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TESA in Hyderabad: Expert Sperm Retrieval at Mamata Fertility

Being told there is no sperm in your semen is hard news. It does not always mean you cannot have a biological child. In many men, sperm are still being made in the testis but cannot reach the semen. In these cases, sperm can often be collected directly with a simple needle procedure called TESA and used for ICSI.

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What Is TESA?

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) is a day-care procedure. A fine needle is passed into the testis under local anaesthesia to collect a small amount of tissue and fluid. Our embryologists examine this sample under a microscope and separate the sperm.

The sperm collected through TESA are not able to fertilise an egg on their own in the usual way. They are used with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg as part of IVF.

Who Is TESA Suitable For?

TESA works best when the testis is making sperm, but the sperm cannot get out.

Obstructive Azoospermia (a Blockage)

This is the main reason for TESA. Sperm production is normal, but a blockage stops sperm from reaching the semen. Common causes include:

  • a previous vasectomy
  • infection
  • injury or past surgery in the groin
  • being born without the sperm-carrying tubes (congenital absence of the vas deferens)

Read more about Azoospermia (Nil Sperm Count).

Ejaculation Problems

TESA may be used when sperm cannot be collected through ejaculation, for example:

  • anejaculation (inability to ejaculate)
  • spinal cord injury
  • retrograde ejaculation that does not respond to other methods

When Other Methods Have Not Worked

TESA may be used when PESA (sperm collection from the epididymis) does not give enough sperm, or when no sperm are found in a sample on the day of egg collection.

When TESA Is Usually Not the Right Choice

If the testis is making very little or no sperm, the condition is called non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Here sperm, if present at all, are found only in small scattered pockets of the testis. A needle often misses them.

For most men with NOA, specialists generally prefer Micro-TESE (Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction). In Micro-TESE, a surgeon uses an operating microscope to find the areas most likely to contain sperm.

This is why a correct diagnosis before surgery matters more than the procedure itself. Choosing the wrong procedure can mean an unsuccessful retrieval, a second surgery, and lost time.

TESA vs PESA vs TESE vs Micro-TESE

PESA

TESA

TESE

Micro-TESE

Where sperm come from

Epididymis

Testis

Testis

Testis

Method

Fine needle

Fine needle

Small cut, tissue sample

Small cut, operating microscope

Best suited for

Blockage (obstructive azoospermia)

Blockage, ejaculation problems, failed PESA

Low sperm production (NOA), or when TESA fails

Low sperm production (NOA)

Anaesthesia

Local

Local, with or without sedation

Local, regional or general

Usually general

Recovery

1 to 2 days

1 to 2 days

A few days

About a week

Your specialist will recommend one procedure after reviewing your tests. Learn more about PESA and TESE.

Tests Before TESA

Before any sperm retrieval, we confirm the type of azoospermia. This usually includes:

  • Two semen analyses, including a centrifuged sample checked carefully for even a few sperm. See Male Semen Analysis.
  • Hormone tests: FSH, LH and testosterone. See Low Testosterone.
  • Physical examination of testis size and the sperm-carrying tubes. See Small Testis.
  • Scrotal ultrasound to look for blockages, varicocele or other changes
  • Genetic tests when needed: karyotype, Y-chromosome microdeletion testing, and CFTR (cystic fibrosis gene) testing when the vas deferens is absent. In that last case, the female partner may also be tested.

Genetic results matter because some findings make retrieval very unlikely to succeed, and some can be passed on to a child. If a genetic finding is present, you will be offered counselling before deciding.

For more detail, see Advanced Tests for Azoospermia and our Guide to Male Infertility.

How to Prepare

  • Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without your doctor’s advice.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol in the weeks before. This supports healing and overall sperm health.
  • Follow fasting instructions if sedation is planned.
  • Wear loose clothing and supportive underwear, and bring someone to take you home.

What Happens on the Day

  1. Anaesthesia: the area is numbed with local anaesthetic. Light sedation may be offered.
  2. Aspiration: a fine needle is passed into the testis and a small sample is drawn out. No stitches are usually needed.
  3. Lab check: embryologists look for sperm under the microscope, often while you are still in the procedure room.
  4. Use or freeze: sperm are used for ICSI the same day as your partner’s egg collection, or frozen for later use.

