TESA Procedure: Benefits, Risks, Success Rates, and More

TESA Procedure is a medical technique that helps men with fertility issues. This technique is helpful when there is no sperm in the semen. The full form of TESA is Testicular Sperm Aspiration and is commonly used in cases of male infertility. This method helps doctors to collect sperm directly from the testicles so that couples can try assisted reproductive treatments like IVF or ICSI.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, our Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist, has helped many couples who are facing male infertility with procedures like TESA. In this blog, we will explain what the TESA Procedure is, why it is done, how it works, and many more.

What is the TESA Procedure?

The TESA Procedure is a way to get sperm directly from the testicles when there is no sperm in the semen. In this procedure, a small needle is used to take out sperm from the testicle through a tiny cut or needle puncture. This helps those men who have issues with sperm production or blockage to help them have a baby.

Additionally, the sperm which are collected can also be used in fertility treatments like IVF or ICSI to help couples get pregnant. TESA is usually done under local anesthesia and it is a quick and safe method for sperm retrieval.

When is TESA Recommended?

TESA is usually recommended for men who have no sperm in their semen due to blockage or low sperm production. It helps to collect sperm directly from the testicles so they can use it for fertility treatments. This procedure is helpful when there’s no sperm and natural methods are also not working.

Key points:

TESA is used when sperm is absent in semen (azoospermia)
This helps when there is a blockage or low sperm production
It helps to collect sperm directly from the testicles
TESA is useful for IVF or ICSI treatments
It is recommended when simpler sperm tests fail

How is the TESA Procedure Done?

The TESA procedure is a quick and minimally invasive way to collect sperm directly from the testicles. This method helps men who have no sperm in their ejaculate to become fathers through assisted reproductive techniques.

TESA Procedure Steps:

The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area
A thin needle is carefully inserted into the testicle
A small sample of testicular tissue is gently taken
The tissue sample is sent to the lab for sperm extraction
If sperm are found then they are prepared for IVF or ICSI treatment
The procedure is quick and recovery time is short with little pain

TESA Benefits

TESA offers many benefits for those men who are facing fertility issues. It is a simple and fast procedure that can find sperm when none is present in the semen. TESA causes less pain and also takes less time to heal in comparison to other surgical methods. Let’s look at the advantages of TESA below:

This is a minimally invasive with less pain
It is a quick procedure with short recovery
It helps to retrieve sperm when semen has none
TESA helps in IVF or ICSI treatments
This is useful for men who have blockages or low sperm production
It gives couples a chance to conceive naturally

TESA Side Effects

TESA is generally safe but it can have some minor side effects. Most side effects are temporary and go away in a few days. So, it’s important to follow the doctor’s advice after the procedure to avoid problems.

Common Side Effects of TESA:

Mild pain or discomfort
Swelling or bruising
There a small chance of bleeding
There’s a rare risk of infection

How to Prepare for the TESA Procedure?

It’s important to get ready before TESA so everything goes safely. Your doctor will give you instructions to follow. It’s important to follow these steps to help make the procedure easier and reduce the chance of problems.

How to prepare for TESA:

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
Avoid alcohol and smoking for a few days before
Stop taking certain medicines if advised by your doctor
Wear loose and comfortable clothes on the day
Arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure
Get enough rest the night before your procedure

TESA Procedure Success Rates

The success rate of TESA Procedure depends on many factors. It includes the causes for infertility, sperm quality, and the age and health of the female partner. TESA is also helpful for those men who have azoospermia (no sperm in semen). This procedure helps doctors to collect sperm directly from the testicles. This sperm is then used in treatments like IVF or ICSI.

However, it’s important to know that TESA doesn’t promise pregnancy but it gives hope to couples who couldn’t try IVF earlier due to lack of sperm. Additionally, success is higher when it is done by experienced doctors with good lab facilities.

Other Sperm Retrieval Procedures

Sperm retrieval procedures are medical methods that are used to collect sperm from men who have little or no sperm in their semen. These techniques help couples to get pregnant, especially when natural methods don’t work.

Some common Surgical Sperm Retrieval Techniques are as follows:

PESA Sperm Retrieval (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): Sperm is taken from the epididymis by using a fine needle. It is less invasive and usually used in cases with blockages.
TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction): A small amount of testicular tissue is surgically removed to find sperm, especially in non-obstructive azoospermia treatment.
Micro-TESE (Microsurgical TESE): This is a more advanced version of TESE and it uses a microscope to find better quality sperm.

Final Words

TESA procedure is a good option for men who are unable to release sperm naturally, especially in cases like azoospermia. In this blog, we’ve shared what the TESA procedure is, when it is recommended and how it is done. We have also included its benefits and side effects.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples by offering the right treatment for male infertility. If you have any questions or wish to explore the right options, feel free to call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected].

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is the tesa procedure painful?

No, it’s usually not painful. It’s done under local anesthesia. You may feel mild soreness for a day or two.

Is tesa safe?

Yes, TESA is safe when done by a trained doctor. Minor swelling or discomfort may happen but is temporary.

What does Tesa mean in IVF?

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) is a method to collect sperm directly from the testicle for IVF or ICSI.

Which is better, tese or tesa?

TESA is less invasive. TESE may be used if TESA doesn’t work. The doctor chooses based on your condition.