TESA or TESE: Which Is Better For Sperm Extraction?

Unfortunately, not every family can enjoy the feeling of parenthood nowadays. Some genetic diseases, hormonal disorders, previous severe illnesses and many other factors lead to an increase in number of infertility treatments. This health problem concerns both women and men. When men are diagnosed with infertility, which is not caused by a common infection that can be treated with antibiotics, they have to undergo other more complex examination and treatment. The method is selected by a specialist depending on the patient condition and diagnosis.

TESA, PESA and TESE Infertility Treatment

Modern technologies provide patients with various ways of infertility treatment. In general, all of them have their advantages and disadvantages, efficacy features and probable results. Doctors and scientists constantly dispute this issue. However, as experience shows, all the methods can be applied successfully.

TESA

TESA IVF procedure is performed in any adrology or urology clinic. This is short form for testicular sperm aspiration. TESA IVF treatment involves puncturing the male testicles with a needle. Then, a sperm sample is taken for further examination by light suction. The doctor thoroughly analyzes the sample under the microscope and detects how much sperm cells it has and what is their quality. If sperm is in acceptable condition, other samples can be taken for further in-vitro fertilization.

PESA

Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) is considered one of the simplest ways of sperm extraction. In general, the extraction principle is similar to TESA way of treatment. However, a sperm sample is taken not directly from testicles, but from epididymis. PESA/TESA IVF procedures cannot provide a large sperm count. However, they are very efficient during the examination.

TESE

TESE procedure is one of the most popular and effective ways of sperm extraction. It stands for testicular sperm extraction. The main feature of IVF with TESE is that a small incision is made in the testis to take the sample. In other words, IVF TESE procedure is a surgical biopsy. Then, sperm can be frozen for future fertilization. TESE infertility treatment, like any other method, is performed under anesthesia.

What Method Is More Efficient?

TESA and PESA methods are cheaper than TESE IVF infertility treatment. They do not require surgical interference and putting stitches. TESE procedure allows extracting more sperm but it is more invasive.

All methods take 15-20 minutes. TESA IVF success rate is enough for thorough examination. The sperm amount is not always sufficient for fertilization. IVF with TESE success rates are much higher. The samples can even be frozen for usage in the future. All methods have advantages. However, the choice depends on the patient’s diagnosis.