Testicular Biopsy (TESA/PESA)

Testicular biopsy is a procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the testes in cases where sperm are not present in the ejaculate. This is often necessary for men with obstructive azoospermia or other conditions affecting sperm production or transport. Two common techniques for testicular biopsy are TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) and PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration).

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration)

TESA involves using a fine needle to aspirate sperm directly from the testicular tissue. This procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and can be done in a clinic or outpatient setting. The extracted sperm are then analysed and, if viable, can be used in assisted reproductive techniques such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)

PESA is similar to TESA but involves aspirating sperm from the epididymis, the tube where sperm mature and are stored. This procedure is also performed with a fine needle under local anaesthesia. PESA is often used when there is a blockage preventing sperm from being ejaculated but where sperm production in the testes is normal.

Both TESA and PESA are minimally invasive procedures that provide a means to obtain sperm for couples experiencing male infertility, offering hope and potential solutions for achieving pregnancy.