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When a couple finds it hard to conceive, male factors play a role in nearly half of all cases. This is not something to feel ashamed about. At Fatima Fertility Clinic in Anna Nagar, Chennai, Dr. Fathimunissa and her team offer a full range of Male Infertility Treatments to help men understand what is happening in their body and what can be done about it.
Every man who walks through our doors gets a careful evaluation, honest answers, and a clear treatment plan. Whether the issue is low sperm count, blocked ducts, or a condition like varicocele, there is almost always a path forward. Our goal is simple — to help your family grow, step by step.
Dr. Fathimunissa is a senior fertility specialist with years of focused experience in reproductive medicine. She leads the male fertility programme at Fatima Fertility Clinic, bringing a warm, patient-centred approach to every consultation. Her expertise spans advanced sperm retrieval, surgical interventions, and IVF treatment in Chennai — all offered under one roof with the latest equipment and personalised care.
At Fatima Fertility Clinic, our Male Infertility Treatments cover everything from basic semen analysis to complex surgical procedures. We believe in tackling the root cause first, rather than jumping straight to the most advanced treatment. This saves time, reduces cost, and gives you the best possible chance of success.
| Sperm Retrieval
Surgical methods to collect healthy sperm directly from the testes or epididymis when normal ejaculation is not possible. |
TESA & PESA
Minimally invasive procedures that retrieve sperm through a small needle, done under local anaesthesia for quick recovery. |
| Sperm Donation
Carefully screened donor sperm for couples where the male partner cannot produce usable sperm, with full counselling and ethical oversight. |
Varicocele Surgery
A targeted surgical repair of enlarged veins in the scrotum that is a leading and treatable cause of poor sperm quality. |
Each of these services is part of our wider commitment to Male Infertility Treatments in Chennai that respect your time, your privacy, and your wellbeing. We guide you through every step so you always know what is happening and why.
Some men produce healthy sperm inside the testes but cannot release it through ejaculation. This can happen because of a blockage in the reproductive tract, a previous vasectomy, an infection that has scarred the ducts, or a condition present from birth. In some cases, the sperm count in the ejaculate is so low that it is not usable for IVF or ICSI. For all these men, surgical sperm retrieval becomes the key that unlocks parenthood.
At Fatima Fertility Clinic, Dr. Fathimunissa carefully reviews every case before recommending retrieval. A semen analysis, hormone test, and ultrasound together help us understand whether sperm is being produced at all and where it is being blocked.
We use several retrieval methods depending on the specific diagnosis. The most common ones are TESA, PESA, micro-TESE, and MESA. Each method targets a different part of the reproductive tract and is chosen based on the likely location and quality of sperm.
◆ TESA — a needle is used to take sperm directly from the testis tissue
◆ PESA — sperm is collected from the epididymis, the tube attached to the testis
◆ Micro-TESE — a microscope-guided search for active sperm-producing areas in the testis
◆ MESA — a microsurgical approach to collect fluid from the epididymis
The biggest advantage of sperm retrieval is that it opens the door to biological parenthood for men who thought it was completely closed. The sperm collected can be used fresh or frozen for use in an ICSI cycle, which is the most precise form of IVF treatment in Chennai available today. The procedures are generally done as day surgeries with minimal discomfort.
Success rates vary depending on the underlying cause. In cases of obstructive azoospermia, where sperm is present but blocked, sperm retrieval is successful in a very high proportion of men. In non-obstructive cases, micro-TESE has improved outcomes significantly. At Fatima Fertility Clinic, we are transparent about realistic expectations so you can plan ahead with confidence.
TESA and PESA are two of the most commonly performed sperm retrieval procedures in our Male Infertility Treatments in Anna Nagar programme. Both are quick, safe, and done under local anaesthesia, which means no general anaesthesia is needed and you can go home the same day.
