Sperm retrieval is a medical procedure used to collect sperm from men who may have difficulty producing it naturally. This can be necessary for various reasons, including certain medical conditions, previous surgeries, or infertility issues. The process can involve different techniques, such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), depending on the individual's situation.
The collected sperm can then be used for assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These methods help couples achieve pregnancy when traditional methods are not effective. Sperm retrieval is typically performed by a urologist or a fertility specialist in a clinical setting.