When SSR is needed
Obstructive azoospermia – blockage of sperm transport (vasectomy, congenital absence of vas, infection). PESA or TESA usually successful.
Non-obstructive azoospermia – testicular failure to produce sperm. Micro-TESE offers the best chance of sperm recovery (40-50 percent of cases).
PESA, TESA, Micro-TESE explained
PESA (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration) – needle aspiration from epididymis, minimal-invasive, for obstructive cases.
TESA (testicular sperm aspiration) – needle biopsy of testis tissue.
Micro-TESE (microdissection testicular sperm extraction) – open surgical exploration of testis under microscope to identify sperm-producing tubules. Best yield for non-obstructive azoospermia.
Success rates and what follows
Sperm recovery rates depend on cause. Obstructive azoospermia: 95+ percent. Non-obstructive azoospermia: 40-50 percent with micro-TESE. Recovered sperm is used immediately for ICSI or cryopreserved for future cycles.
Surgical sperm retrieval
| Method | Source |
|---|---|
| PESA | Epididymis (needle) |
| TESA | Testis (needle) |
| TESE / micro-TESE | Testis (biopsy) |
Our IVF practice follows international reproductive-medicine standards.
Frequently asked
Dr Patel leads fertility care at Balaji Horizon, integrating reproductive surgery and IVF into a single plan — ethical, evidence-based and individualised, with realistic expectations and no overpromising of success.
Individualised IVF and fertility planning with honest, evidence-based counselling — and realistic expectations from the very first consultation.
Surgical sperm retrieval (TESA/PESA) — what to expect
When there is no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia), sperm can often still be recovered directly from the testis or epididymis using TESA or PESA, then used with ICSI. For many couples this turns “no sperm” into a realistic chance of a biological child.
Finding the cause first
The right procedure depends on whether the problem is a blockage (obstructive) or a production problem (non-obstructive). We assess this with examination, hormone tests and sometimes genetic testing before recommending an approach, because the cause changes both the method and the outlook.
The procedure and recovery
Retrieval is a minor day-care procedure under local or short anaesthesia, with mild discomfort and swelling for a few days. Sperm can be used fresh with a planned egg collection or frozen for later ICSI.
Honest counselling
Retrieval is not always successful, particularly in non-obstructive cases, and we are candid about the chance beforehand and about back-up options such as donor sperm, so you can plan with clear expectations rather than false certainty.
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
