What are TESA and TESE?

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) and TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) are procedures used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles in men who have no sperm in their semen (azoospermia).

When is TESE / TESA Needed?

• Obstructive Azoospermia (due to vasectomy or blockage)
• Non-obstructive Azoospermia (low or no sperm production)
• Failed ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation
• As part of IVF + ICSI cycles

TESA Procedure:

1. Local anesthesia is given
2. Needle is inserted into testis to aspirate sperm tissue
3. Sperm is isolated in the IVF lab
4. Used immediately for ICSI or frozen for later use

TESE Procedure:

1. Performed under local or general anesthesia
2. Small incision made in testicle to extract tissue
3. Microsurgical sperm retrieval done
4. More effective in non-obstructive azoospermia cases

Benefits:

• Hope for biological fatherhood in azoospermic men
• Combined with ICSI for higher pregnancy chances
• Sperm can be frozen for future cycles
• Quick recovery and outpatient procedure