When no sperm is present in the ejaculate, a condition known as azoospermia, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can offer a promising option to retrieve sperm from testicular tissue.
Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) is a procedure where a small piece of testicular tissue, about the size of a grain of rice, is removed through a skin incision of approximately 1-2 cm in the testicle. This procedure is typically performed at three different sites and is carried out by specialized urologists/andrologists.
The extracted testicular tissue is examined under a microscope to identify the presence of sperm. It is treated with substances to facilitate the separation of sperm from the testicular tissue. In some cases, a micro-TESE may be recommended, which uses a special surgical microscope to examine the testicular tissue structure more closely. This increases the chance of finding tissue with a higher sperm count.
TESE is recommended in the following cases:
The retrieved sperm are cryopreserved on the day of the procedure and can be stored for the short or long term, even for years. These sperm will later be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
The risks of TESE are generally low. In individual cases, the following effects may occur:
TESE is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 30 minutes. Depending on the diagnosis, the procedure can occur on one or both testicles under local anesthesia. In some cases, general anesthesia is also an option.
Our experienced urologists and andrologists perform TESE with precision and care to achieve the best possible results. We are available to answer your questions and provide individualized guidance.
Obstetrician – Gynecologist
Fertility Specialist
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