- Understanding the Procedure
What is Percutaneous
Epididymal Sperm
Aspiration?
PESA is a brief, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia. A fine needle is used to draw sperm directly from the epididymis — the coiled structure that stores and carries sperm from the testicle — without the need for surgical incision.
It’s most commonly recommended for men with obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production itself is normal but a physical blockage in the reproductive tract prevents sperm from appearing in the ejaculate. The sperm retrieved is then used fresh for ICSI, or frozen for a future IVF cycle.
At Life IVF Multan, every PESA procedure is carried out by our reproductive specialists in a controlled, comfortable clinical setting, with the retrieved sample handled immediately by our embryology team.
Best suited for:
Men diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia, prior vasectomy, congenital absence of the vas deferens, or failed vasectomy reversal.
Paired with ICSI for fertilisation
- How It Works
A fast, guided, three-part process
Sperm aspiration is designed to be quick and predictable — most men are back to normal activity within a day.
01
Local anaesthesia & precise technique
A fertility specialist administers local anaesthesia and guides a fine needle to the epididymis, keeping the procedure comfortable and accurately performed from start to finish.
02
Retrieval, analysis & storage
The aspirated sample is examined by our embryology lab immediately — used fresh for ICSI on the same cycle, or cryopreserved securely for a future attempt.
03
Minimal downtime
Most patients experience only mild, short-lived discomfort and can resume regular activity the following day — no hospital stay required.
- Is This for You?
Who should consider PESA
If ejaculated sperm isn’t reaching the sample due to a blockage rather than a production issue, PESA is often the most direct way forward.
Men with obstructive azoospermia — normal sperm production, blocked delivery.
Men who have previously undergone a vasectomy and want biological children.
Cases of congenital absence of the vas deferens or unsuccessful vasectomy reversal.
Couples planning an ICSI-based IVF cycle who need a direct sperm source.
- COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
PESA is a minimally invasive way to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis for men whose sperm production is normal but blocked from reaching the ejaculate — most often due to obstructive azoospermia or a prior vasectomy.
PESA is performed under local anaesthesia, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal. Most patients feel back to normal within a day.
The sample is analysed by our embryology team and either used fresh for ICSI during the same IVF cycle, or frozen and stored for a future attempt.
Our specialists bring decades of combined experience in male-factor infertility, supported by a modern, standards-based embryology lab and a transparent, individualised approach to care.