Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) is a surgical procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the testes. This technique is typically employed in cases where there is no sperm present in the ejaculate due to various medical conditions such as obstructive azoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia. TESA is an important procedure in assisted reproductive technology (ART) for men experiencing severe male infertility.
Process of Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA):
- Anesthesia: The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort.
- Testicular Aspiration: A fine needle is inserted into the testes to aspirate (suction) fluid and tissue that may contain sperm.
- Sperm Extraction: The aspirated tissue is then processed in the laboratory to extract viable sperm, which can be used immediately for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or frozen for future use.
Reasons for Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA):
- Obstructive Azoospermia: TESA is used in cases where there is a blockage preventing sperm from being present in the ejaculate, such as vasectomy or congenital absence of the vas deferens.
- Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: For men with non-obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is very low or absent, TESA can help retrieve any available sperm directly from the testes.
- Failed Vasectomy Reversal: Men who have undergone unsuccessful vasectomy reversals may opt for TESA to retrieve sperm.
Considerations:
- Success Rates: The success of TESA depends on various factors, including the underlying cause of azoospermia and the expertise of the medical team.
- Recovery: Recovery from TESA is generally quick, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort and returning to normal activities within a few days.
- Risks: Potential risks of TESA include bleeding, infection, and testicular damage, though these are relatively rare when performed by experienced professionals.
Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) provides a valuable option for men facing severe infertility issues, enabling them to retrieve viable sperm for use in assisted reproductive techniques such as ICSI, thereby offering the chance to achieve biological parenthood.