TESA / TESE

Understanding TESA and TESE

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) and TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) are two methods of sperm retrieval used in cases of male infertility where there are no sperm present in the ejaculate.

TESA involves the aspiration of sperm-containing fluid directly from the testis using a needle and syringe, while TESE involves the extraction of a small piece of testicular tissue and searching for sperm within it under a microscope.

Both procedures are typically done under local anesthesia, and can be performed as an outpatient procedure.

TESA and TESE are often used in conjunction with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) during an IVF (In vitro fertilization) cycle. In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to achieve fertilization. This allows men with very low or no sperm counts to still have biological children.

TESA and TESE are generally safe and have a high success rate, but there is a risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the testicles. The procedures also carry a risk of not finding any usable sperm, which can be emotionally challenging for couples who are hoping to conceive.