TESA: What, Why, and How of Sperm Extraction

Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) is a male fertility procedure used to obtain sperm directly from the testicles, particularly in men with obstructive azoospermia. It is performed under local or general anaesthesia and involves minimal discomfort post-procedure.

What is TESA?
Why is it Recommended?
How is it Done?
Things to Remember for TESA
FAQ'S

What is TESA?

TESA is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles. It is suggested for a condition where sperm is produced but not present in the ejaculate due to a blockage (obstructive azoospermia).

The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia. A fine needle is used to aspirate sperm from the testicular tissue. The collected sperm can then be used for Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or can be frozen for future use.

TESA offers a viable solution for men who are unable to produce viable sperm through ejaculation. It enables them to father biological children with assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Why is it Recommended?

TESA is recommended in specific cases related to male fertility, including:

Azoospermia: A condition where no sperm is present in the ejaculate due to a blockage or failure in sperm production.
Previous Vasectomy: Men who underwent vasectomy and now want to have children without opting for vasectomy reversal.
Failed Vasectomy Reversal: Cases where vasectomy reversal was unsuccessful.
Genetic Issues: Men suffering from genetic issues that affect sperm production
ART: TESA is often used in combination with ART techniques like IVF or ICSI.
Inadequate Sperm Production: Men with very low sperm counts or poor sperm morphology.

Each case is unique and TESA is suggested based on the fertility specialists’ views, an individual’s medical history and the causes behind infertility.

How is it Done?

TESA is a procedure used to retrieve sperm from the testicles for fertility treatments. Here’s a concise overview of the procedure:

Preparation: The individual is asked to refrain from ejaculation a few days before the TESA procedure.
Sedation: TESA is generally performed under local anaesthesia to numb the testicles, ensuring patient comfort.
Sterilisation: The scrotal area is cleaned and sterilised to minimise infection risk.
Needle Insertion: A fine needle is carefully inserted into the testicle to aspirate fluid and tissue containing sperm cells.
Sperm Extraction: The collected fluid and tissues are processed in the lab to isolate and retrieve viable sperm cells.
Bandage: The punctured site is cleaned and bandaged. The patient is kept under observation for a short period to ensure that there are no complications.
Fertility Treatment/Sperm Preservation: Retrieved sperm can be used immediately for IVF or ICSI procedures, or frozen for future use.

The patient could be recommended ice packs or over-the-counter painkillers to reduce discomfort. The patient is advised to rest and refrain from strenuous activities for a few days after the TESA procedure.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for starting your family. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we offer personalised care with expert specialists guiding you every step of the way. Our advanced labs and outstanding success rates have helped over 2,30,000 patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

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Our Doctors

Gurgaon – Sector 14, Haryana

Dr. Prachi Benara

MBBS (Gold Medalist), MS (OBG), DNB (OBG) PG Diploma in Reproductive and Sexual health

Years of experience: 16+

Number of cycles: 3000+

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Kolkata , West Bengal

Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee

MBBS, DGO, FRCOG (London)

Years of experience: 34+

Number of cycles: 10,000+

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Kolkata, West Bengal

Dr. Swati Mishra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Years of experience: 20+

Number of cycles: 3500+

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Lajpat Nagar, Delhi

Dr. Muskaan Chhabra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) DNB (Obstetrics & Gynecology), Infertility Specialist

Years of experience: 13+

Number of cycles: 700+

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Dwarka, Delhi

Dr. Shilpa Singhal

MBBS, M.S., Diploma in Reproductive Medicine

Years of experience: 11+

Number of cycles: 700+

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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Deepika Mishra

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Years of experience: 14+

Number of cycles: 2500+

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Things to Remember for TESA

Before the Treatment

Medical Evaluation: The doctor reviews your medical history and may recommend blood tests and physical examinations.
Medications: Inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking. The doctor may ask you to stop them before the procedure.
Abstinence: Your doctor may ask you to abstain from ejaculation before the procedure.
onsultation: Discuss procedure details, risks, and benefits.

During the Treatment

Here is what you can typically expect during your TESA procedure:
At the facility, you will be taken to a preparation area where you will change into a hospital gown. The scrotal area would be cleaned and sterilised.
Under local anaesthesia, you will stay awake but should not feel any pain.
Under general anaesthesia, you will be asleep during the procedure.
A fine needle is inserted into the skin of the scrotum. You may feel a slight pressure under local anaesthesia.
A small amount of testicular tissue is aspirated into the needle using gentle suction.
After collecting the sample tissue, the punctured site is cleaned and bandaged.

After the Treatment

Your health will be monitored for any complications. Over-the-counter pain relievers are used to manage mild discomfort/swelling. The retrieved sperm can be immediately used for fertility treatments or cryopreserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

TESA is a relatively painless process. While performing TESA, the patient is given local anaesthesia to numb the testicular region. It may cause slight discomfort after the procedure.

TESA is a quick procedure and can be completed within 15-20 minutes. It requires no hospitalization.

TESA is a minimally invasive and safe procedure. In extremely rare cases, side-effects like infection, nausea and bleeding can develop.

TESE is a slightly more invasive retrieval technique when compared to TESA. It involves extracting testicular tissue samples which are then studied for the presence of sperm. In TESA, the sperm is directly aspirated from the testicles using a fine needle. Both procedures are out-patient procedures and require no hospitalisation.

Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

What is TESA?

Why is it Recommended?

How is it Done?

Why Choose Us

Our Doctors

Dr. Prachi Benara

Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee

Dr. Swati Mishra

Dr. Muskaan Chhabra

Dr. Shilpa Singhal

Dr. Deepika Mishra

Things to Remember for TESA

Before the Treatment

During the Treatment

After the Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

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Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

What is TESA?

Why is it Recommended?

How is it Done?

Why Choose Us

Our Doctors

Dr. Prachi Benara

Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee

Dr. Swati Mishra

Dr. Muskaan Chhabra

Dr. Shilpa Singhal

Dr. Deepika Mishra

Things to Remember for TESA

Before the Treatment

During the Treatment

After the Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is TESA Painful?

2. How long does the procedure last?

3. Are there any side effects of TESA?

4. What is the difference between TESA and TESE?

Patient Testimonials

Recent Blogs

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