Fertility Glossary

PESA

Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration — collecting sperm from the epididymis with a needle.

Male fertility

PESA is mainly used for obstructive azoospermia and is usually done under local anaesthetic.

Also known as: percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration

Related United Kingdom guides

Surgical Sperm Retrieval: PESA, TESA, TESE and Micro-TESE

Sources

HFEA — Treatments

Last reviewed: 23 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Surgical sperm retrieval (SSR)

Surgical Sperm Retrieval.

Epididymis

A coiled tube behind each testis where sperm mature.

MESA

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration.

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