TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)
TESA, or testicular sperm aspiration (also known as TESE, or testicular sperm extraction) is one of the surgical sperm retrieving techniques in men with azoospermia. This procedure is recommended for patients in whom there is a blockage in the epididymis or a blockage within the ducts of the testes. It is also used for men with extremely poor sperm production.
The different sperm retrieval techniques are: In this treatment, sperm are directly extracted from the testicles using a fine needle which is inserted into the testicle. A small amount of tissue is extracted and examined in the laboratory for sperm. The sperm obtained through this procedure are either frozen for future use or a single sperm is inserted into each egg through a process known as Intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI.
This is the most effective infertility treatment and is also much easier for both the patient and the doctor. It is also less traumatic as there is no need to cut the scrotum and it leaves no scar at all. This is the reason TESA is considered the most preferred infertility treatment for men.