Skip to main content
Thérapie Fertility Logo

4.7

245 Google reviews

Compassionate fertility care

Surgical Sperm Retrieval

Offering hope where there are sperm conditions

During some fertility treatments, a sperm sample is needed to help create embryos. In some cases, however, producing a semen sample for use in a fertility treatment cycle doesn't yield any sperm. Surgical sperm retrieval may offer another way to find sperm for treatment. It can be an important step for men with azoospermia, where semen is produced as normal, but no sperm are seen in the sample.

We know this part of the journey can, for many men, feel emotionally difficult. Our role is to guide you through it with clear information, experienced care and practical support. We combine expert male fertility assessment with evidence-based treatment planning, so you understand what the procedure involves, what it may show, and what the next steps could be.

All inclusive pricing

Surgical Sperm Retrieval

€1,400

Understanding more about Surgical Sperm Retrieval

with our Medical Director Dr. John Kennedy

What is Surgical Sperm Retrieval and how does it work?

Surgical sperm retrieval is used to collect sperm directly from the testes when no visible sperm are present in a semen sample. This is often called TESE, or testicular sperm extraction. The procedure is carried out in the clinic under sedation and with pain relief. Small tissue samples are taken and examined immediately in our laboratory for sperm. If sperm are found, they are frozen for later use in an ICSI cycle.

If no sperm are seen, we send a sample to an external laboratory to look for evidence of sperm production. In this case your results will be discussed with you.

The Surgical Sperm Retrieval process

  • 01

    Assessment and treatment planning

    Before treatment, we will review your fertility history and test results to understand why sperm may not be visible in the semen sample. This may include hormone tests, ultrasound and semen analysis, along with discussion of any previous illness, surgery, injury or genetic factors that may be relevant.

    This stage helps us decide whether surgical sperm retrieval is likely to be suitable and how it fits into your wider fertility plan.

  • 02

    Surgical sperm retrieval procedure

    The surgical sperm retrieval procedure is carried out in the clinic under sedation and with pain relief. It usually involves making a small incision in the testes and taking tissue samples to look for sperm. The procedure is straightforward and usually takes around 30 minutes.

    Although it is natural to feel anxious beforehand, our team will explain the procedure clearly and support you throughout. We will also talk you through what to expect afterwards, including surgical sperm retrieval recovery, likely discomfort and when you can return to normal activities.


  • 03

    Same-day laboratory examination

    As soon as the tissue samples are collected, they are examined in our laboratory for the presence of sperm. One of the most important parts of this process is that you will usually be told on the same day whether any sperm were found. If sperm are identified, they are frozen for use in a later ICSI treatment cycle. This allows treatment planning to proceed in a structured manner. If no sperm are seen, we send a sample to an external laboratory to look for evidence of sperm production. In this case your results will be discussed with you.

  • 04

    Next steps after retrieval

    If sperm are found, the next step is usually planning for ICSI, where the sperm can be used to fertilise eggs in the laboratory. If no sperm are found, further testing and procedures will be discussed with you by your treating doctor. In some cases, a procedure called micro-TESE may be considered.

    Micro-TESE is a more detailed procedure, carried out under general anaesthetic at a hospital, by a urologist. Our embryology team will be present at the procedure to identify and process sperm for freezing at our clinic later that day.

How do I know if I need Surgical Sperm Retrieval?

You may need surgical sperm retrieval if testing shows that no visible sperm are present in your semen sample and sperm are needed for fertility treatment. This can happen even when semen is being produced, and ejaculation appears normal.

The best way to know whether this is the right next step is through a fertility consultation and male fertility testing. We will review your results, explain what may be causing the issue, and help you understand whether TESE, micro-TESE or another approach may be most appropriate for you.

Surgical sperm retrieval may be suitable for men where no sperm are found in the semen sample, including cases of azoospermia. It may also be considered when blockage, previous illness or injury, genetic factors are part of the fertility picture.

