Micro epididymal sperm aspiration treatment (MESA) is where sperm is aspirated directly under vision from the epididymis.

This is either performed as a procedure on its own when a PESA has failed and an open procedure needs to be performed.

Or it is performed at the time of potential reconstructive surgery where a small incision is made on the very fine sperm tubes or epididymal tubules under a microscope.

The sperm can be aspirated and either stored or used at a cycle time for ISCI treatment.

Surgical sperm retrieval is for individuals who do not have sperm in their ejaculation.

A fine needle is passed into the testis to extract the sperm surgically.

Any sperm retrieved can be used in an immediate ICSI cycle or frozen to be used in the future.

Recovery from MESA treatment

After any procedure to retrieve sperm, there is a recovery period of a few days to a week.

You are advised to avoid activity that would be strenuous.

Strong supportive underwear is highly recommended too.

A prescription for the pain will be issued and patients can experience bleeding, infection or pain following surgery.

Is MESA the procedure for you?

MESA will only be offered to you if we believe that you can produce sperm.

And the sperm collected can only be used for IVF.

Therefore, it is important you want to proceed to this procedure.

It is also very important for patients to be prepared for the non-retrieval of sperm as well.

This doesn’t rule out further procedures being successful, however.

Talk to us in more detail about concerns you might have.

Final screening before the procedure

Before the procedure, all patients are tested for Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV), as well as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

This will require you sign a consent form before screening the sample.