PESA Treatment Centre

PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) is a minor surgical procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis. It’s performed when sperm are not present in the semen due to blockages or vasectomy. The procedure involves inserting a fine needle through the scrotal skin to collect sperm for use in assisted reproductive techniques such as ICSI or IVF. PESA is simple, safe, and performed under local anesthesia without requiring major surgery or hospitalization.

PESA is a minimally invasive and painless procedure because it’s performed under local or mild general anesthesia. Patients may feel slight pressure or minor discomfort, but not actual pain. The recovery period is short, and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient if mild soreness occurs. Most men can resume their normal activities within a day. Since no incisions or stitches are made, the risk of postoperative pain or complications is very low.

PESA is recommended for men who have obstructive azoospermia—where sperm production is normal but blocked from ejaculation due to conditions like vasectomy, congenital absence of the vas deferens, or scarring from infection. It is also suitable for men with failed vasectomy reversal or those unwilling to undergo another surgery. PESA allows sperm retrieval directly from the epididymis, making fatherhood possible through assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF or ICSI even when sperm are absent in semen.

The PESA procedure is quick, generally lasting about 20–30 minutes. It’s done in a fertility clinic under local anesthesia. Patients are observed briefly afterward and can go home the same day. Because the technique involves only a fine-needle aspiration without any incisions or stitches, recovery is rapid. This convenience makes PESA an ideal sperm-retrieval method for couples undergoing IVF treatment, minimizing discomfort and time while ensuring effective collection of viable sperm for fertilization.

No hospitalization is required after PESA. It’s an outpatient or day-care procedure. Patients can rest for a short while in the clinic after the procedure and return home the same day. Most can resume normal activities within 24 hours, although avoiding strenuous physical work or heavy lifting for a day is recommended. Because PESA is minimally invasive, complications are rare, and no sutures or dressing changes are needed, offering convenience and faster recovery for patients.

Yes, PESA is a very safe and reliable sperm-retrieval technique. It’s performed by trained andrologists or urologists under sterile conditions using local anesthesia. Since no major cuts or stitches are involved, the risk of infection, bleeding, or swelling is minimal. Post-procedure care involves basic hygiene and rest. Adverse effects are rare, and success rates in retrieving viable sperm are high. Overall, it’s considered one of the safest and least invasive male-infertility procedures.

Yes, sperm retrieved through PESA can be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use. Cryopreservation allows couples to avoid repeated sperm-retrieval procedures. The frozen sperm remain viable for several years and can be thawed whenever required for IVF or ICSI. Storing sperm provides flexibility for future treatment cycles and reduces emotional and financial stress. The clinic’s embryology lab ensures optimal freezing and storage conditions to maintain sperm quality for successful fertilization later.

PESA does not negatively affect sperm quality. The retrieved sperm are usually mature and functional, suitable for fertilization using ICSI or IVF. Because the sperm are aspirated directly from the epididymis, they are free from exposure to seminal fluid, which helps preserve motility and structure. Laboratories carefully process and select the healthiest sperm. The procedure’s precision ensures that sperm quality is maintained, improving fertilization outcomes and pregnancy success rates in assisted reproductive treatments.

Yes, PESA is commonly performed alongside IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). The sperm retrieved during PESA are used to fertilize the female partner’s eggs in a laboratory. Since the number of sperm obtained may be limited and their motility reduced, ICSI is preferred, where a single sperm is injected into each egg. PESA enables men with no sperm in semen to participate in IVF treatment and achieve biological parenthood successfully.

Recovery after PESA is usually very quick. Most men feel fine within a few hours and can resume normal daily activities within 24 hours. Mild soreness or swelling in the scrotal area may occur but typically subsides with rest or pain relief medication. The absence of cuts or stitches means minimal downtime. It’s advised to avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity for a couple of days. Full recovery is smooth and complication-free in most cases.

The success rate of PESA depends on the patient’s condition and the clinic’s expertise. In most cases, viable sperm are retrieved successfully in over 90 percent of procedures. The fertilization and pregnancy rates depend on factors such as egg quality and female partner’s health. When combined with advanced reproductive techniques like ICSI, PESA provides excellent outcomes, allowing many couples with male-factor infertility to achieve conception and enjoy the joy of parenthood.

Although PESA is safe, minor risks can include mild swelling, temporary discomfort, or small bruising in the scrotum. Rarely, infection or bleeding may occur, but these can be managed with antibiotics or simple care. The use of sterile equipment and expert hands keeps complications minimal. No long-term adverse effects on sperm quality or male reproductive function have been observed. Overall, PESA is considered one of the safest male-infertility procedures available.

PESA involves retrieving sperm from the epididymis using a needle, while TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) collects sperm directly from the testes. MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) is a more intricate microsurgical technique. PESA is faster, less invasive, and usually requires only local anesthesia. It’s ideal for men with blocked ducts, whereas TESA or MESA may be chosen if sperm retrieval from the epididymis fails or in non-obstructive azoospermia.

Yes, PESA can be repeated if necessary. Because the procedure is minimally invasive and causes minimal tissue damage, multiple attempts can be safely made in future IVF cycles. If sperm yield is low or previous samples were cryopreserved, another PESA may be recommended. The decision depends on clinical evaluation and fertility goals. Repeated PESA procedures remain effective and safe, with no significant risk to testicular or epididymal health.

After PESA, patients are advised to rest for the day and avoid heavy lifting, cycling, or sexual activity for 2–3 days. Wearing supportive underwear helps minimize discomfort. Keeping the area clean and dry prevents infection. Over-the-counter pain medication can relieve mild soreness. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to check healing progress. Most men return to normal routines quickly, as recovery is typically uneventful and simple post-procedure care ensures smooth healing.

Yes, PESA is a preferred method for men who have undergone vasectomy and wish to father a child again without vasectomy reversal surgery. The procedure retrieves sperm directly from the epididymis beyond the vasectomy site. These sperm are then used for IVF or ICSI. It provides an excellent alternative to surgical reversal, with faster recovery and lower cost. PESA offers renewed hope for couples desiring conception after vasectomy.

No, general anesthesia is not always required. Most PESA procedures are safely performed under local anesthesia with or without mild sedation. The area is numbed to ensure comfort throughout the process. In cases of patient anxiety or complex conditions, short general anesthesia may be used. The goal is to minimize pain while ensuring safety and relaxation. Recovery is quick, and patients are usually discharged within a few hours.

While PESA has a high success rate, in rare cases no sperm may be retrieved due to blockages or absence of sperm production. If this occurs, other techniques like TESA or Micro-TESE can be considered. Pre-procedure diagnosis through hormonal tests and ultrasound helps predict success. Even in difficult cases, alternate methods usually provide results, ensuring that most couples can still proceed with IVF or ICSI.

No, PESA does not affect sexual function, erection, or libido. The procedure only involves a fine-needle aspiration from the epididymis and does not interfere with nerves or hormonal balance. After a short recovery period, men can resume sexual activity without any issues. There are no long-term complications related to sexual performance or fertility hormones, making PESA a safe and effective option for sperm retrieval.

Yes, PESA is often combined with IVF or ICSI to achieve pregnancy. Retrieved sperm are directly injected into eggs using advanced fertilization techniques. It can also be used with donor eggs or frozen embryos if needed. PESA provides flexibility in planning fertility treatments and can be synchronized with the female partner’s egg-retrieval cycle for optimal success. This combination greatly increases the chances of conception in couples facing male-factor infertility.