Surgical Sperm Retrieval

If you are unable to produce sperm then BCRM may recommend Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR). SRR is a procedure to remove sperm directly from:

1. The epididymis known as percutaenous surgical sperm aspiration – PESA
2. The testicles known as testicular sperm extraction – TESE

You may be unable to produce sperm because:

• You have undergone a vasectomy
• You do not ejaculate sperm
• You have extremely low sperm production

With Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR) blockages are bypassed by collecting the sperm with a fine needle from the narrow tubes (the epididymis) on the surface of the testis.

In cases where the man is not producing enough sperm in the first place, the sperm can be obtained from tissue samples (biopsies), taken from inside the testes itself.

Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR) is done under sedation or general anaesthesia.

In some instances, severe sperm disorder or blockage of sperm release, can be due to a genetic abnormality which may carry a risk for the baby, couples may therefore need some additional blood tests and advice before ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) treatment is considered.