Male infertility treatment · Thanjavur

MESA / TESA

Two ways of collecting sperm for ICSI: MESA from the epididymis under an operating microscope, and TESA from the testis with a fine needle.

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Open: Mon – Sat: 8:30 am – 5:00 pmSunday: by prior appointment only
Find us: Dean Complex, Maris Corner, Thanjavur

Dr. Sangeetha BalamuruganFertility Specialist & Reproductive Medicine Specialist

Two surgeons at work in an operating theatre

About MESA and TESA

MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) and TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) are surgical sperm retrieval procedures for men who have no sperm in their ejaculate (azoospermia) or who cannot ejaculate.

In MESA, the epididymis, the coiled tube where sperm mature, is reached through a small cut in the scrotum and sperm-rich fluid is collected under an operating microscope. In TESA, a fine needle is passed into the testis under anaesthesia to draw out tissue containing sperm. At Skanda Fertility & Women's Health Centre, Thanjavur, the choice between them depends on the man's evaluation.

Who may consider MESA or TESA?

These procedures may be considered in situations such as:

Obstructive azoospermia
A previous vasectomy
Congenital absence of the vas deferens
Selected cases of non-obstructive azoospermia (TESA)
Failure of ejaculation

Hormone tests and a scrotal ultrasound may be advised before the procedure.

On the day of the procedure

The procedure generally involves:

Evaluation and written consent beforehand
Local or general anaesthesia
Sperm collected by MESA or TESA
The sample checked in the laboratory for sperm
Sperm used for ICSI the same day, or frozen
Home the same day in most cases, with advice on rest and care

Mild pain or swelling for a few days is common and settles with simple care.

Dr. Sangeetha Balamurugan in theatre scrubs holding a newborn, beside a member of the care team

Planning with ICSI

Because the number of sperm retrieved is usually small, they are used with ICSI, in which a single sperm is injected into each egg. The procedure can be timed with the female partner's egg collection, or done in advance with the sperm frozen.

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Questions

Questions about MESA and TESA

Mon – Sat: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm · Sunday: by prior appointment only · Please contact us in advance to schedule your appointment.

Call +91 73589 75682

Which is better, MESA or TESA?

Neither is better for everyone. MESA is mainly used when there is a blockage, while TESA can be used in both obstructive and some non-obstructive cases. Your specialist will recommend the approach that suits your evaluation.

Is it done under anaesthesia?

Yes. TESA is often done under local anaesthesia, and MESA usually under regional or general anaesthesia.

When can I return to work?

Most men return to normal activities within a few days. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are usually avoided for a little longer; you will be told what to expect.

Why is ICSI needed with retrieved sperm?

Surgically retrieved sperm are usually limited in number and movement, so ICSI, which injects a single sperm into each egg, gives them the best opportunity to fertilise an egg.