What is TESA Treatment?
TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles. It is primarily recommended for men diagnosed with azoospermia (absence of sperm in ejaculate), either obstructive or non-obstructive.TESA is commonly used alongside IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) to enable conception when natural sperm production is compromised.
Who Needs TESA Treatment?
TESA is recommended for men facing specific fertility challenges:
Obstructive Azoospermia:
Blockage prevents sperm from entering ejaculate
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia:
Low or no sperm
production in testes
Failed Sperm Collection:
When sperm cannot be obtained via ejaculation or other methods
TESA is particularly helpful in allowing a couple to reproduce when the male partner has severe fertility issues.
How Does Work? Step-by-Step
TESA is a short, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. The steps include:
- Preparation:
- Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation (blood tests, hormonal analysis, scrotal ultrasound)
- Local anesthesia is administered
- Aspiration:
- A fine needle is inserted into the testicle
- Testicular tissue containing sperm is gently aspirated
- Processing:
- Aspirated tissue is examined in the lab
- Viable sperm are isolated and prepared for IVF/ICSI
- Use in IVF/ICSI:
- Retrieved sperm is injected directly into the female partner’s egg
- Embryos are cultured and transferred to the uterus
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Recovery: Minimal, with mild swelling or soreness
Benefits of Testicular Aspiration
TESA offers several advantages over other sperm retrieval techniques:
- Minimally Invasive: Quick procedure with local anesthesia
- High Success in Obstructive Cases: Nearly 100% retrieval in obstructive azoospermia
- Enables IVF/ICSI: Allows conception even with low sperm count
- Outpatient Procedure: No prolonged hospital stay required
- Low Complication Rate: Minimal risk of infection or bleeding
Risks and Considerations
While TESA is generally safe, patients should be aware of potential risks:
- Mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort
- Rare risk of infection or bleeding
- Small chance of unsuccessful sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia
Tip: Choosing a certified fertility clinic with experienced specialists significantly reduces risk and increases success rates.
Success Rates of Testicular Aspiration
The success of TESA depends on the underlying cause of azoospermia and lab expertise:
| Condition | Retrieval Success | IVF/ICSI Success |
|---|---|---|
| Obstructive Azoospermia | 90–100% | 50–60% per cycle |
| Non-Obstructive Azoospermia | 30–60% | 25–40% per cycle |
Note: Advanced lab techniques and experienced embryologists improve outcomes.
Recovery After TESA Treatment
Recovery is generally fast and uncomplicated:
- Avoid strenuous activity for 2–3 days
- Mild pain or swelling is normal
- Use ice packs and prescribed pain relievers if necessary
- Resume normal sexual activity after a week (as advised by your doctor)
TESA vs. Other Sperm Retrieval Techniques
| Feature | TESA | TESE | Micro-TESE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Slightly invasive | Most invasive |
| Success Rate | High in obstructive cases | Moderate | High in non-obstructive cases |
| Procedure Time | 15–30 min | 30–60 min | 60–120 min |
| Recovery | Quick | Moderate | Longer |
TESA is often the first choice for obstructive azoospermia due to its simplicity and minimal recovery.
Cost of Treatment in India
The cost varies depending on the clinic and city. On average:
- TESA Procedure: ₹25,000–₹50,000
- IVF/ICSI Integration: ₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000
- Lab Charges & Medications: Extra, depending on protocols
Many fertility clinics offer package deals for TESA + IVF/ICSI, making it more affordable.
A: TESA is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Mild soreness may persist for a few days.
A: Yes, TESA can be repeated, but success rates may vary depending on testicular sperm production.
A: Sperm retrieved via TESA can be used immediately or cryopreserved for future IVF/ICSI cycles.
A: TESA is safe and minimally invasive, with no long-term adverse effects on testicular function in most cases.
A: Look for clinics with experienced reproductive urologists, high IVF/ICSI success rates, advanced lab facilities, and positive patient testimonials.
Conclusion
Testicular Aspiration Treatment is an innovative treatment for male infertility, especially in cases of azoospermia. Because of its minimally invasive technique, high success rate of sperm retrieval, and compatibility with IVF/ICSI, Testicular Aspiration Treatment gives power to couples to fulfill their dream of having a child. The selection of the right fertility center and professionals will help in having a smooth journey towards conception.
Available personalized consultation at a reliable fertility clinic and thus initiate your journey to parenthood. Dr. Anushka Madan at vrinda fertility is one of the most reliable IVF specialists to go to if you are embarking on a journey of parenthood and want to identify a reliable infertility centre in your locality. Get Direction
