Understanding IMSI Treatment
Learn from our experts and get inspired by real patient journeys
Receiving a semen analysis report that says “Zero Sperm Count” (Azoospermia) is a devastating moment for any man. It feels final. It feels like the door to biological fatherhood has slammed shut.
We are here to tell you that for the vast majority of men we see at Wellspring IVF & Women’s Hospital, this is not the end of the road.
“Zero sperm in the ejaculate” does not mean “zero sperm in the body.” In many cases, your body is producing healthy sperm, but they are simply trapped inside the testicle due to a blockage (Obstructive Azoospermia). Even in cases where production is very low (Non-Obstructive Azoospermia), we can often find pockets of active sperm deep within the testicular tissue.
Dr. Pranay Shah specialises in advanced Surgical Sperm Retrieval techniques. We do not just treat the condition; we treat the couple. By retrieving your own sperm and using it with ICSI Treatment, we have helped hundreds of men with “zero sperm count” become biological fathers.
What it is: Your testicles are producing sperm perfectly normally, but the “pipes” (vas deferens or epididymis) that carry sperm to the penis are blocked or missing.
Common Causes: Previous vasectomy, infection, congenital absence of vas deferens (CBAVD), or trauma.
The Good News: This is the “best” type to have. We can almost always retrieve healthy sperm directly from the testes using a simple needle procedure (TESA/PESA).
What it is: The testicles are having trouble producing sperm, or are producing very low amounts that do not make it all the way out.
Common Causes: Hormonal imbalances, genetic factors (like Klinefelter syndrome or Y-chromosome microdeletion), undescended testes, or past mumps infection.
The Solution: While harder to treat than obstructive cases, it is not impossible. Advanced retrieval techniques like Micro-TESE can often find small “islands” of sperm production inside the testicle.




Best For: Obstructive Azoospermia (e.g., after vasectomy).
Procedure: A tiny needle is inserted into the epididymis (the storage coil above the testicle) to gently aspirate sperm.
Invasiveness: Very Low — no cut, no stitches.
Anaesthesia: Local. Day procedure — patient goes home the same day.
Best For: Obstructive Azoospermia where PESA fails, or selected Non-Obstructive cases.
Procedure: A fine needle is inserted directly into the testicle to aspirate tissue containing sperm.
Invasiveness: Low — performed under local anaesthesia. No stitches required.
Cost: ₹25,000 at Wellspring IVF — includes procedure, embryology lab processing, and sperm cryopreservation (freezing).
Best For: Severe Non-Obstructive Azoospermia where TESA has not found sperm.
Procedure: An advanced procedure using a high-powered operating microscope to search for tiny tubules that may contain sperm. This offers the highest chance of finding sperm when other methods fail.
Anaesthesia: General or spinal. Short OT procedure with 1–2 days rest recovery.
Success Rate: 50–60% in NOA cases. Even a single retrieved sperm is sufficient for ICSI.
Finding the sperm is step one. Using it to create a baby is step two. Because retrieved sperm are typically immature (they have not yet fully developed motility), they cannot be used for simple IUI. They must be used with IVF and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
The most significant financial benefit of embryo freezing is what it avoids on a subsequent attempt. A complete fresh IVF cycle costs ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 including medications. A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) using already-frozen embryos costs approximately ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 — a fraction of the total — because the stimulation phase (and its associated medication costs) is entirely eliminated.
For couples who require multiple IVF attempts, banking embryos from the first cycle is almost always the most cost-effective long-term strategy.
After 5 years of marriage and visiting many places, when we came here, we decided on the right guidance here that we will get the ivf procedure done from here, today we have 10 days of treatment. Due to the convenience, arrangement and facility o...
My experience with wellspring hospital is very good .their staff is very supportive. Dr. Pranay is very good and professional.100% transparency at every stage. No last minute surprises.Once again thank you so much to the all team. Highlly recomme...
Wellspring IVF & women hospital is one of the best IVF center in India where me like other infertile Indian and foreigner couples fulfill their dreams of having a healthy baby.Dr Pranay Shah has deep knowledge and skill in his work with positive ...
Such a nice experience at well spring. And we get A childhope from this well spring hospital. Thanks a lot all members of hospital and specially to Dr. Pranay Shah sir
This is one of the best ivf clinic in Ahemdabad, Dr.Pranay shah and his team are highly professional and knowledgeable, and his staff members are too good and supportive. Dr. Pranay shah is result oriented and confident, and gives right instructi...
