What is TESA?
Testicular Sperm Aspiration, which is abbreviated as TESA, is a medical procedure that involves directly taking sperm from the patient’s testis. It consumes for men with azoospermia, or issues where there are no sperms present in the ejaculate. Azoospermia can also be further divided into two conditions, namely: non-obstructive, where problems rest in the production of sperm, and obstructive, in which a blockage exists that prohibits sperm from making their way into the ejaculate.
Who needs TESA?
It is considered that TESA should be performed in the following conditions of men:
- Obstructive Azoospermia: It usually results from an infection causing blockage of the sperm ducts, vasectomy, or congenital absence of the vas deferens.
- Non-obstructive Azoospermia: It is a primary kind of testicular failure. The testicles fail to produce enough sperm despite the presence of normal hormone levels.
- Failure of Reverse Vasectomy: If a vasectomy does not work or is not a visible option, then it is called a failed vasectomy.
- Genetic disorders include micro deletions in the Y chromosome and Klinefelter syndrome.
How is TESA done?
Testicular sperm extraction consists of inserting the needle into the testis, aspirating tissue and fluid under negative pressure. The subsequent sample is then processed in the Embryology Lab through ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, to retrieve the sperm cells.
Fertilizing an egg does not require the maturation and passage of the sperm cells through the epididymis. However, the ICSI procedure is necessary, mainly because the sperm from the testicles are immature. This procedure involves extracting a single sperm from the semen and injecting it directly into the egg.
As TESA is a somewhat complicated treatment, there might be some discomfort for days. It does not require any hospitalization; it can be carried out under a local anesthetic or sedation depending upon the patient’s preference for day care. Testicular biopsy becomes necessary in conditions where TESA fails to provide sufficient sperm.
There are also speculations and concerns regarding the genetic material taken from an emerging sperm cell. There is also a risk that the transmitted infertility may be passed to the children.
Is the TESA procedure painful?
You may experience some discomfort without using anesthesia. However, you will be comfortable during the procedure with the sedative and local anesthetic to numb the area that the specialist administers. Mild soreness after TESA can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. A jockstrap or supportive underwear can also be helpful.
What are the benefits of TESA?
Some of the major advantages of TESA, particularly for men with problems in infertility, are as follows:
- Less Invasive: TESA is less invasive and has faster recovery compared to other methods of surgical sperm retrieval.
- High Success Rate: TESA is quite effective, particularly in cases of obstructive azoospermia.
- Immediate Results: Immediate use of sperm recovered by TESA for ICSI increases the possibility of successful fertilization.
- Outpatient operation: As the TESA is performed as an outpatient operation usually, the patient can go home on the same day.
What are the risks and considerations of TESA?
Just like any other medical procedure, TESA has its risks and factors.
- Some men may have soreness, bruising, or swelling in the scrotal area following the surgery.
- Although infection is a slight risk, it can be easily avoided if post-operation care is rightly done.
- It’s difficult to retrieve viable sperm in severe conditions of non-obstructive azoospermia.
How successful is TESA?
At the time of TESA for obstructive azoospermia, surgeons can almost always retrieve sperm. If your surgeon cannot get sperm using the technique of TESA, then a different approach may be more suitable for you. Other approaches of sperm retrieval include microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro TESE) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE).
How long does it take to recover from TESA?
After TESA, your scrotum or testicles will have no cuts or stitches. However, it is better for you to avoid sexual intercourse or masturbation for one or two days and to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for a week. Usually, you won’t need to return to see your doctor for follow-up care.
Bleeding and infection are few but potential complications of TESA. There is a minor possibility of injury to the testicles.
Why Tender Palm IVF & Fertility Center for TESA in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm IVF & Fertility Center provides expert TESA treatment in Lucknow, India with advanced microsurgical techniques, high success rates, and individualized care. Our skilled fertility team ensures safe, effective sperm retrieval for men with azoospermia or other infertility issues, offering compassionate support at every step of your parenthood journey.