Why choose Thérapie Fertility for Surgical Sperm Retrieval?

Surgical sperm retrieval is not only about the procedure itself. It is also about understanding why it may be needed, knowing what to expect on the day, and feeling supported, whatever the outcome. From testing and treatment planning to recovery and follow-up, our team is here to guide you with honesty, sensitivity and expertise.

  • Affordable treatment with clear, upfront pricing
  • Accessible care with no waiting lists
  • Evidence-based treatment with no unnecessary add-ons
  • Same-day laboratory assessment of retrieved tissue
  • Clear follow-up and next-step planning if sperm are found
  • Freezing of identified sperm

What our patients say

  • Caoimhe Mckay
    4 days ago

    Could not recommend Thérapie enough! My partner and I had our first consultation in March 25 and I was pregnant by September. Our daughter arrived in May 26. There was n…

    Google Review
  • Carly Thompson
    a week ago

    I genuinely can’t praise Therapie enough! IVF is such a hard journey, but having a clinic and a team that really care about you and your wellbeing makes the journey a lot…

    Google Review
  • Lucie Geraghty
    3 weeks ago

    We started our journey here in Therapie and have nothing but excellent experience. The entire process was very seamless. Youre set up with their portal where you communic…

    Google Review
  • Polly Wenman
    3 weeks ago

    Therapie has helped us as a family to gain the biggest miracle we never thought would happen, after so many set backs and years of infertility, we met with the nurse in D…

    Google Review
  • Karina Swiacka
    3 weeks ago

    After a significant expenditure and a rather unfavorable experience at Waterstone Clinic, I made the decision to transfer to Thérapie, which proved to be an excellent cho…

    Google Review
  • Amy Caplin
    4 weeks ago

    I can’t thank Amy enough, from the first consultation to the last scan, she really is wonderful and anyone would be in great hands with her. I felt so safe to do this jou…

    Google Review
  • Victoria Kalandadze
    a month ago

    I had the most attentive and amazing experience with Thérapie Fertility from the moment I walked in for my consultation. It was incredibly informative, and I felt genuin…

    Google Review
  • Igotboomed Google Account
    a month ago

    We started our journey with Thérapie in January 2024, after so many years of struggle and being let down by the NHS. We were terrified to reach out to a private clinic, b…

    Google Review
  • Andy 'aree
    a month ago

    The staff were and still are very supportive, understanding, and communicative during a difficult time.

    Google Review
  • Laura Kearns
    a month ago

    We cannot recommend Thérapie Fertility enough. Our baby boy is now 6 months old through ICSI thanks to Thérapie which is something we once thought we would never have🩵 w…

    Google Review
  • Allie
    a month ago

    I froze embryos with Therapie Fertility earlier this year due to a complex medical history that may lead me to have difficulty conceiving in the future. Many clinics don’…

    Google Review
  • Serena Rush
    a month ago

    I cannot recommend Thérapie Fertility enough. I underwent treatment at Thérapie Fertility and the care that I received from all members of staff was absolutely fantastic.…

    Google Review
View all reviews

Fertility care with you in mind

Watch more stories

Your Surgical Sperm Retrieval questions answered

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often about surgical sperm retrieval at Thérapie Fertility.

  • Testicular sperm extraction, or TESE, is a form of surgical sperm retrieval where tissue samples are taken from the testes and examined for sperm. If sperm are found, they can be frozen for later use in fertility treatment.

  • There is no evidence to show that collecting sperm surgically poses a risk to the health and wellbeing of any children conceived with it.

  • Azoospermia is a condition in which theres no measurable sperm in a mans semen. Sometimes the cause of azoospermia is down to genetics. However it can also occur as a result of sexually transmitted infections, blockages along the reproductive tract, hormonal problems, ejaculation problems or issues with testicular structure or function. Sometimes, the causes are treatable and fertility can be restored.

See other FAQ topics

Ready to talk it through?Book a free consultation

  • No waitlist
  • Clinical experts
  • Transparent pricing