TESA/TESE Explained: Surgical Sperm Retrieval
When sperm isn’t found in the ejaculate, it doesn’t necessarily mean sperm isn’t being produced at all. Surgical retrieval can sometimes find it directly. Here’s a clear explanation of what these procedures involve, and…
Samarth IVF team
4 min read
When sperm isn’t found in the ejaculate, it doesn’t necessarily mean sperm isn’t being produced at all. Surgical retrieval can sometimes find it directly. Here’s a clear explanation of what these procedures involve, and what to actually expect.
What TESA and TESE Actually Are
TESA
Testicular Sperm Aspiration — a needle draws out a small sample of testicular tissue and fluid; generally less invasive, often done under local anesthesia
TESE
Testicular Sperm Extraction — a small surgical incision removes a piece of testicular tissue, from which sperm are extracted in the lab
Micro-TESE
A more advanced, microsurgical version of TESE using an operating microscope to carefully search for sperm-containing areas
When These Procedures Are Used
In non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm production itself is impaired. TESE or micro-TESE may be needed to search more thoroughly, since sperm can sometimes still be found in scattered pockets even when overall production is very low.
Worth Knowing
A thorough surgical search can sometimes find sperm even in cases where none was expected based on overall production levels — this is genuinely one of the more hopeful aspects of these procedures.
What Happens to the Retrieved Sperm
Retrieved sperm is almost always used with ICSI, since the quantity retrieved is typically limited and requires the precision of direct injection into the egg. It can be used fresh, timed with an egg retrieval, or frozen for future use.
What to Actually Expect
- Anesthesia — Local or general, depending on the specific procedure and your individual situation.
- Recovery — Generally brief, with some soreness or swelling common for a few days afterward.
- Honest expectations — Finding sperm isn't guaranteed, particularly in more severe non-obstructive cases, though a thorough search can still sometimes succeed.
- A conversation beforehand — About what happens if no sperm is found, and what backup plans exist.
Common Myths
- Myth: — If there's no sperm in the ejaculate, there's definitely no sperm being produced.
- Fact: — Many cases, particularly obstructive azoospermia, involve normal sperm production that's simply blocked from reaching the ejaculate.
- Myth: — TESA and TESE are the same procedure.
- Fact: — They differ in method and invasiveness — TESA uses a needle, TESE involves a small surgical incision, and micro-TESE adds microscopic guidance.
- Myth: — These procedures always succeed in finding sperm.
- Fact: — Success varies depending on the underlying cause, and this is honestly not guaranteed, particularly in more severe non-obstructive cases.
- Myth: — Recovery is lengthy and difficult.
- Fact: — Recovery is generally brief, with some manageable soreness for a few days.
No sperm in the ejaculate is often the start of the conversation, not the end of it.
On This Page
- What They Actually Are
- When These Are Used
- What Happens to the Sperm
- What to Actually Expect
- Common Myths, Cleared Up
- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between TESA and TESE?
TESA uses a needle to aspirate testicular tissue and fluid. TESE involves a small surgical incision to remove tissue for sperm extraction.
What is micro-TESE, and when is it used?
A microsurgical version of TESE using an operating microscope, typically used for non-obstructive azoospermia.
Does surgical sperm retrieval always find sperm?
No. Success varies depending on the underlying cause, particularly in severe non-obstructive cases.
What happens to sperm retrieved this way?
It's almost always used with ICSI, and can be used fresh or frozen for future use.
Is TESA/TESE painful, and what's recovery like?
Performed under local or general anesthesia, with recovery generally brief and manageable.
When would my specialist recommend this over other options?
Typically when no sperm is found in the ejaculate, to determine whether sperm can be retrieved directly from testicular tissue.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Suitability and response to any treatment vary between individuals.
