43+ yrs
Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Vadodara, Surat, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Anand, Varanasi
Dr. Himanshu Bavishi
MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Infertility, IVF & Genetics
India's Trusted Fertility Experts · Since 1998
Male Infertility
Surgical Sperm Retrieval (PESA / TESA / Micro-TESE)
When there is no sperm in the Ejaculate-semen, these minor procedures recover sperm directly from the testes or epididymis — so your own sperm can still be used with ICSI.
Microsurgery Day-care Procedure Since 1998 ICSI-ready
What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval
What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval?
Surgical sperm retrieval is a group of minor procedures that collect sperm directly from the male reproductive tract when none can be obtained from the Ejaculate-semen — most often in azoospermia. The recovered sperm are then used to fertilise eggs through ICSI.
The right technique depends on the cause. PESA and TESA use a fine needle; TESE takes a small tissue sample; and Micro-TESE uses an operating microscope to find sperm in the most difficult, non-obstructive cases.
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Parth Bavishi, MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)Co-director & IVF Specialist · IVF & Andrology
Ahmedabad | Bavishi Fertility Institute
Last medically reviewed on . This page is educational and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Indications
Who needs this procedure
Mainly men with azoospermia, after a full evaluation.
Obstructive azoospermia — including after vasectomy or a blockage.
Non-obstructive azoospermia with very low sperm production.
Failed ejaculation or absence of the vas deferens.
Ejaculate-semen that repeatedly contains no, or no usable, sperm.
Couples planning ICSI who wish to use the man's own sperm.
Advantages
The advantages of surgical retrieval
A short procedure that can make a biological child possible.
Lets couples use the man's own sperm rather than a donor.
Minimally invasive, usually day-care, with quick recovery.
Micro-TESE maximises the chance of finding sperm in difficult cases.
Retrieved sperm can be frozen for future ICSI cycles.
Performed by experienced andrology surgeons under anaesthesia.
Step by Step
How it works
Each technique targets a different cause of azoospermia — from a simple needle aspiration to microsurgery.
01
Assessment
Hormone profile, examination and history confirm the azoospermia type and the best retrieval method.
02
PESA
PESA needle-aspirates sperm from the epididymis through the skin without any cut. It is used for obstructive cases like a prior vasectomy, infective block or absence of transport system from birth.
03
TESA / TESE
TESA needle-aspirates sperm from the testes through the skin without any cut. While in TESE a very small cut is made on testis to get more tissue to find sperm.
04
Micro-TESE
Micro-TESE systematically explores the entire testis under a microscope to identify best sperm-producing areas while preserving blood supply. Despite a larger incision, complication rates are similar to TESE, making it the best sperm retrieval technique for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).
05
ICSI
A single viable sperm is injected directly into each egg with a fine needle — even a small surgically retrieved sample is enough for fertilisation.
06
Freezing
Any sperm not used immediately are frozen and stored, so future ICSI cycles can go ahead without repeating the retrieval procedure.
Retrieval is often timed with the female partner's egg collection so fresh sperm can be used.
Success & Safety
Real chances, honestly explained
Every fertility journey is unique. Surgical Sperm Retrieval success rates depend on several medical and lifestyle factors.
Factors affecting success
- Obstructive versus non-obstructive azoospermia
- The retrieval technique used
- Whether viable sperm are found and their quality
- The female partner's age and egg quality
- Laboratory and embryology expertise
At Bavishi Fertility Institute, we focus on personalised treatment plans rather than one-size-fits-all success claims.
Retrieval rates are high in obstructive cases and more variable in non-obstructive ones; your surgeon will give a realistic, individualised estimate. Success cannot be guaranteed.
Cost & Assurance
Transparent, with no hidden costs
Know exactly what your Surgical Sperm Retrieval treatment cost includes before you begin.
- Specialist consultation and evaluation
- Required diagnostic tests and monitoring
- The recommended treatment or procedure
- Medications as per your protocol
- Follow-up review and guidance
Exclusive Program
Suraksha Kavach — complete peace of mind.
One of the most trusted IVF protection programme. Reduced financial risk, increased confidence & complete peace of mind.
All Costs Covered
Complete Peace of Mind
Multiple IVF Cycles as Required
Unique Optional Package
* Terms and conditions apply.
Risks & Considerations
Risks & considerations
No sperm found
In some non-obstructive cases, no sperm are recovered despite microsurgery.
How We Help: This is discussed in advance, with donor sperm planned as a backup.
Minor surgical effects
Temporary swelling, bruising or discomfort can follow the procedure.
How We Help: These are minor and settle within a few days with simple care.
Timing & coordination
Retrieval must align with the IVF cycle, or sperm are frozen.
How We Help: Our team coordinates the timing precisely with your treatment plan.
Our Specialists
Our Surgical Sperm Retrieval Specialists
Meet the Bavishi Fertility Institute specialists who treat patients with Surgical Sperm Retrieval.
