Sperm Retrieval Techniques for Azoospermia: PESA, TESA, MESA & MicroTESE

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Azoospermia?
• Why is sperm retrieval needed?
• Common sperm retrieval techniques
• How to choose the right technique?
• Benefits and risks of each procedure
• Role of specialists in male infertility
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

Male infertility exists in most couples across the globe. One of the primary reasons is azoospermia. Azoospermia is an ailment where no sperm exists in semen. Yet, sperm can be present in the male reproductive tract. Due to enhanced medical procedures, physicians are able to directly obtain sperm. 

Furthermore, such procedures are PESA, TESA, MESA, and MicroTESE. All the procedures are described briefly within this blog. You would understand the reason why the procedures benefit men having azoospermia. We will also see why you must approach the top experts, such as the top andrologist in Salem and male infertility specialist in India. 

What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is the state when no sperm in the semen are visible. Azoospermia occurs in about 1% of all men and 10-15% of non-fertile men. There are two forms:

• Obstructive Azoospermia (OA): Azoospermia can occur due to normally produced sperm, but at times, there is an obstruction, and sperm are not able to enter semen.
• Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA): Poor or absent sperm production by the testicles.

On the basis of knowledge, it can be decided which sperm retrieval procedure to use.

Why is sperm retrieval needed?

Azoospermic men are also able to become fathers, even if there is no sperm in semen. Physicians can retrieve the sperm from the testicles or epididymis directly. Such sperm are usually utilized in IVF treatments like ICSI. These procedures provide hope to biological children of couples. They offer special benefits when other fertility treatments fail.

For treatment, the men need to see fertility specialists. The top sexologist in Namakkal will help you through that. If low testosterone is the underlying cause, physicians may recommend testosterone boosting treatment in Namakkal. However, right diagnosis and specialized treatment enhance the success rate. With appropriate treatment, most couples are successful in stopping infertility and beginning their parenthood.

Common sperm retrieval techniques

• PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)

PESA is a minimal and simple procedure. Physicians place a fine needle in the epididymis to collect sperm. It is typically applied to obstructive azoospermia.

• Performed under local anaesthesia.
• Short procedure with little pain.
• No big cuts are required.
• Sperm quality may be good for ICSI.

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)

TESA is where a needle is inserted straight into the testicle. It extracts sperm cells from testicular tissue. It is applied in both obstructive and some non-obstructive conditions.

• Is carried out under local or general anesthetics.
• Straightforward and short outpatient procedure.
• May require multiple attempts before sperm is detected.
• Painful compared to PESA.

MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)

MESA is a microsurgery technique. It enables accurate retrieval of the sperm from the epididymis. It is used primarily in obstructive azoospermia patients.

• Needs a small surgical cut.
• The microscope prevents tissue damage.
• Shows higher sperm counts compared to PESA.
• Typically done under general anesthesia.

MicroTESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction)

MicroTESE is the most sophisticated technique for sperm retrieval. It is best applied for non-obstructive azoospermia, where there is poor sperm production.

• A microscope oversees the extraction of tiny testicular tissue samples.
• Operates on sperm-producing areas, takes out the minimum amount of tissue.
• Improved result compared to TESA with complicated cases.

Needs talented surgeons, usually the best andrologist in Salem or India’s leading expert male infertility.

How to choose the right technique?

Decision is based on the nature of azoospermia and the patient’s condition. Physicians check hormone levels, testicle size, and sonography reports.

• In obstructive azoospermia, MESA or PESA is utilized.
• For non-obstructive azoospermia, microTESE would be the best option.
• TESA can be performed if others are not available or not appropriate.

Experience of the consultant also comes into the scenario. Moreover, to meet the best sexologist in Namakkal or an acclaimed infertility clinic is necessary.

Benefits and risks of each procedure

Technique	Benefits	Risks	Ideal For
PESA	Minimally invasive, quick	Possible epididymal damage	Obstructive azoospermia
TESA	Simple, quick, outpatient	Bleeding, discomfort	Obstructive and some NOA
MESA	Large sperm quantity, precise	Surgical risks, anesthesia	Obstructive azoospermia
MicroTESE	High sperm retrieval success	Longer surgery, requires expertise	Non-obstructive azoospermia

Role of specialists in male infertility

Male infertility requires proper medical treatment and specialist advice. The best andrologist in Salem can give a complete evaluation and sophisticated treatment such as MicroTESE. This procedure is very skill-based and assists in sperm retrieval in complicated cases.

Therefore, infertility in most men is associated with low levels of hormones. In this case, testosterone-boosting treatment in Namakkal may be recommended by the doctors to enhance fertility. Even if you face issues with erections, erectile dysfunction treatment is equally necessary.

However, consulting a male infertility expert in India ensures that you receive the appropriate diagnosis. They provide customized treatments according to your condition. Under expert guidance and prompt attention, your chances of success in sperm retrieval and fertility treatment improve. Various couples have become parents with proper medical assistance.

Conclusion

Sperm retrieval procedures bring true hope to men with azoospermia. PESA, TESA, MESA, and MicroTESE are such procedures that aid in the collection of sperm for IVF or ICSI. The appropriate procedure is based on your medical condition and physician’s recommendation.

If you’re in Salem or Namakkal, you may visit the best andrologist in Salem or the best sexologist in Namakkal for adequate treatment. They employ new methods to enhance success rates.

Treating underlying conditions such as low hormones or erectile dysfunction also becomes beneficial. With professional guidance, even most couples are able to overcome infertility issues. With correct diagnosis and timely treatment, parenthood can be achieved for people who experience azoospermia. Always get help in time for better outcomes.

FAQs

Q1. What is the success rate of MicroTESE?

MicroTESE has variable success but is at best 60% in NOA.

Q2. Is PESA painful?

PESA has some pain associated but is well tolerated.

Q3. Is TESA sperm viable for IVF?

Yes, TESA sperm is routinely used for IVF or ICSI.

Q4. What is the recovery time after MESA?

Recovery is a matter of a few days due to the operation.

Q5. Do I need to see a specialist prior to sperm retrieval?

Yes, always see a male infertility specialist in India first.