Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

What Is Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)?

TESE, or Testicular Sperm Extraction, is a procedure that collects sperm directly from the testicles. In men, this surgical sperm retrieval procedure is used:

• If their testicles aren’t producing enough sperm, Azoospermia without obstruction
• If the sperms are prevented from passing to the sperm due to some obstruction, Azoospermia Obstructive

IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) with ICSI is an obvious option for men with such conditions to father a child. If enough sperm is found in their testicles after TESE, it will be frozen and preserved for ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In addition, your doctor may advise you to perform TESE on the day of the egg retrieval to obtain a fresh sample for ICSI.

How Is TESE Performed?

A quick surgical procedure called testicular sperm extraction, or TESE, is carried out while the patient is under local or general anaesthesia. The patient’s scrotum will receive a tiny surgical incision from the doctor. Testicular tissue is removed, and tiny tissue is expressed out while the tunica is visible. Sutures will be used to close the incision after that, and a bandage will be placed around the scrotum.

The IVF lab will receive the retrieved tissues and check them for sperm before using them.

What Should You Expect Following A TESE Procedure?

Following the TESE, the patient will be monitored for a few hours before being discharged the same day. The patient will be required to wear a scrotal support, which is a type of underwear, for a week and will be given pain medication for a few days.

It is normal to experience mild pain and tenderness in the scrotum. For the next 2-3 days, the patient may be in pain. If there is any pain or swelling, see a doctor as soon as possible.

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