Sperm Retrieval

Sperm retrieval is used to acquire semen from the testes or epididymis when there’s an obstruction, failed vasectomy reversal, inadequate sperm production or even azoospermia (absence of sperm in seminal fluid).  It may involve several surgical and non-surgical methods, including:

Micro epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA): A surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum and gathers sperm from the epididymis , an elongated, coiled duct that matures, stores, and passes sperm from the testes .

Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA): A physician penetrates the scrotum and epididymis and draws sperm into a syringe.

Testicular sperm extraction (TESE): A physician removes a small amount of testicular tissue. It’s usually implemented to retrieve sperm from men with impaired sperm production, or when MESA fails.

These procedures usually take about 30 minutes to complete, may cause pain and swelling and use local anesthesia.

Sperm retrieved from any of these methods may be used in:

• IVF, or invitro fertilization
• IUI, or intrauterine insemination
• ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
• Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)

Leftover sperm from MESA or PESA can usually be frozen for future use but sperm from TESE generally isn’t high enough quality or quantity for frozen storage (cryopreservation).
Repetition of MESA or PESA procedures is not recommended as it can lead to scarring.