Testicular Sperm Aspiration Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)

4.13.3 Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

TESA: A minimally invasive procedure where a needle is used to extract sperm directly from the testis under local anaesthesia. It is quick, with low pain and short recovery time.

4.13.4 Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

TESE: A more invasive procedure, involving a biopsy of the testis under general anaesthesia to retrieve sperm. It requires a longer recovery time.

4.13.5 Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Procedure: In ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization.

Process: The sperm is injected into the cytoplasm of the ovum.

The resulting embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus.

Suitability: ICSI is useful for men with very low sperm count or poor sperm motility.

4.13.6 Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)

A needle is inserted to extract sperm from the epididymis. It is done under local anaesthesia and is minimally invasive.

4.13.7 MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration):

A more invasive procedure that requires a small incision to access the epididymis. It allows the surgeon to retrieve motile sperm under a microscope. The retrieved sperm can be cryopreserved for future use.

Suitability: Useful for men with obstructive azoospermia (blockage in the reproductive tract) or those who have had a vasectomy.