Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

Sperm can be harvested directly from the testes through testicular fine- needle aspiration of the testes (TESA). Because a low number of sperm can be collected this way, and because testicular sperm cannot fertilize an egg on its own, TESA must be used along with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). 

How does TESA work? 

Under local sedation, a small needle is used to extract sperm directly from the testicle.

Testicular sperm must be used with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). A single sperm, processed in our laboratory, is injected directly into the oocyte (egg), fertilizing it.   Once fertilized, the developing embryo is implanted into the uterus.

Prior to the availability of TESA, men with no sperm in their ejaculate required much more involved surgery to recover sperm from their testes. Those major operations would require hospitalization and lengthy recuperation time, as well as high costs. Conversely TESA is a fast procedure performed right in the office, requiring only local sedation, and costs much less than surgery. Recovered sperm can either be used for ICSI or cryopreserved and thawed on the day of retrieval.

To make an appointment, please call us TODAY at
615-321-8899.