What Are TESE and Micro-TESE?

TESE (testicular sperm extraction) is the procedure of surgically retrieving sperm from testicular tissue in men who have no sperm at all in their semen (azoospermia). In Micro-TESE this procedure is performed under an operating microscope.

In Micro-TESE, thanks to the magnification of the microscope, the tubules where sperm production continues are selected and taken; this both increases the chance of finding sperm and minimises the damage to the tissue. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia and same-day discharge is usually possible.

The retrieved sperm is injected into the eggs by ICSI (micro-injection); any surplus sperm can be frozen and stored. A diagnosis of azoospermia is not the end of fatherhood — at Clavis, TESE/Micro-TESE is performed by our experienced team.

Key Points

• Surgical sperm retrieval in azoospermia
• Micro-TESE under the microscope, a higher chance
• ICSI is performed with the retrieved sperm
• Surplus sperm can be frozen and stored