PESA and TESA
A fine needle draws sperm without an incision, when the route out is blocked.
Andrology · Micro TESE Surgery
When no sperm reaches the ejaculate, micro TESE surgery in Turkey can still find it
A diagnosis of azoospermia is not the end of the road to biological fatherhood. Assoc. Prof. Tuncay Taş performs microsurgical testicular sperm extraction in Istanbul, working directly with your embryology team on the day.
Medically reviewed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş
40-60%
Sperm retrieval rate
20+
Years of experience
60+
Countries served
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A microscope changes the odds
What is micro TESE?
Micro TESE, or microsurgical testicular sperm extraction, looks for sperm directly inside the testicle when none is found in the ejaculate, for men with non obstructive azoospermia where the testicle itself produces little or no sperm. This differs from a varicocele, a common and often correctable cause of reduced sperm production that is usually ruled out or treated first.
An operating microscope lets the surgeon identify and sample only the tubules most likely to contain sperm, removing less tissue than older, unguided TESE. This is linked to higher retrieval rates and lower risk. Any sperm found is used with ICSI as part of an IVF cycle.
Who this is for
When micro TESE is the right next step
Considered once azoospermia has been confirmed and worked up properly.
No sperm found on two separate semen analyses
A suspected or confirmed non obstructive azoospermia
Hormones showing reduced testicular sperm production
A genetic finding, such as Klinefelter syndrome
Matching the technique to the diagnosis
Micro TESE compared with other retrieval methods
The right technique depends chiefly on whether sperm production is blocked or reduced at the source.
Conventional TESE
Random samples without microscopic guidance, removing more tissue for a lower success rate.
Micro TESE
A microscope identifies the tubules most likely to contain sperm — the technique of choice here.
Fresh cycle or freezing
Retrieval is timed to your partner’s IVF cycle where possible, with extra sperm frozen for future attempts.
Are you ready to book?
Check your workup before you consult
Tick what you already have. Nothing here is submitted or saved, it is just for you.
Question 1 of 6
Do you have: Two separate semen analyses confirming azoospermia?
Do you have: Hormone panel: FSH, LH and testosterone?
Do you have: Karyotype (chromosome) test?
Do you have: Y chromosome microdeletion test?
Do you have: Scrotal ultrasound?
Do you have: Partner’s fertility assessment?
Clear and reassuring
Your path to treatment
A proper diagnosis comes before any operation, so the workup is thorough.
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01
Free consultation and records review
Two analyses confirming azoospermia are needed before a surgical plan is discussed.
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02
Hormonal and genetic workup
FSH, LH, testosterone, karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion tests help predict the chance of finding sperm.
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03
Coordinating with your fertility clinic
Timing is coordinated with your partner’s egg collection so retrieval happens when fresh sperm is needed.
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04
Surgery with an embryologist present
Under general, spinal or regional block anaesthesia, with an embryologist present.
Before your surgery date
Preparing for micro TESE
A short checklist covered in full at your consultation.
Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery
Tell the team about any blood thinners or aspirin you take
Follow the fasting instructions for the night before
Bring your hormone, genetic and semen analysis results
Build your estimate
Estimate your cost and trip length
Pick one option in each category for an instant estimate. This is a planning figure, not a quote.
Base package: Micro TESE surgery (included in every estimate)
Sperm Storage
Accommodation
Transfers & Support
Estimated total
$3,000 – $4,500
Suggested trip length: 5 to 7 days, covering assessment, surgery and clearance to fly.
Stated plainly
Risks and what to know beforehand
Micro TESE has a strong safety record. These are discussed with every patient beforehand.
Bleeding or a scrotal haematoma, uncommon and usually minor
Infection, reduced by antibiotics given around the time of surgery
A temporary drop in testosterone, checked at your follow up
Anaesthesia carries its own small risks, discussed beforehand
The part nobody explains properly
After micro TESE surgery
The operation is a single day, but the weeks after protect the result and your comfort.
The first 48 hours
Most men go home the same day or next morning, wearing a light dressing and scrotal support.
Week one to three
You rest, avoid heavy lifting or exercise, and let swelling settle before your follow up clears you.
From one month
A follow up hormone check reviews testosterone. If sperm was frozen, your fertility clinic is informed of next steps.
Report increasing pain, fever, swelling or discharge right away
Follow up continues by video call once you are home
Transparent pricing
What micro TESE costs in Turkey
Indicative packages in Istanbul against typical private pricing in the US, UK and Western Europe. Your exact quote follows your workup review.
| Package | Dr. Tuncay Taş Istanbul, Turkey | United States | United Kingdom | Western Europe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro TESE surgerySurgical fee, anaesthesia, embryology support | $3,000 – $4,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 | £4,000 – £7,000 | €5,000 – €9,000 |
| Sperm cryopreservationFirst year of storage | $300 – $500 | $1,000 – $1,500 | £500 – £800 | €600 – €900 |
These are indicative planning ranges, not a quote, and cover the surgical procedure only; IVF and ICSI are priced separately by your fertility clinic.
Surgeon and embryology fees
Hospital stay and anaesthesia
Airport transfers and an interpreter
Video follow up after you fly home
Why patients travel here
Why choose Turkey for micro TESE surgery?
Micro TESE rewards surgical experience and close coordination with embryology more than almost any other andrology procedure.
Microsurgical experience
Assoc. Prof. Tuncay Taş performs andrology microsurgery regularly and has trained many andrologists. Read more about his background and training.
Embryology coordinated on the day
An embryologist is on site so you know if sperm was found before you leave.
No lengthy waiting list
Fertility treatment is time sensitive, tied to your partner’s cycle and age. Surgery can be arranged within weeks once workup is done.
Cost without compromise
The same operation costs considerably less in Istanbul than in the US, UK or Western Europe.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TESE and micro TESE?
Micro TESE uses an operating microscope to identify the tubules most likely to contain sperm, removing less tissue for a better success rate than conventional TESE.
What are my chances of sperm being found?
Published series report retrieval rates of 40 to 60 per cent for non obstructive azoospermia, varying by underlying cause.
What does micro TESE cost in Turkey?
The cost covers the surgical procedure, anaesthesia, hospital stay and embryology support, well below equivalent US, UK or Western European pricing. Contact us for a personalised quote after your workup review.