TESE or testicular sperm extraction is a simplified form of micro TESE that is used in men who have obstructive azoospermia from a procedure such as a vasectomy. This procedure uses the same principles as the micro TESE procedure but can be performed in the office under local

anaesthetic.

 

The Procedure

 

To perform this procedure, we use a very small needle to completely numb the testicle and overlying skin. We then make a very small incision in the scrotum to extract a small amount of sperm from the testicle. We cannot use this procedure for men with non-obstructive azoospermia as it does not sample as much tissue as the microTESE procedure.

 

TESA or TESE: Which Is Better for Sperm Extraction?

 

Research shows that there is a better chance of cryopreservation of sperm obtained by TESE rather than TESA. The importance of this is that such cryopreserved sperm can be used in subsequent cycles rather than the patient having to go through another TESE or TESA procedure.