TESA stands for Testicular Sperm Aspiration. In this procedure, a thin needle is inserted directly into the testis under local anaesthesia. Gentle suction is applied to draw out a small amount of testicular tissue and fluid. This sample is then examined in the embryology lab to find and isolate healthy sperm. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and causes very little discomfort. TESA is typically chosen when sperm cannot be found in the epididymis or when a quick retrieval is needed on the same day as the egg collection.
PESA stands for Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. Here, the needle is placed into the epididymis, which sits just above the testis. The epididymis stores mature sperm, so this is a good option for men who have a blockage between the epididymis and the vas deferens — for example, after a vasectomy or due to infection. The procedure is also done under local anaesthesia and takes a similar amount of time to TESA.
◆ Both procedures are minimally invasive — no large cuts or stitches
◆ Done under local anaesthesia — no need for general anaesthesia in most cases
◆ Completed as a day procedure — you go home on the same day
◆ Sperm can be frozen for future use if the cycle is planned later
◆ Causes minimal disruption to daily life and work
Recovery from TESA or PESA is straightforward. Most men feel mild soreness for a day or two, which is easily managed with simple pain relief. We advise wearing supportive underwear for a few days, avoiding strenuous activity for about a week, and attending a brief follow-up check at the clinic. Dr. Fathimunissa or the nursing team will walk you through the do’s and don’ts before you leave the clinic so you are fully prepared.
PESA is particularly effective in men with obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is normal but delivery is blocked. Sperm retrieval success in these cases is consistently good. TESA is also highly effective in many situations, and in cases where TESA does not yield enough sperm, the team may move to a more detailed micro-TESE on the same or a subsequent visit. Our team will always discuss the backup plan with you upfront.
When a man’s body is simply not able to produce usable sperm — even after all retrieval options have been explored — donor sperm becomes a compassionate and effective option. This is a decision that many couples take after thoughtful reflection, and at Fatima Fertility Clinic, we support you fully through every part of the process.
Donor sperm is typically considered in these situations: men diagnosed with azoospermia where no sperm can be found at all, men with severe genetic conditions that could be passed to a child, couples who have had repeated IVF failures despite using the male partner’s own sperm, and single women or same-sex female couples who wish to conceive. In all these cases, donor sperm from a certified, anonymous donor gives a real and safe path to parenthood.
At Fatima Fertility Clinic, all donor sperm used in our Male Infertility Treatments in Chennai programme comes from a regulated sperm bank that follows the guidelines set by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Donors go through thorough health checks, genetic screening, and infectious disease testing before their samples are approved. The selected sperm is then used in an IUI or IVF/ICSI cycle, depending on the female partner’s fertility profile.
◆ Donor is anonymous — as per ICMR and ART Act regulations
◆ All donors pass full medical and genetic screening
◆ Samples are quarantined and retested before use
◆ The treating doctor matches basic physical traits where possible
◆ The treatment cycle is planned around the female partner’s natural or stimulated cycle
Using donor sperm allows the female partner to carry and give birth to the child, maintaining a biological connection on one side. The process uses the same well-established IUI or IVF protocols that our clinic uses every day, so it is familiar, safe, and well supported. Many couples find that using donor sperm removes a long period of uncertainty and allows them to move forward with clarity.
Choosing donor sperm is a deeply personal decision and it is completely normal to have many questions or mixed feelings. At Fatima Fertility Clinic, counselling support is a built-in part of our donor sperm programme. A trained counsellor will meet with you and your partner to talk through your concerns, explain what to expect, and help you feel fully prepared — emotionally as well as medically — before you begin.
We follow all guidelines under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act of India. Donor anonymity is protected. No donor may contribute to more than one family as per regulations. Records are kept securely and the whole process is transparent to you as the recipient couple. Dr. Fathimunissa personally oversees the ethical standards of every donor cycle at this clinic.

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins inside the scrotum, similar to varicose veins that some people develop in their legs. It is one of the most common and correctable causes of male infertility. The enlarged veins raise the temperature around the testes, which harms sperm production and can reduce sperm count, movement, and shape. The good news is that varicocele is treatable, and surgery can significantly improve sperm quality.
