What is Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)?
Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) is a procedure for sperm retrieval that causes the least amount of discomfort to the patient. It is mainly used for men who have been diagnosed with azoospermia, a condition characterized by a lack of sperm in the ejaculate. Testicular sperm aspiration involves the insertion of a very thin needle into the testicle to collect sperm directly from the testicular tissue.
At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, such advanced sperm retrieval techniques as TESA are performed by the team of highly skilled reproductive medicine specialists. As a reputable IVF Centre in Green Park and IVF Clinic in Green Park, the clinic provides a complete range of services for male infertility.
TESA is a very effective method for the treatment of obstructive azoospermia cases, which are characterised by normal sperm production but a blockage in the vas deferens prevents sperm from reaching the semen.
Why is TESA necessary?
Male infertility can be caused by inadequate sperm production or by sperm that cannot reach the egg due to a physical blockage in the reproductive tract. In obstructive azoospermia, sperm are normally produced inside the testes, but a blockage prevents the release of sperm into semen.
When the blockage is not obstructive azoospermia, it may be that the testes produce few or no sperm cells due to testicular damage or inheritance of faulty gene(s).
A sperm retrieval procedure, such as sperm aspiration or TESA, may be carried out if a semen analysis result shows that no sperm were present.
It is through sperm retrieved directly from the testes that couples can still use assisted reproductive techniques and thus have a better chance of pregnancy.
How the TESA procedure is done
TESA procedure may be done under local anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. After the scrotum is disinfected, a thin needle is gently inserted through the wall of the testis, and the testicular sperm are aspirated from the seminiferous tubules.
The procedure, being minimally invasive, does not require making a large incision. It is usually done in a clinic setting rather than a full operating room.
The sperm collected are sent to the laboratory for examination to find viable sperm, mature sperm, or motile sperm. If there are enough sperm, they can be used with the female partner’s egg retrieval for an IVF cycle.
What is done with the sperm that is extracted?
Sperm extracted from testicular sperm aspiration are utilized for assisted reproductive procedures like IVF with ICSI. In an IVF cycle, one sperm is introduced directly into the egg of the female partner.
This method works very well in cases where the sperm count is very low or sperm are not present in the ejaculate. A very small number of sperm can result in a successful pregnancy if advanced laboratory techniques are used in combination.
TESTA vs. Other Sperm Retrieval Techniques
Depending on the particular situation, there are a few sperm retrieval techniques to choose from:
Testicular sperm extraction (TESA) includes taking out a match of testicular tissue via a tiny incision. When TESA fails to provide sufficient sperm, conventional TESE or open testis biopsy may be implemented.
Micro TESE refers to the utilization of an operating microscope or a surgical microscope to visually identify the areas of the testes where sperm are actively produced. This technique raises the sperm retrieval rates among non-obstructive azoospermia cases.
Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) are techniques that are employed when sperm production is normal, but it is blocked in the epididymis.
The type of operation mainly depends on a number of factors, like the level of sperm production, the presence of any blockage, and the hormone status.
Who are the potential candidates for TESA?
Men with the following conditions are usually candidates for TESA:
- Obstructive azoospermia
- Severe male infertility
- Previous vasectomy
- Blockage in the vas deferens
- Low or absent sperm count
- Certain genetic issues
Blood samples are taken before the surgery to test serum testosterone levels and the overall hormonal status.
A fertility doctor decides if the man is capable of sperm production and if enough sperm can be taken out.
Recovery after TESA
TESA, being a minimally invasive procedure, recovery tends to be quick. Some people might have a little swelling or pain in the scrotum for a few days.
Aftercare involves:
- Wearing a jock strap to support
- Not lifting heavy things
- Not doing hard exercises
- Following doctors’ orders about sexual activity
The majority of men get back to their normal lives soon after the procedure.
Succes Rate
The success rate of TESA largely relies on the kind of azoospermia and the state of the testes for the production of sperm.
With obstructive azoospermia, the sperm retrieval rates tend to be good because the sperm production is normal, and only a blockage prevents the sperm from being released.
Success in non-obstructive azoospermia is more of a question of whether or not there are seminiferous tubules actively producing sperm.
If sperm are used for IVF after successful retrieval, couples often get pregnant. Yet there are many factors, quality of the embryo, female partner’s eggs, overall reproductive health, which influence the result.
However, it should be understood that fertility outcomes are different from one person to another.
Potential risks
TESA is basically safe, but possible risks are slight pain, swelling, bleeding, or infection. There are basically no major complications when the procedure is performed by experienced specialists.
Risks are greatly lowered by proper evaluation and sterile technique.
TESA and assisted reproductive medicine
In today’s reproductive medicine, TESA is a significant technique to assist couples in their struggle against infertility. It is possible to become a father if sperm can be retrieved surgically from the testes even when there are no sperm in the ejaculate.
The retrieved sperm is used with IVF and ICSI to secure fertilization.
At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, comprehensive fertility services facilitate coordinated decision-making for both male and female treatments within the same facility. The centre has been identified as the Best IVF Centre in Green Park and is a trusted Fertility Clinic in Green Park providing up, to, date male infertility care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testicular sperm aspiration TESA is a minor surgical sperm retrieval method, where a thin needle is used to get sperm straight from the testicle. It is often suggested for men with azoospermia if no sperm are present in the ejaculate.
It is usually done under local anesthesia. Most men report only a slight pressure sensation but hardly any pain at all. After the treatment, there might be a little soreness in the scrotum area that lasts for a few days.
TESA usually takes little time and is often performed in a clinic setting. Since the method is minimally invasive, a hospital stay is generally not necessary.
The retrieved sperm are first examined under the microscope in the lab to look for living sperm that are mature and/or motile. Only these sperm are then used for assisted reproductive methods like IVF and ICSI.
Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) refers to the technique where a small piece of the testicle is taken out through one small incision.
TESA, on the other hand, is done by just inserting a small needle and drawing out sperm without having to make a surgical cut. Micro TESE is a highly advanced form of the procedure done with a surgical operating microscope.
The sperm retrieval rates are usually very high in cases of obstructive azoospermia, as the sperm production is normal.
Whether the procedure will be successful in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia depends on different factors such as testicular function, underlying cause, etc.