Surgically Retrieved Sperm

Surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) is a procedure where a small number of sperm are retrieved directly from either the epididymis or from testicles for use in an IVF cycle. There are two main types of SSR: Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) and Testicular Sperm Extraction under microscope guidance (microTESE).

Who needs SSR?

This procedure will be recommended in cases where there are complications with a natural semen delivery such as:

• A previous vasectomy
• Damage to the vasa deferens (the tubes carrying the sperm)
• Absence of the vasa deferens entirely
• In some cases, it can be recommended if the sperm count is very low

How does it work?

Each of these procedures normally take less than one hour under local anaesthetic and men can leave the clinic after a short recovery period with minimal disruption to day-to-day activities.

PESA: this is performed under local anesthetic and involves your sperm being aspirated from the tube that lies above and behind each testicle using a fine needle and syringe.

MicroTESE: This is when a small incision is made on the scrotum and a biopsy is taken from the testicle(s).

After the samples are received, they can be frozen and stored for later use.

Risks and side effects

Men may experience some discomfort after either procedure, but this can be alleviated with normal pain medication.