Dr. Murat ÖNAL

Azoospermia Treatment in Cyprus

Azoospermia treatment in Cyprus includes advanced medical and surgical procedures to retrieve sperm in men who have no sperm cells in their semen samples. Dr. Murat Önal and his experienced team offer TESE, Micro TESE, and hormonal treatments combined with modern laboratory infrastructure to make couples’ dreams of parenthood come true.

Azoospermia treatment is one of the fundamental steps in the IVF process and requires personalized evaluation for each patient.

What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is the absence of sperm cells in a man’s semen. It is one of the most severe forms of male infertility, seen in 1% of the general male population and approximately 10–15% of men with infertility.

Types of Azoospermia:

  1. Obstructive Azoospermia (OA):
    Sperm production is normal, but there is a blockage in the sperm ducts.
    Treatment: High success with surgical sperm retrieval (TESE).
  2. Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA):
    There is little or no sperm production in the testes.
    Treatment: Advanced surgical techniques like Micro TESE are applied.

Azoospermia Treatment Methods in Cyprus

Treatment is planned individually according to the type of azoospermia. The main methods include:

TESE Method

TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) involves taking small tissue samples from the testes to search for sperm.

  • Performed under local or general anesthesia
  • Tissue samples are examined in the laboratory
  • If sperm is found, ICSI (microinjection) can be performed on the same day or the sperm can be frozen

Micro TESE Method

Micro TESE (Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction) is the detailed examination of testicular tissue under a surgical microscope to locate sperm.

  • Most effective in non-obstructive azoospermia
  • Performed under general anesthesia
  • The microscope allows better visualization of sperm-producing tubules, increasing success rates
  • Causes minimal damage to testicular tissue

Medical and Hormonal Treatments

In patients with hormonal imbalance leading to no sperm production, medication treatments can stimulate sperm production.

  • Hormone therapies are planned for FSH, LH, or testosterone deficiencies
  • Treatment duration is between 3–6 months
  • Post-treatment TESE or Micro TESE success rates increase

Who Can Receive Azoospermia Treatment?

Azoospermia treatment is suitable for:

  • Men with no sperm found in semen analysis
  • Diagnosed with obstructive azoospermia (duct blockage)
  • Diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (production issue)
  • Patients with failed TESE attempts who have not undergone Micro TESE
  • Men with insufficient sperm production due to hormonal deficiencies

Note: Each azoospermia case is unique. Hormonal, genetic, and urological evaluations are essential before treatment.

How are TESE and Micro TESE Performed in Cyprus?

How is TESE Done?

  1. Anesthesia: Performed under local or general anesthesia
  2. Opening the Testis: A small incision is made
  3. Taking Tissue Samples: Small pieces are removed from testicular tissue
  4. Laboratory Examination: Samples are immediately examined under a microscope to search for sperm
  5. Using the Sperm: If found, sperm is used for ICSI the same day or frozen for future use

Procedure duration: Approximately 30–45 minutes, and patients are discharged the same day.

How is Micro TESE Done?

  1. Anesthesia: Performed under general anesthesia
  2. Using a Surgical Microscope: Testicular tubules are examined in detail
  3. Identifying Sperm-Producing Areas: Samples are taken directly from areas with visible sperm production
  4. Laboratory Examination: Samples are assessed immediately by an embryologist
  5. Minimal Tissue Damage: Microscope usage minimizes damage to the testes

Procedure duration: Approximately 2–3 hours, and 1-day hospitalization may be required.

Success Rates of Azoospermia Treatment in Cyprus

Success rates depend on azoospermia type, testicular histology, hormonal profile, and the method used.

Average success rates in Cyprus:

  • Obstructive Azoospermia (TESE): 90–100% sperm retrieval rate
  • Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (Micro TESE): 40–60% sperm retrieval rate
  • Post-medication Micro TESE: Success rates may increase by 10–20%

Dr. Murat Önal’s clinic has success rates above the Turkey and European average with advanced laboratory infrastructure and an experienced microsurgery team.

IVF Process After Azoospermia Treatment

Sperms obtained after treatment are used directly in the IVF-ICSI process.

How Does the Process Proceed?

  • After Sperm Retrieval: If eggs are collected from the partner on the same day, ICSI is performed.
  • Embryo Development: Fertilization is monitored in the lab and quality embryos are prepared for transfer.
  • Embryo Transfer: Embryos are transferred on day 3 or day 5.
  • Pregnancy Test: A blood β-HCG test is performed 10–12 days after transfer.

If eggs were not collected on the day of surgery, the retrieved sperm can be frozen for future IVF treatments.

Are There Risks in Azoospermia Treatment?

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks in azoospermia treatment. However, these risks are minimized by an experienced urology and embryology team.

Possible risks include:

  • Mild pain or swelling at the operation site
  • Rare risk of infection (prevented with antibiotics)
  • Minimal testicular tissue damage (very low risk with Micro TESE)
  • Possibility of not finding sperm in non-obstructive azoospermia cases

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is azoospermia treatment suitable for in Cyprus?

Men with no sperm in semen, diagnosed with obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia.

What is the difference between TESE and Micro TESE in Cyprus?

  • TESE: Random tissue samples are taken.
  • Micro TESE: Microscopic magnification targets sperm-producing tubules directly, increasing success in non-obstructive azoospermia.

How long does azoospermia treatment take in Cyprus?

TESE takes 30–45 minutes, Micro TESE takes 2–3 hours. Discharge is same day or after 1 day.

Is azoospermia treatment painful in Cyprus?

No. Procedures are performed under local or general anesthesia. Mild pain afterwards is managed with painkillers.

What are the prices for azoospermia treatment in Cyprus?

As of 2025:

  • TESE: €1,500 – €2,000
  • Micro TESE: €3,000 – €4,500

What are the success rates for azoospermia treatment in Cyprus?

  • Obstructive azoospermia: 90–100%
  • Non-obstructive azoospermia (Micro TESE): 40–60%

Can IVF be performed after azoospermia treatment?

Yes. Retrieved sperms are used fresh or frozen in ICSI (microinjection) IVF treatments.

Is hormone therapy sufficient in azoospermia treatment?

Hormone therapy can support sperm production in hormonal azoospermia, but TESE or Micro TESE is often required.

What is the recovery process after TESE in Cyprus?

Recovery is fast. Daily activities resume in 3–5 days; heavy exercise and sexual activity are postponed for 1–2 weeks.

What is sperm quality like after azoospermia treatment?

Motility may be low; thus, ICSI (microinjection) is used.

How long does Micro TESE take in Cyprus?

Approximately 2–3 hours, longer than TESE due to microscopic detailing.

What tests are done before azoospermia treatment in Cyprus?

Hormone tests (FSH, LH, testosterone), genetic analysis (karyotype, Y chromosome microdeletion test), semen analysis, and physical examination.

How to make an appointment for azoospermia treatment in Cyprus?

Appointments can be made by filling out the online form on Dr. Murat Önal’s website or by calling the contact numbers.