Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration Treatment in India
About Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia.Direct retrieval of viable sperm from the epididymis.Often performed as an outpatient procedure with no major incision.Provides sperm for use in advanced fertility treatments like ICSI.High success rate for sperm retrieval in cases of obstructive azoospermia.Typically involves less discomfort and a quicker recovery than open surgical methods./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Obstructive azoospermia (e.g., due to congenital absence of the vas deferens, prior vasectomy, or infection-related blockages).
- Failed or unsuccessful vasectomy reversal.
- Ejaculatory duct obstruction.
- As part of a fertility treatment plan when no sperm are found in the ejaculate (azoospermia) but testicular sperm production is suspected to be intact.
- When other sperm retrieval methods are not suitable or have failed.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive fertility evaluation and diagnosis by an andrologist to confirm the indication for PESA.
- Pre-operative counseling regarding the procedure, success rates, and alternative options.
- Infectious disease screening (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B & C) as per clinic protocol.
- Discussion about stopping any blood-thinning medications (like aspirin) several days prior, as advised by the doctor.
- Shaving of the scrotal area may be required on the day of the procedure.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure, as sedation may be used.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor pain, swelling, or bruising at the needle puncture site in the scrotum.
- Risk of bleeding or hematoma (collection of blood) within the scrotum.
- Low risk of infection at the puncture site or in the epididymis (epididymitis).
- Possible temporary or, very rarely, permanent damage to the epididymis.
- In rare cases, failure to retrieve sufficient motile sperm for fertilization.
- Potential for scarring which could complicate future procedures.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Most patients can go home within a few hours after the procedure.
- Application of an ice pack to the scrotum intermittently for 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Wearing supportive underwear (like a jockstrap) for several days to provide comfort and reduce swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (as recommended by the doctor) can manage any soreness.
- Avoidance of strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for about 1-2 weeks.
- Follow-up with the andrologist to discuss the sperm retrieval results and the next steps in the fertility treatment plan.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time:
3-7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with andrology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration. MediFyr helps you compare andrologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration compare across other countries where we have data.
Krishna Davis, a 32-year-old high school...
Krishna Davis, a 32-year-old high school biology teacher, had always dreamed of starting a family with his wife, Maya. Their journey was marked by two years of unexplained infertility. Comprehensive testing revealed that Krishna had a congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), a condition where the tubes that carry sperm are missing. This meant no sperm were present in his ejaculate, a diagnosis that left him feeling like he had failed a fundamental biological purpose he taught about. His andrologist, Dr. Evans, explained that while the plumbing was absent, sperm production was likely still occurring in his testes. He recommended Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) as a minimally invasive way to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis for use with IVF/ICSI. The procedure itself, done under local anesthesia, was a strange mix of clinical detachment and profound intimacy. Krishna felt pressure and discomfort but focused on the hope it represented. Recovery involved a few days of soreness and ice packs. The emotional low point came a week later when the lab confirmed they had successfully retrieved motile sperm. Krishna wept with relief; the biological door was not closed. While the IVF journey with Maya lay ahead, the PESA gave them tangible hope, transforming his feeling of brokenness into one of being a proactive partner in building their family.