Surgical sperm retrieval (PESA and TESA) cost in the UK: what you pay privately (2026)

Private surgical sperm retrieval uses a needle or small incision to collect sperm directly from the epididymis or testicle, for men with no sperm in the ejaculate, such as after vasectomy or with blockage, and is combined with ICSI.

Hospital price pages give a first idea of scale. The surgical sperm retrieval (PESA and TESA) entries we retrieved sat between £500 to £5,500; the rows below show which hospital and which variant each figure refers to.

None of these numbers is an offer to treat. Providers confirm a final price after assessment, and consultant or anaesthetist fees may be set separately.

After anaesthetic, a fine needle collects fluid from the epididymis or tissue from the testicle, which is examined for sperm in the laboratory. Retrieved sperm may be used fresh or frozen.

Ask how the clinic coordinates timing with the partner cycle and what the cost is when sperm cannot be found.

A single guide figure for surgical sperm retrieval (PESA and TESA) can mislead, because the final amount depends on factors like these.

• Technique: PESA, TESA or microsurgical retrieval differ in complexity.

• Clinic fee: Guy and St Thomas Specialist Care lists PESA or TESA at £2,550.

• Freezing sperm: retrieved sperm is often frozen for use, with sperm freezing at £500 at that clinic.

• ICSI cycle: sperm must be used in an ICSI cycle, a separate cost.

• Andrology consultation and tests.

Providers define a package differently, so two quotes are only comparable once you line up what each covers. The table lists what is typically in and what is often billed separately for this procedure.

Insurers generally exclude fertility treatments.

Insurers often agree a procedure code and a fee ceiling in advance. Self-pay patients should ask whether instalment finance is offered and what the total repayable would be, as the representative rate and terms differ by lender.

NHS retrieval may be funded as part of an NHS ICSI cycle where eligible.

NHS care is free at the point of use, and for non-urgent consultant-led treatment the standard is 18 weeks from referral. You also have the right to choose where you are referred in England. Local waits differ, so ask what applies near you.

You rest for a day or two with support underwear and avoid strain for a short period.

No one plans for things to go wrong, but a short conversation about extra costs now can save difficulty later.

• Sperm are not always found, and a procedure may not lead to pregnancy, so the chance of success should be discussed in advance.

• Bruising and discomfort are common, with rare infection or bleeding.

Quotes only compare fairly when they cover the same things. Put these questions to every provider you approach.

• What technique is used?

• What is the cost if no sperm are found?

• Will sperm be frozen and what does storage cost?

• How does this fit with an ICSI cycle?

• Will I receive one price covering the hospital, the consultant and the anaesthetic, or several bills from different parties?