TESE: TESTICULAR SPERM EXTRACTION IN HOUSTON

Your Path to Fatherhood with Advanced Male Fertility Solutions

When no sperm is present in the ejaculate (azoospermia), it doesn't have to be the end of your fertility journey. At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), we offer Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE); a precise, minimally invasive procedure that retrieves sperm directly from the testicles for use in IVF with ICSI. Whether your azoospermia is caused by a prior vasectomy, genetic condition, retrograde ejaculation, or non-obstructive testicular failure, our expert team and world-class IVF laboratory provide the highest level of care and advanced solutions to help you build your family.

MALE FERTILITY TREATMENT

What Is TESE?

TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) is a minor surgical procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicle when sperm cannot be found in the ejaculate. It is commonly recommended for:

  • Prior vasectomy or failed vasectomy reversal
  • Obstructive azoospermia (blocked sperm pathways)
  • Non-obstructive azoospermia (low or no sperm production)
  • Genetic or hormonal conditions affecting sperm production
  • Retrograde ejaculation (where sperm travels into the bladder instead of the urethra)
  • Failed PESA/MESA procedures or previous failed sperm retrieval attempts

Once retrieved, sperm is carefully processed and prepared for IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) in our on-site Omni Med Laboratory, led by world-renowned embryologist Dr. Dmitri Dozortsev.

Even in severe male factor infertility, TESE combined with ICSI often allows couples to achieve pregnancy with their own sperm.

SURGICAL SPERM RETRIEVAL

When TESE Is Needed & How AFCT Streamlines the Journey

Advanced surgical sperm retrieval coordinated seamlessly with your IVF cycle

Medical professional performing TESE procedure in operating room

When Is TESE Needed?

You may need TESE if:

  • You've had a vasectomy and want biological children without reversal surgery
  • No sperm are present on a standard semen analysis (azoospermia)
  • You've experienced multiple failed IVF or ICSI cycles
  • You have a genetic, hormonal, or congenital condition impacting sperm production or transport
  • You're pursuing surrogacy or donor egg IVF and require surgical sperm retrieval

Fast-Track TESE & IVF Coordination at AFCT

AFCT makes the process seamless and efficient by coordinating directly with top reproductive urologists.

  • Aligned timing with your partner's egg retrieval for fresh IVF cycles
  • Immediate lab processing of surgically retrieved sperm by our expert embryology team
  • Cryopreservation for future use in later IVF cycles
  • On-site Omni Med Lab expertise to ensure fragile sperm are handled with the highest precision
Our integrated approach minimizes delays and maximizes your chances of success.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

How TESE Works at AFCT

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Consultation & Diagnostic Testing

Your fertility specialist reviews your medical history, semen analysis, and hormonal profile to determine the best plan.

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TESE Procedure

A skilled urologist performs TESE under local or light anesthesia, extracting tiny tissue samples from the testicles to retrieve sperm.

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Embryology Lab Processing

Sperm are immediately transported to Omni Med Laboratory, where they're carefully selected and prepared for IVF with ICSI.

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Next Steps & Storage

  • Use retrieved sperm fresh for same-day egg retrieval
  • Or freeze (cryopreserve) for future IVF cycles

TESE Excellence

Why TESE at AFCT Is Different

On-Site IVF Laboratory Expertise

Surgically retrieved sperm are fragile. Our state-of-the-art Omni Med Lab uses advanced ICSI techniques to maximize fertilization success.

Close Collaboration with Urologists

We work directly with male reproductive specialists for precise surgical timing and streamlined IVF planning.

Fast-Track Scheduling

We prioritize TESE coordination so you can move quickly toward treatment without unnecessary delays.

Advanced Fertility Options Beyond TESE

If sperm retrieval isn't successful, we offer donor sperm options, third-party reproduction solutions, and compassionate guidance for your next step.

Comprehensive Male Fertility Care

Beyond TESE, we provide hormone optimization, wellness-based fertility support, and access to cutting-edge IVF techniques tailored for severe male factor infertility.

ANSWERS & CLARITY

Frequently Asked Questions About TESE

No. It's performed under local or light anesthesia, so there's minimal discomfort. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.

Recovery is quick—mild soreness may last 24–48 hours. Heavy exercise or sexual activity is typically avoided for a few days.

Yes. We can cryopreserve surgically retrieved sperm for future IVF cycles.

Not always, but even with low sperm production, many men still have viable sperm that can be used with ICSI.

Yes. After a vasectomy, sperm can't reach the ejaculate, so TESE or reversal is required for biological conception.

Yes. Our lab specializes in handling even the most delicate cases, improving chances of success after failed attempts.

Take the Next Step

If you've been told you have no sperm or have experienced repeated IVF failure due to male factor infertility, TESE can help you move forward.

At AFCT, our team combines expert urologists, advanced lab technology, and compassionate care to give you the best chance of fatherhood.

Scientific Research

Luteinizing hormone–independent rise of progesterone as the physiological trigger of the ovulatory gonadotropins surge in the human

Fertility and Sterility
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Recipient outcomes in an oocyte donation programme: should very young donors be excluded?

RBMO Oocyte Donation Programme
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