The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and most men go home the same day.

Same Day or Freeze First?

Some couples choose to have TESA before the IVF cycle and freeze the sperm. This confirms sperm are available before your partner starts injections. Others plan TESA on the same day as egg collection. Your doctor will explain which suits your case. See Sperm Freezing and Testicular Tissue Freezing.

Planning Ahead

Even in suitable cases, sperm are not found every time. Before the procedure, your doctor will discuss what happens if no sperm are found, including whether a further procedure is an option. Talking about this beforehand helps couples make decisions calmly rather than on the day.

Recovery and Possible Risks

Recovery

  • Mild soreness and swelling for a few days is common, and is usually managed with simple pain relief.
  • Rest for 24 hours, use a cold pack, and wear supportive underwear.
  • Most men return to desk work in 1 to 2 days.
  • Avoid heavy lifting, cycling and the gym for about a week.

Possible risks (uncommon)

  • bruising or a small blood collection (haematoma)
  • infection
  • ongoing pain

Contact us if you have increasing swelling, fever or severe pain.

Success Rates

In obstructive azoospermia, sperm are found with TESA in most men, because sperm production is normal. In non-obstructive azoospermia, retrieval rates with a needle are lower, which is why Micro-TESE is usually preferred.

Finding sperm is only the first step. The chance of pregnancy then depends mainly on:

  • your partner’s age and egg quality
  • embryo quality
  • the ICSI cycle

Cost of TESA in Secunderabad and Hyderabad

The cost of TESA in Secunderabad and Hyderabad varies based on the clinic and the additional treatments required.

  • Average Cost: ₹25,000–₹50,000 for the procedure alone.
  • Costs rise when combined with advanced procedures like ICSI or IVF.

At Mamata Fertility Hospital, we’re committed to providing affordable and transparent pricing to make fertility treatment accessible to everyone.

Why Choose Mamata Fertility Hospital for TESA?

  • NABH-accredited hospital, established in 1995
  • Diagnosis first: we confirm the type of azoospermia before recommending any procedure
  • All retrieval options available, from PESA and TESA to TESE, plus sperm and tissue freezing
  • Discreet, private consultations for men
  • Support through our Counselling Services and for International Patients

Meet our Fertility Specialists.

FAQs

Is TESA painful?

 The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, so you should feel only pressure. Mild soreness for a few days afterwards is common and usually eased with simple pain relief.

Is TESA suitable for every man with zero sperm count?

 No. TESA works best when there is a blockage and the testis is making sperm. If sperm production is very low, Micro-TESE is usually a better option. Tests before surgery decide which procedure fits.

What is the difference between TESA and TESE?

 TESA uses a fine needle to collect a sample from the testis. TESE removes a small piece of tissue through a tiny cut. TESE is used more often when sperm production is low.

What is the difference between TESA and PESA?

PESA collects sperm from the epididymis, the tube behind the testis. TESA collects them from the testis itself. Both are needle procedures used mainly for blockages.

Can sperm from TESA be used without IVF?

 No. Sperm from TESA are used with ICSI, where one sperm is injected into each egg in the lab.

Can TESA sperm be frozen?

Yes, in many cases. Freezing can avoid repeat procedures for future ICSI cycles.

Can TESA be done after a vasectomy?

Yes. TESA or PESA with ICSI is one option after vasectomy. Vasectomy reversal is another, and your doctor can explain which fits your situation and your partner’s age.

We Can Help You With All The Possible Infertility Treatments.

At Mamata Fertility Hospital in Secunderabad, Hyderabad we use cutting-edge techniques like TESA to make biological parenthood possible for men facing infertility challenges. Our compassionate team works closely with patients to provide personalized, comprehensive care every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward your dream of starting a family!

 

Dr Aarti Deenadayal Tolani

MBBS, MS ( OBGYN), FICOG

Clinical Director, Scientific In- Charge & Fertility Consultant with 22+ years Of Experience

TSMC Reg. No. 51895

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CONSULT FERTILITY SPECIALIST