Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
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Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) is a medical procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis (a coiled tube located behind the testicle) in men who are unable to ejaculate sperm naturally. This procedure is commonly employed in cases of male infertility where there is azoospermia (the absence of sperm in the ejaculate) or other issues preventing sperm from being ejaculated.
PESA is part of a broader set of surgical sperm retrieval techniques used in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The sperm retrieved through PESA can be used for these procedures to help men who cannot produce viable sperm in their semen.
The PESA procedure is minimally invasive, involving the use of a fine needle to aspirate sperm from the epididymis. It is typically recommended for men with obstructive azoospermia (blockages in the male reproductive tract) or those with non-obstructive azoospermia (low sperm production) where sperm is present but cannot be ejaculated.
The advancement of ART and sperm retrieval techniques has greatly increased the success rates of male infertility treatments, offering hope for many men who otherwise would not be able to father biological children.
PESA is used primarily to address male infertility caused by various conditions, often related to sperm production or blockage. The following are the main causes and risk factors associated with needing PESA:
Obstructive Azoospermia:
Obstructive azoospermia is a condition where sperm is produced normally in the testes but cannot pass through the reproductive tract due to blockages in the epididymis or vas deferens. This blockage can be due to genetic conditions, infections, previous surgeries, or trauma.
Congenital Absence of the Vas Deferens:
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SurgeryPlanet is a Healthcare Facilitator, NOT a Medical Service Provider. This page contains general information only. No outcome is guaranteed. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.