Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): An Overview

Dr. Manika Khanna
5 min readDec 16, 2023

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Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

TESA, or Testicular Sperm Aspiration, plays a crucial role in the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). In the intricate process of assisted reproductive technology, TESA emerges as a technique specifically designed for men with certain fertility issues, offering them a pathway to biological parenthood. Let’s delve into more details of TESA with the Gaudium IVF, the Best IVF Centre in Delhi.

Understanding TESA:

TESA stands as a discreet surgical maneuver devised for the procurement of sperm directly from the testicle. Its application becomes imperative when a male confronts challenges in generating sperm through the conventional means of ejaculation or when the available sperm lack viability for successful fertilization. The procedural intricacies unfold with the delicate extraction of sperm from the testicle, meticulously orchestrated through the adept utilization of a fine needle, all transpiring under the local anesthesia.

This surgical ballet, known as Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), enters the reproductive stage when traditional avenues of sperm retrieval prove futile or when the sperm’s fitness for fertilization hangs in the balance. The precision of this technique lies in its ability to navigate the complex terrain of male infertility discreetly and with minimal invasion.

This is a minimally invasive procedure where a fine needle, maneuvers through the scrotal expanse into the testicle’s inner sanctum to procure the elusive sperm that elude conventional pathways. Meanwhile, the patient, under the influence of anesthesia, experiences a controlled numbing sensation, ensuring the procedure unfolds with minimal discomfort.

TESA’s complex nature extends beyond its physical execution; it embodies a pact between medical intervention and reproductive aspirations. TESA steps forward when conventional plots fails, offering a discreet script for those grappling with the intricate plot twists of male infertility.

In conclusion, TESA emerges not only as a procedural recourse but as a narrative arc within the broader tale of assisted reproduction ally in the pursuit of fertility.

Indications for TESA:

1. Azoospermia:

TESA is commonly used in cases of azoospermia, where there is an absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Azoospermia can be obstructive, caused by a blockage that prevents sperm from reaching the ejaculate, or non-obstructive, which is related to issues with sperm production.

2. Previous Vasectomy:

Men who have undergone a vasectomy may opt for TESA to retrieve sperm for IVF after deciding to have more children. This is especially relevant in cases where a vasectomy reversal is not feasible or successful.

3. Sperm Quality Issues:

TESA may be recommended when sperm quality is compromised, and conventional methods of sperm retrieval are not successful. This is often seen in cases of severe male factor infertility.

The TESA Procedure:

1. Local Anesthesia OR Short General Anesthesia:

TESA is performed as an outpatient procedure, and local anesthesia or short general anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the testicle.

2. Needle Aspiration:

A fine needle is then inserted through the scrotum into the testicle to aspirate sperm. This needle is carefully maneuvered to obtain samples from multiple areas of the testicle, increasing the chances of retrieving viable sperm.

3. Sperm Examination:

The retrieved fluid is examined under a microscope to identify and select the best-quality sperm for use in the IVF process.

Integration with IVF:

Following the TESA procedure, the collected sperm are utilized in conjunction with the IVF process. In traditional IVF, eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory dish, allowing fertilization to occur outside the body. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus.

TESA is particularly beneficial when traditional methods of sperm retrieval, such as ejaculation, fail to provide viable sperm for fertilization. By directly extracting sperm from the testicle, TESA enables individuals who would otherwise face significant challenges in achieving biological parenthood to participate in the IVF journey.

Success Rates and Considerations:

The efficacy of TESA in IVF hinges on diverse factors, encompassing the root cause of infertility, the age of the female partner, and the overall health status of both individuals involved. Though TESA has demonstrated effectiveness in numerous instances, it falls short of providing an absolute assurance of success, with the likelihood of achieving a pregnancy subject to fluctuations.

Furthermore, TESA can be integrated with additional assisted reproductive methodologies, notably Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). In this technique, a singular sperm is precisely injected into an egg to streamline the fertilization process. This synergistic approach enhances the prospects of successful fertilization, particularly in scenarios involving severe male factor infertility.

The amalgamation of TESA and ICSI exemplifies the dynamic nature of contemporary reproductive technologies, offering a comprehensive solution for couples navigating fertility challenges. It underscores the significance of personalized strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, acknowledging the intricate interplay between factors that influence fertility outcomes.

In conclusion, while TESA emerges as a valuable tool in the realm of IVF, its effectiveness is dependent upon a nuanced understanding of individual factors. The integration of TESA with cutting-edge techniques like ICSI reflects the ongoing evolution in reproductive medicine, presenting evolving opportunities for those traversing the complex landscape of assisted reproduction. This targeted approach enhances the likelihood of successful fertilization, especially in cases of severe male factor infertility.

Ethical and Emotional Considerations:

The utilization of TESA in IVF raises ethical considerations, as it involves making decisions about the creation and potential disposal of embryos. Couples undergoing IVF, including those who have undergone TESA, may face emotional challenges related to the uncertainty of success, the financial investment, and the ethical dilemmas associated with decisions regarding unused embryos.

Open communication with the Best IVF Specialist in Delhi is essential to navigate these complexities, ensuring that individuals are well-informed and supported throughout the IVF process.

Conclusion:

TESA in IVF represents a remarkable advancement in reproductive medicine, offering hope to individuals and couples facing male factor infertility or other challenges in conceiving through traditional means. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the methods and success rates associated with TESA and other assisted reproductive techniques, providing new possibilities for those on the journey toward parenthood. For more information, you can contact Gaudium IVF, the Best IVF Centre in India.

Author Bio:

Dr. Manika Khanna, a Women, a Doctor, a Business entrepreneur & is a Social worker who gave a new dimension to the IVF business. She did Advanced Training Program in Gynecological and Endoscopic surgery from University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus KEIL, and Germany. She has also done Advance training in Assisted Reproduction in Human (I.V.F) from Melbourne IVF unit. Gaudium Infertility Centre was set up with a mission to provide state-of-the-art infertility treatments to child-less couples of India and around the world.

Content Source: https://doctorsdad.com/testicular-sperm-aspiration-tesa-an-overview/

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Dr. Manika Khanna
Dr. Manika Khanna

Written by Dr. Manika Khanna

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Dr. Manika Khanna the founder, CEO & Chairperson of Gaudium IVF established the centre with a vision to deliver motherhood dreams.

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