What is TESA / MESA?
TESA and MESA are surgical procedures used to retrieve sperm directly from the male reproductive tract. They are used when no sperm is present in the ejaculate. In TESA, a fine needle is inserted into the testis to extract sperm-containing tissue. In MESA, sperm is taken from the epididymis under a microscope — giving a higher yield and better quality. Both procedures are used for men with azoospermia, ejaculatory dysfunction, or failed vasectomy reversal. Retrieved sperm is used with ICSI to achieve fertilisation.
🇮🇳 India Context: TESA / MESA is widely available across major Indian cities. These include Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad. India offers world-class fertility care at significantly lower costs than Western countries.
Why TESA / MESA Matters
Understanding tesa / mesa is important for anyone dealing with fertility challenges. Your doctor may recommend this treatment based on your diagnosis, health history, and goals.
This procedure plays an important role in fertility treatment. It is safe and well-tolerated when done by an experienced specialist. Most major fertility centres in India offer this procedure.
How TESA / MESA Works
Here is what you can expect during the treatment process:
Success Rate & Effectiveness
TESA / MESA has a reported effectiveness of Sperm retrieval success: 50–70% (TESA); 80–90% (MESA) in India. Success rates vary. Key factors include age, underlying diagnosis, clinic expertise, and overall health.
💡 Key Insight: Clinics measure success rates in different ways. Always ask your doctor what the number means. Does it refer to a pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, or live birth rate? Is it per cycle, per transfer, or across multiple cycles?
Cost of TESA / MESA in India
The typical cost of tesa / mesa in India ranges from ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000. Costs can vary based on the city, clinic reputation, doctor experience, and any additional procedures or medications required.
India offers this at a much lower cost than Western countries. The US charges 3–5x more, the UK 2–4x more, and Australia 2–3x more. This makes India a top destination for fertility treatment.
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Risks & Considerations
⚠️ Medical Advisory: As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. Your fertility specialist will explain the specific risks relevant to your situation and medical history. Always talk to your fertility specialist about the risks before starting treatment. This information is for educational purposes only.
Related Fertility Terms
Azoospermia
Azoospermia means there is no sperm in the ejaculate. It affects about 1% of all men and 10–15% of men with infertility. There are two types. In obstructive azoospermia, sperm is produced normally but a blockage stops it from coming out. In non-obstructive azoospermia, the testes do not produce enough sperm. Both types can be treated. Surgical sperm retrieval (TESA or MESA) is used to collect sperm. This is then combined with ICSI to achieve pregnancy.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI is an advanced fertility technique. A single healthy sperm is injected directly into the centre of a mature egg using a fine glass needle. The procedure is done under a high-powered microscope. ICSI is used for severe male factor infertility — very low count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology. It is also used when previous IVF cycles produced poor fertilisation results. Even with very low sperm quality, ICSI can still achieve fertilisation.
Semen Analysis
Semen Analysis is the main test for evaluating male fertility. A semen sample is examined under a microscope. The lab checks sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), volume, and pH. It is one of the first tests done when a couple is having difficulty conceiving. Results can identify low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology. These findings guide the next steps — from lifestyle changes to IUI or ICSI.
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