pre-procedure testing: Blood tests and imaging studies may be conducted to assess overall health.
Anaesthesia: The procedure is usually done with local anaesthesia to reduce discomfort.

Procedural Steps

Positioning: The patient lies down comfortably.
Skin preparation: The scrotum area is cleaned and sterilised to prevent infection.
Needle insertion: A thin needle is inserted through the scrotum into the epididymis.
Sperm aspiration: Fluid is drawn out from the epididymis.
Sample evaluation: The fluid is examined under a microscope. If viable sperm are not found, the doctor may recommend advanced techniques like TESA or Micro-TESE.

Post-Procedure Care

Recovery: The patient is watched for a little while to check for any immediate complications after the procedure.
Post-procedure Instructions: Patients should wear supportive underwear.
Sperm Use: The retrieved sperm can be used right away for fertility treatments or frozen for later.
Follow-Up: A follow-up visit may be needed to review the sperm analysis results.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for starting your family. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we offer personalised care with expert specialists guiding you every step of the way. Our advanced labs and outstanding success rates have helped over 2,30,000 patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

Uterine Fibroid

Treatment ranges from medication to minimally invasive surgery, which depends on the symptoms, size of the fibroid, and future pregnancy plans.

Varicocele

Treated with the help of minor surgery to improve blood flow which in turn helps with sperm quality & fertility.

Male Infertility

Treatment depends on sperm count, motility, or hormonal factors to improve the chances of conception.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

A simple, low-intervention fertility treatment where the washed sperm is placed directly to the uterus for pregnancy.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)

Eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and the resulting embryo is placed into the uterus.

Erectile Dysfunction

Managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or therapy. Treating the root cause restores confidence and sexual health.

Endometriosis Treatment

Managed through medication or laparoscopic surgery according to the severity to help with fertility outcomes.

Blocked Fallopian Tube

Mostly treated with surgery or IVF, depending on the severity of the blockage to prevent delays in conception.

Bartholin Cysts Treatment

Treated with the help of medication or minor procedures to relieve pain and prevents infection.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can PESA be used for convention IVF?

The number of viable sperm present in the fluid aspirated from the epididymis is generally too low for conventional IVF treatments and ICSI is recommended when sperm is retrieved surgically.

Does PESA process hurt?

PESA is performed under local anaesthesia. The scrotum is numbed before the needle aspiration is done, and the patient will not experience any pain during the procedure.

How long will it take to recover from PESA?

PESA is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no hospitalisation. Patients can get back to their normal routine within 24 hours of the procedure.

What causes azoospermia?

Azoospermia or absence of sperm in semen can be caused by genetic issues like congenital absence of the vas deferens. It can also be the result of infections including sexually transmitted infections and certain medical treatments like cancer treatments.

Are there any risks of using sperm retrieved surgically?

There is no evidence which suggests lowered chances of conception with the use of surgically retrieved sperm or an increased risk of congenital issues in children conceived with the retrieved sperm either.