Zero sperm in the semen report does not mean zero hope. Many men diagnosed with azoospermia have become biological fathers through TESA + ICSI at Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal, Hyderabad. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy, TGMC Reg: 50624.
Understanding which type you have determines the treatment plan
The testes produce sperm normally, but a blockage prevents it from reaching the ejaculate. This is the more common and more treatable type.
Common causes:Treatment: TESA or PESA retrieves sperm directly. Success rate for sperm retrieval: very high (>90%). Sperm used in ICSI.
The testes have reduced or absent sperm production. More challenging than OA, but treatment options exist in many cases.
Common causes:Treatment: Micro-TESA may retrieve sperm in selected NOA cases. Hormonal treatment for hypogonadism. Genetic testing guides prognosis.
A systematic workup identifies the type, cause, and best treatment path
Available at Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal, Hyderabad
A fine needle is inserted into the testis under local anaesthesia to aspirate sperm-containing tissue. Performed as a 30-minute outpatient procedure. Sperm is retrieved successfully in the vast majority of OA cases. The retrieved sperm is used immediately in ICSI or cryopreserved.
Sperm is aspirated from the epididymis — the coiled tube attached to the testis where sperm matures. Preferred when sperm quality from the epididymis is better. Used when epididymal blockage is the cause. Combined with ICSI.
Retrieved sperm (from TESA or PESA) is used in ICSI — where a single sperm is injected into each mature egg. Even immature sperm retrieved from the testis can achieve fertilisation with ICSI. This completes the fertility treatment and enables embryo transfer.
For non-obstructive azoospermia, micro-TESA uses an operating microscope to identify and extract small areas of testicular tissue that may contain sperm — improving retrieval rates compared to conventional TESA. Available for carefully selected NOA cases.
Men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low FSH + low testosterone) have functional testes but lack hormonal stimulation. Injections of FSH + hCG for 6–12 months can stimulate sperm production, often making TESA unnecessary.
Sperm retrieved during TESA is cryopreserved (frozen) for future ICSI cycles, avoiding the need for a repeat procedure. Extra embryos created during ICSI are also frozen for subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET) attempts.
MBBS · DGO · PG Diploma in ART – Kiel University, Germany · Cosmetic Gynecology Certified (2024)
Founder & Medical Director — Mother Hospitals & IVF Center, Boduppal, Hyderabad
TGMC Reg: 50624 · 19+ Years · 5,000+ IVF & ICSI Cycles
Specialised in TESA, PESA, Azoospermia Management & ICSI for Surgical Sperm