✦ Male Infertility Treatment

TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)

Q: How does TESE differ from Micro-TESE?

Conventional TESE takes multiple random biopsies; micro-TESE uses the operating microscope to identify and target dilated tubules with higher sperm production.

Q: Is TESE painful after the procedure?

Mild scrotal aching for 3–5 days is common; simple analgesics provide adequate relief; serious complications are rare. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Q: How long are sperm viable after TESE?

Testicular sperm can be cryopreserved indefinitely; frozen-thawed testicular sperm give good ICSI results comparable to fresh specimens. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Surgical Testicular Biopsy for Sperm Retrieval in Azoospermia

30–60 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

40–60% SUCCESS RATE

3–5 Days RECOVERY

What is TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)?

TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) involves making small testicular incisions through which testicular parenchyma is excised and examined for spermatozoa. Conventional TESE takes multiple small biopsies from different areas of the testis; when sperm are found they are extracted for use in ICSI. TESE is suitable for both obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia, with higher sperm retrieval rates than TESA for non-obstructive cases. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of Day Care. Success rates reach 40–60% in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.

Men with obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia where TESA has been unsuccessful or conventional biopsy-level sperm retrieval is required before considering micro-TESE. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Scrotal Incision

Scrotal incision under local or general anaesthesia; testis exposed.

Multiple Biopsies

Multiple small biopsies (2–3 mm) excised from different areas of the testis.

Embryologist Assessment

Each biopsy placed in media and examined immediately by embryologist for spermatozoa.

Cryopreservation

Biopsy with spermatozoa identified; remaining tissue cryopreserved for future use.

Wound Closure

Testicular incisions closed; scrotum closed; scrotal support applied.

Outcomes

30–60 minDURATION

Day CareHOSPITAL STAY

40–60%SUCCESS RATE

3–5 DaysFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Higher sperm yield than needle aspiration (TESA) in non-obstructive azoospermia.
→Multiple biopsy sites sample different areas of spermatogenic activity.
→Day-case procedure with minimal morbidity.
→Suitable for both obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia.
→Can be performed under local or general anaesthesia based on patient preference.
→Spare tissue cryopreserved for future ICSI cycles avoiding repeat procedures.

"TESE opens the door to fatherhood for men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Even when hormones suggest very little sperm production, multiple targeted biopsies often find the spermatozoa needed to create a family."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

How does TESE differ from Micro-TESE?+

Is TESE painful after the procedure?+

How long are sperm viable after TESE?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

WhatsApp Us ← Back to Treatments