When sperm isn't present in semen (azoospermia), sperm can often still be retrieved directly — opening the door to biological fatherhood through ICSI. Available at our KK Nagar and Mylapore clinics in Chennai.
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Sperm retrieval procedures at Kanaa Fertility — including TESA and TESE — help men with azoospermia (no sperm in semen) retrieve sperm directly, for use with ICSI. Two clinics in KK Nagar & Mylapore, with in-person & online consultations.
When sperm isn't present in semen, it can often still be retrieved directly.
Men who have male factor infertility will sometimes produce semen with no sperm, also known as azoospermia. But couples struggling with male factor infertility still have options.
In the past, the only options for treating azoospermia were reconstructive surgery (if there was obstruction) or donor insemination. Now, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has enabled many azoospermic men to become biological fathers using sperm obtained from their epididymis or testis.
Two of the most common sperm retrieval procedures are Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) and Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE). Couples should understand the difference between the two and discuss their best treatment options with their physician.
Sperm retrieved this way can be used directly with ICSI to fertilise an egg.
TESA and TESE suit different situations — see below.
Where donor sperm was once the main option, retrieval now offers many men a path to biological fatherhood.
Two different approaches, chosen based on your specific situation.
A procedure that can be performed in the clinic. One or both testes are numbed, and the physician uses a needle to aspirate sperm — obtaining a small tissue sample using gentle suction to examine under a microscope. If the sample shows adequate sperm, another small sample is taken for extraction.
The physician performs a surgical biopsy of the testis to retrieve tissue containing sperm. This tissue has usually already been identified through mapping techniques, and is then extracted through a small incision.
Most appropriate for men who have an adequate amount of sperm throughout the testicles. Occasionally, TESA doesn't provide enough tissue or sperm, and an open testis biopsy (TESE) is needed instead.
One of the best ways to find sperm for use in ICSI or IVF. The goal is to extract as much usable sperm as possible for fertilisation, while minimising damage to reproductive organs. It's usually done under local anaesthesia to reduce pain or discomfort.
TESE is sometimes done diagnostically, to find out if a man has enough sperm. It may also suit men who are producing sperm but aren't candidates for other procedures due to scar tissue or prior surgeries.
TESA can typically be performed in the clinic; TESE is a surgical procedure usually done under local anaesthesia. Starting price to be confirmed by the clinic.
Your specialist will discuss what to expect for your specific procedure, and any next steps depending on what's found.
Before sperm retrieval procedures like TESA and TESE became widely available, donor sperm was often the primary option for men with azoospermia. Depending on your situation and results, donor sperm may still be discussed as an option.
Your specialist will explain every option available to you, including sperm retrieval and donor sperm, so you can make the choice that's right for you.
Fertility care that combines medical expertise, careful monitoring, and compassionate support.
A skilled team specialised in reproductive medicine.
Scans and dose adjustments guided at every step.
Your treatment designed around your body and diagnosis.
Support at every step of your journey.
KK Nagar & Mylapore, with flexible scheduling.
Bring these to your consultation — we welcome open, honest conversations.
Book a consultation about sperm retrieval procedures at Kanaa Fertility, Chennai — KK Nagar & Mylapore.
