Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) is a process that involves taking sperm straight out of the testicles. When a man is sedated, a needle is placed into the testicles or epididymis of a male while he is in sedation to remove fluids and tissues to recover sperm cells for ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) treatments.
The sperm that is subsequently extracted from the testes can be stored for potential use at a later time or used straight for an IVF-ICSI cycle. It is important to acknowledge that TESA is a feasible treatment option for both obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. However, males with obstructive azoospermia have a better likelihood of success with TESA.
Sperm Retrieval Procedures are very little intrusive. The patient should keep in mind that while the surgery is not painful, they may have some discomfort for a few days, such as a pinprick-like feeling which is bearable.