Not every varicocele needs treatment. Small ones with no impact on fertility may just be monitored. Surgery is recommended when a varicocele is causing a clinically measurable drop in semen quality, when a couple is struggling to conceive and the varicocele is the most likely cause, or when a man is experiencing discomfort or a dull ache in the scrotum. A thorough fertility workup at Fatima Fertility Clinic will establish whether varicocele surgery is the right next step for you.
The most reliable surgical approach is microsurgical varicocelectomy, where a microscope is used to identify and tie off the affected veins while carefully preserving the arteries, lymphatics, and the vas deferens. This precision approach leads to better outcomes and fewer complications compared to older methods. The surgery is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and typically takes one to two hours. At Fatima Fertility Clinic, this is done as a short-stay procedure.
| Important: Microsurgical varicocelectomy is considered the gold standard for varicocele repair. Dr. Fathimunissa’s team uses this technique because it preserves all important structures around the testis and gives the best chance of sperm quality improvement after recovery. |
◆ Improves sperm count, motility, and morphology in many men
◆ Reduces scrotal discomfort and heaviness
◆ Can make natural conception possible without further intervention
◆ Improves sperm quality enough to allow previously impossible IVF cycles
◆ A one-time procedure with lasting results in most cases
Most men return to desk work within five to seven days. Physical activity and exercise should be limited for about two to three weeks to allow the surgical area to heal properly. Mild soreness is normal in the first few days and is easily managed with prescribed pain relief. A follow-up semen analysis is done about three months after surgery, as this is the time it takes for a new batch of sperm to mature and be measurable in the semen.
Clinical studies consistently show that varicocele surgery improves semen parameters in a significant number of men. Many couples go on to conceive naturally within a year of the surgery. For those who still need assisted reproduction, the improved sperm quality after surgery increases the success rate of IVF treatment in Chennai considerably. Results vary based on the size of the varicocele and the man’s age, and Dr. Fathimunissa will give you a realistic expectation at the time of consultation.
At Fatima Fertility Clinic, Male Infertility Treatments in Anna Nagar go beyond one procedure. We look at the whole picture — your medical history, lifestyle, emotional health, and relationship — and build a care plan that suits you as an individual, not just as a patient with a diagnosis.
Male fertility is affected by many things working together — hormones, genetics, anatomy, nutrition, stress, sleep, and general health. Dr. Fathimunissa takes a holistic view, meaning she looks at all these factors together. For some men, a hormonal imbalance is the main issue and can be corrected with medication. For others, a combination of lifestyle changes and a minor procedure can make a big difference. We do not rush to the most complex solution first — we start with what is least invasive and most effective for your specific situation.
Diagnostic tests at our clinic include semen analysis with strict WHO criteria, hormone profile testing, scrotal ultrasound, genetic testing such as karyotyping and Y-chromosome microdeletion analysis, and post-ejaculatory urinalysis when needed. This thorough workup means nothing is missed.
While medical treatment handles the clinical side, lifestyle plays a real supporting role in male fertility. Based on your specific profile, our team may guide you on:
One of the most important things to know about male fertility is that time matters. Sperm quality tends to gradually decline with age, and some conditions like varicocele can get worse over time if left untreated. The sooner a male fertility issue is identified, the more options are available and the better the outcomes tend to be.
Many couples wait for a year or more before seeking help, often because of embarrassment or the assumption that fertility problems only affect women. At Fatima Fertility Clinic, we want every man to know that coming in for an evaluation is a positive, proactive step — not an admission of failure. A semen analysis is simple, quick, and tells us a great deal about what is happening and what can be done.
If you have been trying to conceive for more than six months and you are over 35, or more than a year if you are younger, it is a good time to come in and speak with Dr. Fathimunissa. An early conversation could save a lot of time and emotional strain down the road.
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