Conception
TESTICULAR SPERM ASPIRATION/EXTRACTION (TESA/E)
About
TESTICULAR SPERM ASPIRATION/EXTRACTION (TESA/E)
TESA/E involves the direct removal of sperm from the testicles which can then be used in conjunction with Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to form an embryo. There are two types of TESA/E depending on the indications for the procedure. If there are any sperm leftover from the procedure, the patient will be given the option to sign a cryogenic freezing consent which will allow him to freeze his sperm for future use.
Obstructive Azoospermia – Percutaneous testicular sperm retrieval:
Performed under general anesthesia, percutaneous testicular sperm retrieval uses a biopsy needle to extract a very small amount of testicular tissue. The tissue is scanned by an embryologist to locate sperm which can then be used in ICSI to fertilize a partner’s egg. The wound is closed using absorbable stitches.
Nonobstructive Azoospermia – Microscopic testicular sperm retrieval:
In conditions such as testicular atrophy, Y deletions, Kleinfelter’s, or even post-chemotherapy/radiation, the testes do not produce adequate amounts of sperm. Using a microscope, a search is performed for testicular tubules that appear more developed and contain mature sperm. This procedure offers the most severe cases of male infertility the best chance of identifying sperm and proceeding with ICSI.