We were facing some difficulties related pregnancy and we got reference of Wellspring Hospital. We thank God that we found such a talented and knowledgeable Dr. Pranay Sir. The most thing we like about him is the way of treatment he follows. I str...
I've been blessed with two daughters by the treatment given by Dr. Pranay Shah the services given to me were comforting and caring.
This is one of the best hospital in ivf treatment with highest possibility of success, best supportive doctor and staff, thanks and recommended all to visit once
No words are enough to express my gratitude . Thank you for making our dream comes true. You are extraordinary doctor as well as extraordinary human being also.Again thank you so much Dr.Pranay Shah and your team. Best ever doctor I have meet in ...
Great experience with great doctor and very supportive after care facilities. Dr. Shah was not only helpful with numerous questions that we asked for around 6 months before we started the treatment but is also helping us now. He has been very help...
We were looking for a good fertility center we came across some good reviews of Wellspring Spring Ivf Hospital. We decided and visited the hospital and with in no time the process was completed and in first attempt only the result was positive?. ...
It has been one of the best choices that I could have made. Since researching Wellspring on Google till now the end of complete IVF cycle it has been a wonderful experience. I could have gone to biggies referential IVF Centres but I am sure experi...
We had been very desperate to have a child. Visited many IVF centers in India for treatment. But did not get any positive result. Visited the Best IVF Center in Ahmedabad Wellspring IVF and Women's hospital after seeing good reviews. Happy to sa...
Wellspring IVF & Women's Hospital is best IVF Center in Ahmedabad. Best thing, we got positive result in Fist IVF Cycle. Second best thing, Doctor has told us exact amount of Cost of each IVF Cycle before start of treatment so there would be no en...
Me and my husband are very glad we chose to come here for treatment. I would highly recommend Dr. Shah and his team at the Wellspring IVF and Women's hospital to anyone wanting to reach their dream of becoming parents. His medical knowledge and p...
No words are enough to express my gratitude . Thank you for making our dream comes true. You are extraordinary doctor as well as extraordinary human being also.Again thank you so much Dr.Pranay Shah and your team.
Excellent IVF Center. Friendly nature all staff & Doctor. Excellent Treatment for the Doctor. Thanks Wellspring IVF Fullfil our Dreams.
What to say about dr pranay sir Very good human being along with very good doctor Always showers positivity on us Solves every small small queries with open heart and big smile Approachable 24*7 I will suggest everyone to consult at least once if ...
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|
Obstructive Azoospermia (OA) |
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) |
|---|---|
|
Sperm production: NORMAL |
Sperm production: IMPAIRED |
|
Problem: Blocked or absent pipes |
Problem: Testes struggle to produce sperm |
|
Causes: Vasectomy, infection, CBAVD |
Causes: Genetic, hormonal, varicocele, unknown |
|
FSH: Usually Normal |
FSH: Usually Elevated |
|
Testis size: Usually Normal |
Testis size: Often Smaller |
|
Retrieval method: PESA or TESA |
Retrieval method: TESA mapping or Micro-TESE |
|
Retrieval success: Nearly 100% |
Retrieval success: 40–60% depending on cause |
Most men are surprised by how manageable it is. We perform it under local anaesthesia or short sedation. You will feel a prick, but no sharp pain. You can usually go home after 2–3 hours and return to work the next day.
For Obstructive Azoospermia, the success rate of finding sperm is nearly 100%. For Non-Obstructive Azoospermia, it varies between 40–60% depending on the cause and hormone levels.
Yes, absolutely. If we can retrieve even a few healthy sperm from your testes, they carry your DNA. The resulting child will be biologically yours in every sense.
At Wellspring, we believe in transparent pricing. TESA and PESA costs ₹25,000 — this includes the procedure, embryology lab sperm processing, and sperm cryopreservation (freezing) if excess sperm is available. The IVF + ICSI cycle cost is discussed separately at consultation with no hidden charges.
A failed TESA in a NOA case does not mean it is over. We can escalate to Micro-TESE, which uses an operating microscope at 20–40x magnification to examine testicular tissue in far greater detail. Micro-TESE finds sperm in a significant number of cases where TESA has failed.
If your Azoospermia has a genetic cause (e.g., Y-chromosome microdeletion), there is a possibility of passing this to a son. Dr. Shah will discuss Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) as an option to select chromosomally normal embryos and reduce this risk. You will be counselled fully before making any decision.