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Fertility Glossary

Surgical sperm retrieval

Collecting sperm directly from the testis or epididymis with a procedure.

Male fertility

Surgical sperm retrieval is used when there is no sperm in the ejaculate, or none can be produced, and covers PESA, TESA, TESE and micro-TESE. Sperm recovered this way are used with ICSI, and are often frozen at the same time so a second procedure is not needed. Success depends on whether the cause is a blockage or a problem with sperm production.

Also known as: SSR, sperm retrieval, testicular sperm extraction

Related South Africa guides

Sources

  • ESHRE guidelines and patient information

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

PESA

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

TESA

Testicular sperm aspiration — drawing sperm directly from the testis with a needle.

TESE

Testicular sperm extraction — taking small pieces of testicular tissue to find sperm.

Micro-TESE

Microsurgical TESE, using an operating microscope to find the most promising tubules.

Azoospermia

No sperm found in the ejaculate.

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