Testicular Sperm Aspiration – otherwise referred to as TESA – is a form of surgical sperm removal (SSR), or sperm extraction. It is similar procedure to PESA, which is also another form of surgical sperm removal.

However, with a TESA procedure, rather than taking sperm directly from the epididymis, sperm tubules are aspirated from the testes, and then sperm is extracted from these.

Our team has a wealth of experience treating male fertility issues and we frequently sees patients who are having difficulty conceiving, or who wish to freeze some of their sperm for the future. And TESA is one of these surgical sperm retrieval techniques that we specialise in.

Why TESA?

TESA is usually practised when couples are finding it difficult to conceive due to a diagnosis of azoospermia. This means sperm analysis tests have found that a man has zero sperm count, i.e. there is no sperm present in their ejaculate at all. TESA is also one of the treatments we perform for men who have obstructive azoospermia. This means that sperm is being produced in the testes, but there is a blockage within the tubes that carry sperm out of the testes – which means sperm is not able to reach the ejaculate fluid and exit the penis.

Obstructions can occur for a number of reasons, including congenital (meaning they were present since birth), and trauma or injury to the area. Vasectomy is one of the most common acquired causes of obstructive azoospermia, as this procedure deliberately blocks off the sperm-carrying tubes.

Are there other options aside from TESA?

There are a number of surgical sperm retrieval techniques. Which procedure is most suitable for the patient largely depends on individual circumstances and why the treatment is required.

If you are having difficulty conceiving, we can help in investigating and diagnosing the root causes of the problem before talking you through the treatment options available.