Surgical Sperm Retrieval (TESA, TESE, Micro-TESE & PESA)
Surgical sperm retrieval is a specialized fertility procedure used to obtain sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis when sperm are not present in the semen or cannot be collected through conventional methods. It may be considered for men with azoospermia, certain types of male infertility, or conditions affecting sperm transport and production.
Available Sperm Retrieval Techniques
TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) uses a fine needle to aspirate sperm-containing tissue from the testicle and may be considered when sperm production is present but ejaculation or sperm transport is affected.
TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) involves removing a small amount of testicular tissue to identify viable sperm for fertility treatment.
Micro-TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction) uses microscopic surgical techniques to carefully search the testicular tissue for areas more likely to contain sperm. It may be considered in selected cases of non-obstructive azoospermia.
PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) retrieves sperm from the epididymis using a fine needle and is generally considered when sperm production is adequate but sperm cannot reach the semen.
Benefits of Surgical Sperm Retrieval
The retrieved sperm may be used with IVF or ICSI depending on the fertility assessment. The appropriate technique depends on the underlying cause of azoospermia, previous treatment, hormonal evaluation, and testicular sperm production.
A fertility specialist or andrologist will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate sperm retrieval approach.