Surgical sperm retrieval is a medical procedure that collects sperm directly from the testicles, and it forms an essential part of Surgical Sperm Retrieval Techniques in Hyderabad for men facing complex fertility issues. This procedure is usually paired with advanced treatments like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Depending on the clinical condition, sperm may be extracted using a fine needle or through a small testicular biopsy. It is particularly helpful for men with very low sperm counts, those who have undergone a vasectomy, or individuals who cannot ejaculate due to an injury or infection.
WHY CHOOSE SURGICAL SPERM RETRIEVAL?
Surgical Sperm Retrieval is a reliable option for advanced male infertility treatment. It is especially beneficial when the testes produce sperm but natural ejaculation or passage through the reproductive tract is blocked.
OBSTRUCTION IN THE VASA DEFERENTIA
The vasa deferentia are tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. When these ducts are blocked—either naturally or due to a vasectomy—sperm cannot exit the body. Modern retrieval techniques help collect sperm directly from the testicles, bypassing the blockage.
ABSENCE OF THE VASA DEFERENTIA
Some men are born without vasa deferentia, which means the natural route for sperm transportation never developed. In such cases, surgical retrieval becomes essential to collect viable sperm that would otherwise remain trapped.
LOW SPERM COUNT
Very low sperm production can make the movement of sperm through the ducts difficult. Retrieval techniques allow specialists to extract and concentrate sperm, improving the potential for fertilisation.
IS SURGICAL SPERM RETRIEVAL RIGHT FOR ME?
This procedure may be ideal if you have:
• Blocked or absent vasa deferentia
• Low sperm reserves
• A previous vasectomy
While some blockages can be corrected surgically, sperm retrieval often offers higher success rates, especially when combined with ICSI.
STEPS INVOLVED IN SURGICAL SPERM RETRIEVAL
Sperm retrieval can be performed using one of four methods:
PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
PESA is a minimally invasive technique where a fine needle is inserted into the epididymis—the tube where sperm is stored after being produced. Sperm is gently aspirated (suctioned) out. This method is commonly used when there is a blockage in the vas deferens, such as after a vasectomy. It is quick, safe, and usually done under local anaesthesia.
TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)
TESA involves inserting a needle directly into the testicle to collect sperm from the testicular tissue. It is often recommended for men with non-obstructive azoospermia or very low sperm production. The extracted tissue is processed in the lab to find viable sperm for ICSI. This method is simple, does not require major surgery, and gives good results when epididymal sperm is not available.
MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
MESA is a more precise technique performed under an operating microscope. A small opening is made in the epididymis to directly collect fluid rich in sperm. It provides higher-quality motile sperm compared to needle-based aspirational methods. MESA is mainly used for men with obstructive azoospermia and is especially useful when multiple IVF cycles are planned.
Micro-TESE (Micro Testicular Sperm Extraction)
Micro-TESE is the most advanced sperm retrieval method. Using a high-powered surgical microscope, the surgeon carefully examines tiny areas of the testicles to locate the healthiest sperm-producing tissue. This technique is ideal for severe non-obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is extremely low. Micro-TESE offers the highest chance of finding sperm in difficult cases while preserving testicular tissue.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SURGICAL SPERM RETRIEVAL
Surgical sperm retrieval is a routine, minimally invasive procedure. Risks are generally minor and may include:
SWELLING AND BRUISING
Some men may experience mild swelling or bruising, which usually subsides within a few days.
INFECTION
Any invasive procedure carries a small risk of infection, but this is significantly reduced when performed in a fully sterile environment.
INSUFFICIENT SPERM EXTRACTION
In rare cases, not enough sperm may be retrieved, requiring a repeat procedure. Experienced fertility specialists aim to maximise the chances of success in a single attempt.
SURGICAL SPERM RETRIEVAL PROCEDURES
Even when sperm are not present in the ejaculate but continue to be produced in the testicles, minimally invasive techniques like PESA, TESE, and MESA can help retrieve sperm for future treatment. These methods support men facing obstructive or non-obstructive infertility.
MALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT
Male infertility may result from conditions like obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia, congenital abnormalities, or previous surgeries such as vasectomy. In such cases, sperm can be retrieved from the vas deferens, epididymis, or testis and used in IVF or ICSI cycles. Specialists use advanced retrieval methods to help couples achieve parenthood.
TREATMENT AVAILABLE AT KIRAN INFERTILITY CENTER HYDERABAD
At Kiran Infertility Center, Hyderabad, we offer all major surgical sperm retrieval techniques with expert care and precision. Our team uses advanced technology and minimally invasive methods to help men overcome infertility challenges and improve their chances of successful conception.