42+ yrs
Ahmedabad
Dr. Falguni Bavishi
MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Infertility, IVF & Genetics
13+ yrs
Ahmedabad
13+ yrs
Ahmedabad
Dr. Janki Bavishi
MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
30+ yrs
Ahmedabad
10+ yrs
Ahmedabad
20+ yrs
Mumbai
20+ yrs
Mumbai
Dr. Nilesh Jain
MBBS, DGO, DNB (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Infertility & IVF
20+ yrs
Mumbai
Dr. Priyanka Sinha
MBBS, MD, Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (USA) · Reproductive Medicine & IVF
12+ yrs
Surat
Dr. Deep Gajiwala
MBBS, DGO, DNB (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · IVF & Laparoscopic Surgery
22+ yrs
Vadodara
20+ yrs
Bhuj
22+ yrs
Anand
20+ yrs
Anand
12+ yrs
Bhavnagar
Dr. Deepali Pandya
MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), FMAS, FRM — Gold Medalist · Reproductive Medicine & Laparoscopic Surgery
6+ yrs
Varanasi
Dr. Parnnika Agarwal
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FRM · Fertility, IVF & Gynaecological Laparoscopy
43+ yrs
Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Vadodara, Surat, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Anand, Varanasi
Dr. Himanshu Bavishi
MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Infertility, IVF & Genetics
42+ yrs
Ahmedabad
Dr. Falguni Bavishi
MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Infertility, IVF & Genetics
13+ yrs
Ahmedabad
13+ yrs
Ahmedabad
Dr. Janki Bavishi
MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Obstetrics & Gynaecology
30+ yrs
Ahmedabad
10+ yrs
Ahmedabad
20+ yrs
Mumbai
20+ yrs
Mumbai
Dr. Nilesh Jain
MBBS, DGO, DNB (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Infertility & IVF
20+ yrs
Mumbai
Dr. Priyanka Sinha
MBBS, MD, Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (USA) · Reproductive Medicine & IVF
12+ yrs
Surat
Dr. Deep Gajiwala
MBBS, DGO, DNB (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · IVF & Laparoscopic Surgery
22+ yrs
Vadodara
20+ yrs
Bhuj
22+ yrs
Anand
20+ yrs
Anand
12+ yrs
Bhavnagar
Dr. Deepali Pandya
MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), FMAS, FRM — Gold Medalist · Reproductive Medicine & Laparoscopic Surgery
6+ yrs
Varanasi
Dr. Parnnika Agarwal
MBBS, MS, FMAS, FRM · Fertility, IVF & Gynaecological Laparoscopy
FAQ
Surgical Sperm Retrieval — your questions answered
It depends on the cause. PESA/TESA (needle) suit obstructive cases; TESE and Micro-TESE (microsurgery) are used for non-obstructive azoospermia. Your evaluation guides the choice.
Retrieval rates depend on various factors — the underlying cause, prior treatment and the technique used. As a general guide, sperm are found in approximately 40-60% of non-obstructive azoospermia cases, and 95%+ of obstructive azoospermia cases.
It is performed under anaesthesia, so it is not painful during the procedure. Mild soreness afterwards settles within a few days.
Microsurgical TESE uses an operating microscope to identify the tiny areas of active sperm production, giving the best chance of finding sperm in difficult cases.
Yes. Surplus sperm are frozen so future ICSI cycles do not need another procedure.
Yes. ICSI needs only a single viable sperm per egg, so surgically retrieved sperm work well for fertilisation.
This page is for educational purposes and is medically reviewed by Dr. Parth Bavishi, MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology). It is not a substitute for personal medical advice — please consult our doctors for guidance specific to you.
Our Locations
Find a Bavishi Fertility Institute Centre near you.
14 centres across 8 cities — premium fertility care, close to home wherever you are.
Explore More
Related fertility treatments & conditions
From Our Blog
Articles related to Surgical Sperm Retrieval
Helpful reads on Surgical Sperm Retrieval from the Bavishi Fertility Institute specialists.
GuideComing soon
Surgical Sperm Retrieval: A Complete Guide for Couples
Everything you need to understand about Surgical Sperm Retrieval — how it works, who it helps and what to expect on your journey.
Cost & PlanningComing soon
Surgical Sperm Retrieval Cost in India — What's Included & How to Plan
A transparent look at Surgical Sperm Retrieval costs, EMI options and the Suraksha Kavach package, so you can plan with confidence.
Success FactorsComing soon
Improving Your Surgical Sperm Retrieval Success Rate — Expert Tips
Our specialists share the factors that influence Surgical Sperm Retrieval outcomes and the steps that can improve your chances.
Fertility Tools
Free calculators by our experts.
Practical, science-backed tools to help you understand your fertility — privately and instantly.
Need sperm retrieval?
Our andrology surgeons will advise the safest, most effective technique for your situation.
Book an Appointment
Start your parenthood journey.
Share a few details and our fertility counsellor will call you back — confidential, compassionate and personalised.
Call us
+91 97126 22288
WhatsApp
Chat with our team 24×7
Response time
We typically respond within 30 minutes
4.8 on Google · 2,064+ reviews