- This procedure eliminates the need to make a small incision, thereby ensuring quick recovery and less pain than traditional surgery methods.
- This technique works well when used alongside ICSI and yields excellent results in men who have obstructive azoospermia.
- PESA done on the same day eggs are harvested gives the highest chance of successful fertilization.
- This technique is meant for obstruction cases; if the testicle fails to release adequate amounts of sperm, then other sperm collection techniques, such as TESE, might be required.
Diagnosing obstructive azoospermia can be so disheartening for couples trying to conceive naturally and, at the same time, encountering infertility problems. This condition happens when a man’s body is creating healthy sperm, but those sperm cannot exit through ejaculation. Hence, the diagnosis can be interpreted as their reproductive end. On the other hand, with the help of reproductive technology instruments, a few men with this problem have been able to father children biologically. One of the simplest and minimally invasive procedure in fertility treatments to do that is through Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA).
PESA is one of the innovative methods that the best IVF clinic in Delhi offers to help you treat your infertility problem and conceive than other sperm retrieval methods. The fertility experts at Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics are well versed with their work in handling difficult cases related to fertility challenges.
What is PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)?
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) is a non-invasive technique in which the sperm retrieved straight from the epididymis, which is the tubular structure present behind the testes where sperm is stored and transported.
As opposed to the more invasive techniques involving surgery, PESA does not involve any incisions or the use of a surgical microscope. This technique involves retrieving epididymal sperm in a fast manner, often during the same day as the egg retrieval for the female partner.
Who is a Candidate for PESA?
It is meant to be used primarily for men suffering from obstructive azoospermia. This means that the testicular tissue is functioning well, and there is sperm production occurring regularly; however, there is a problem with the duct system, such as the vas deferens, where the sperms cannot reach the semen.
Examples of patients: Prior vasectomy: Couples desiring children who cannot undergo a vasectomy reversal.
Congenital Absence in this case refers to men who are born without a vas deferens. Post-Infection Blockages.
In case the cause of the disease is non-obstructive azoospermia (meaning the condition is due to the inability to produce sperm cells), PESA may fail to provide sufficient quantities of sperm. In this scenario, TESA Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) or TESE can be considered.
The PESA Procedure
The PESA procedure was made with patient comfort and efficiency in mind. Usually, it is carried out by a skilled fertility doctor in a doctor’s office.
- Step One – Preparing: First of all, your medical history will be analyzed and a physical examination will be done. In addition, blood tests will be performed to determine any underlying genetic conditions or other things that may complicate the operation.
- Step Two – Anesthesia: Being a minimally invasive operation, PESA only needs local anesthesia in most cases. This eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Recovery of Sperm: The extracted sperm is then studied in the laboratory to make sure there is sufficient sperm available to carry out the IVF procedure.
- Recovery Process: Since there is no small incision made, the healing process becomes faster. There is also a recommendation to avoid heavy physical activities to prevent any infections.
Integration with IVF and ICSI
PESA is hardly ever done as the only operation; it is one of the components of an IVF cycle. As the quantity of sperm obtained through PESA is typically less than that of a normal ejaculate, it cannot be utilized for conventional fertilization.
Therefore, the fertility expert performs Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). With this technique, only one sperm is inserted right into a mature egg. The sequence of PESA plus ICSI has transformed the success rates of couples suffering from male infertility.
Why Choose Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics?
As the Best IVF Clinic in Delhi, our focus is on a patient-oriented philosophy in fertility care. Our IVF Clinic in Delhi offers:
- Superiority: What distinguishes our clinic is that we have specialists who possess a wealth of expertise regarding the most suitable method to retrieve your sperm, considering your medical needs.
- Coordination: At our center, the procedure of PESA is synchronized with the egg retrieval procedure from the female, ensuring that the retrieved sperm is used at its peak performance level.
- Supportive Atmosphere: We realize that going through problems with fertility may prove to be highly distressing. For this reason, our healthcare provider not only provide you with comfort but also provide guidance you through every step of the process.
- Advanced Technology: Our laboratory is a state-of-the-art one which can perform any assisted reproductive technology. We also use genetic tests when we suspect any genetic problem so that your path to a healthy baby would be the safest one.
Frequently Asked Questions
PESA is a fairly painless procedure that may cause minor pain, which is treated by local anaesthesia. The recovery is very quick, and the majority of men can resume their everyday activities after a day or two.
We get sufficient sperm to fertilize the eggs removed from the female in PESA. As ICSI is used in the procedure, we only need a single sperm for each oocyte.
It does not. Since the technique targets the epididymis specifically, there will be no damage done to the reproductive tissues of the testicles.
Like any operation using a fine needle, there is the slightest chance of infection or bruising. But your fertility doctor will give you aftercare instructions that will guide you in keeping the region clean and preventing infection.
Definitely, PESA is among the modes of treatment that are not only very popular but highly effective for men with a history of vasectomy to become biological fathers without having to undergo a full vasectomy reversal surgery.