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What is PESA?
PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) is a sperm retrieval procedure used alongside ICSI or an IVF procedure in case the man has no sperm in his ejaculate.
PESA is a less invasive procedure than MESA as it is performed without incisions in the skin. PESA is often used as a first choice for one ICSI cycle.
How is PESA carried out?
A thin needle is inserted into the epididymis, the place where sperm are stored in the scrotum, which removes the fluid inside.
Between 10 and 20 million sperm are collected from one or both testicles.
The sperm are used in the ICSI process.
Extra sperm may be cryo-preserved for use in future cycles on ICSI.
Who is a suitable candidate for PESA? Men have no sperm in the ejaculate, for a number of reasons:
A congenital defect means they are born with no vas deferens
The vas deferens is blocked
They have had a vasectomy.
What are the chances of success with PESA?
According to the Center for Reproductive Health, PESA results in pregnancy rates of 24 percent compared to 50 to 52 percent with MESA and IVF.
What surgeon performs PESA?
PESA is normally carried out by a consultant urologist.
About PESA
Key facts to plan your treatment: how long it takes, your hospital stay, anaesthesia, risks and recovery.
Duration of surgery/treatment
The procedure takes around 20 minutes to complete.
Days admitted
None. PESA is a short procedure that's carried out on an outpatient basis.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia or sedation.
Recovery
Patients return to light activities the same day or the day after the PESA procedure.
Because there are no incisions the recovery time is short.
Risks
- Risk of damage to tissue adjacent to the sperm aspiration area.
- Sperm retrieved may be of poor quality and in low numbers.
- Risk of contamination of sperm with blood cells.
After care
- You may experience mild discomfort in the groin area for a few days, which can be treated with pain killers.
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