Procedure Overview
Preoperative Evaluation: The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist to assess the couple's fertility status and determine the underlying cause of male infertility. Diagnostic tests such as semen analysis, hormonal testing, and imaging studies may be performed to guide treatment planning.
Surgical Procedure: TESA is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or sedation. The surgeon inserts a fine needle directly into the testicle through the scrotal skin, guided by ultrasound imaging. Suction is applied to aspirate fluid and tissue from the testicular tissue, which may contain sperm. Multiple samples may be collected from different areas of the testicle to maximize sperm retrieval.
Sperm Processing: The retrieved tissue is examined under a microscope in a laboratory to identify viable sperm. Sperm quality and quantity are assessed, and the healthiest sperm are selected for use in assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF or ICSI.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques: The retrieved sperm can be used immediately for procedures such as IVF or ICSI, depending on the couple's specific fertility needs and the quality of the sperm obtained. In IVF, the retrieved sperm are combined with the partner's eggs in a laboratory dish, while in ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each mature egg to facilitate fertilization.
Embryo Transfer: After fertilization occurs, resulting embryos are cultured in the laboratory for several days until they reach the appropriate stage of development. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer into the woman's uterus, where they implant and develop into a pregnancy. Any remaining embryos may be cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.