Before the PESA procedure, the male partner undergoes a thorough evaluation with a fertility specialist. This includes tests like a semen analysis, hormone testing, and a physical examination to determine the cause of infertility and whether PESA is the most appropriate treatment. Based on the results, the specialist will determine the best course of action.

The PESA procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. During the procedure, a fine needle is inserted through the skin into the epididymis, the tube located behind the testicle. Fluid from the epididymis, which contains sperm, is then gently aspirated. The sample is processed in the lab to isolate the sperm for fertilization. Since PESA is minimally invasive, it requires only a short recovery period, and most men experience minimal discomfort afterward, allowing them to return to normal activities within a day or two.

After the sperm is aspirated, it is taken to the laboratory, where embryologists examine and prepare the sperm for fertilization. The best-quality sperm are selected for use in ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where a single sperm is injected directly into the female partner’s egg for fertilization. If a sufficient amount of sperm is retrieved, it can also be frozen for future use in fertility treatments.

Once the sperm has been selected, it is used to fertilize the female partner’s eggs through the ICSI process. The fertilized eggs are monitored in the laboratory over the next several days, and the developing embryos are observed for quality and viability.

After a few days of embryo development, typically between 3 to 5 days, the highest-quality embryos are selected for transfer to the woman’s uterus. The embryo transfer is a quick procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia, and the patient is monitored afterward to ensure successful implantation.

Following the embryo transfer, the patient is monitored closely to support the implantation process. A pregnancy test is conducted 10 to 12 days later to determine whether the procedure was successful. If the pregnancy test is positive, the pregnancy is monitored with regular check-ups and ultrasounds.