Surgical sperm retrieval is a procedure used to collect sperm directly from the testicles or reproductive tract in cases where sperm is not present in the ejaculate or when sperm quality is severely affected.
The procedure is commonly recommended for men with azoospermia, previous vasectomy, severe male infertility, or conditions affecting sperm transport or production.
At Umniya Fertility, surgical sperm retrieval forms part of a broader male fertility and reproductive care approach that combines fertility assessment, semen analysis, hormonal evaluation, genetics, embryology, and personalised treatment planning.
Surgical sperm retrieval refers to a group of procedures used to obtain sperm directly from the male reproductive system for use in fertility treatment.
The procedure may involve retrieving sperm from:
Retrieved sperm can then be used for fertility treatment, most commonly with IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Because only a small number of sperm may be available in some cases, ICSI is typically recommended alongside surgical sperm retrieval.
Surgical sperm retrieval may be recommended if:
The procedure may also be considered in selected cases involving genetic conditions or severe male factor infertility.
Several sperm retrieval techniques may be used depending on the underlying fertility diagnosis.
PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
A needle is used to collect sperm from the epididymis, usually in cases involving sperm transport blockage.
TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)
Sperm is retrieved directly from the testicle using a fine needle.
TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)
A small tissue sample is taken from the testicle to search for sperm within the tissue.
Micro-TESE
This advanced microsurgical technique uses an operating microscope to identify sperm-producing areas within the testicle and is often recommended for severe non-obstructive azoospermia.
The most appropriate procedure depends on sperm production, hormone levels, genetic findings, and previous fertility investigations.
Surgical sperm retrieval allows sperm to be obtained even when sperm is absent from the ejaculate.
Retrieved sperm may then be used for:
In many cases, surgical sperm retrieval allows couples to pursue biological parenthood despite severe male infertility factors.
Success rates depend on the underlying cause of infertility, sperm production within the testes, female fertility factors, and embryo development.
Surgical sperm retrieval is usually performed as a day procedure under local or general anaesthesia depending on the technique used.
During the procedure:
The procedure itself is generally short, and most patients return home the same day.
Your fertility specialist will explain preparation instructions, recovery expectations, and treatment planning beforehand.
Most men experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort for a few days following the procedure.
Recovery instructions may include:
Most patients can return to normal daily activities within several days depending on the procedure performed.
Follow-up appointments may be recommended to review recovery and fertility treatment planning.
Surgical sperm retrieval is generally considered safe.
In severe sperm production disorders, sperm may not always be successfully retrieved despite surgery.
Your fertility specialist will discuss expected outcomes, risks, and alternative treatment options before the procedure.
Because surgically retrieved sperm may be limited in number or movement, ICSI is usually recommended as part of the IVF process.
During ICSI:
At Umniya, embryo development, embryo freezing, and genetic testing may also form part of treatment planning depending on the fertility diagnosis and reproductive goals.
At Umniya, male fertility care is approached through a coordinated fertility system that integrates reproductive diagnostics, laboratory science, embryology, and personalised treatment planning.
Assessment may include:
The Umniya Method combines fertility specialists, embryologists, andrology expertise, and advanced laboratory systems to support fertility treatment pathways tailored to each patient’s reproductive profile.
The procedure is usually performed under anaesthesia, so patients generally experience minimal discomfort during treatment. Mild soreness or swelling afterward is common and usually temporary.
Yes. In some IVF cycles, surgical sperm retrieval may be coordinated with egg collection and fertilisation on the same day.
Not always. Success depends on the underlying cause of male infertility and whether sperm production is occurring within the testes.
Most patients recover within several days, although recovery timelines vary depending on the type of procedure performed.
Yes. Retrieved sperm can often be frozen and stored for future IVF or ICSI treatment cycles.
In most cases, surgically retrieved sperm is used together with IVF and ICSI because natural conception is usually not possible with retrieved sperm alone.
In some cases, yes. However, IVF with family balancing still requires full fertility assessment and medical review before treatment proceeds.
IVF is a significant step, and the right preparation makes a real difference. Book a consultation at Umniya Fertility in Abu Dhabi to understand your fertility picture, discuss your options, and begin a treatment plan designed specifically around you. You can also explore the full range of couple fertility treatments available at Umniya.
