What is the Micro TESE Procedure? A Complete Guide to Sperm Retrieval

The days of azoospermia preventing males from becoming biological fathers are long gone. Wondering How? Well, it is now feasible and available to males with the help of surgical techniques and procedures like micro TESE procedure.
However, what is micro TESE exactly? What is the procedure and how do you get ready for it? What is India's micro TESE success rate, and how does it fluctuate? What is the healing time for micro TESE? If such questions are coming to your mind then read this detailed article to clear your doubts.
What does Micro TESE Mean?
The technique of extracting sperm straight from your testicular tissue is known as Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction or microTESE. Your doctor can suggest this procedure to you if you experience issues like difficulty ejaculating or a lack of healthy sperm in your semen.
For men who want to be the biological father of their children, micro TESE has become one of the most dependable techniques in recent years. The goal of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction is to extract the healthiest sperm in order to increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
When is the Micro TESE Procedure Recommended by the Doctors?
Men who have been diagnosed with any of the following medical disorders are generally advised to undergo micro-TESE:
- Azoospermia: A condition in which there are no sperm or none at all in the ejaculate is known as azoospermia.
- Underlying Diseases: Issues such as genetic illnesses, congenital blockages, or prior testicular injury or surgery may be the cause.
- Severe Oligospermia: A very low sperm count, in which there are a lot fewer sperm in the ejaculate, typically less than 1 million per millilitre.
- Failed Previous Attempts: Men who have had unsuccessful prior attempts at sperm retrieval, such as TESE or a traditional testicular biopsy, may be eligible for a micro-TESE.
- Idiopathic Infertility: When the cause of male infertility is unclear, medical professionals may suggest micro-TESE as a means of obtaining sperm for assisted reproductive methods.
How is Micro TESE Procedure Performed?
The main confusion among patients is how is micro TESE procedure performed. Is it painful? No, the Micro TESE procedure is not painful. However, it can result in mild pain after the procedure and can be avoided through prescribed painkillers by doctors.
Steps of MicroTESE Procedure:
- The doctor will prescribe general Anaesthesia to assist you in sleep and be comfortable during the microTESE operation.
- Your surgeon creates a little cut in the middle of your scrotum and checks your testicles for enlarged seminiferous tubules (tubes that produce sperm) using a powerful surgical microscope.
- Later, your surgeon will take small samples from one testicle's tubes and repeat the procedure on the second testicle as well.
- After performing the surgery, your surgeon will use tiny stitches to close the wounds.
Micro TESE Procedure After the Surgery:
How to Prepare Yourself for Micro TESE Procedure?
If your doctor has suggested you undergo a Micro TESE procedure, you must prepare yourself in advance to get the best results. Here are some recommendations and preparations you must do in advance before undergoing Micro TESE surgery:
- First and foremost, you should talk to your doctor about your medical history.
- Additionally, the doctor will record your vitals, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
- Before the micro TESE operation, the doctor will also do a physical examination to know your overall health.
- Make sure to inform your doctor of any sensitivities you may have.
- Additionally, let your doctor know if you are using any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
- Your doctor will provide you with particular dietary and drinking advice before the micro TESE operation which must be followed.
What is the Success Rate of the Micro TESE Procedure?
The Micro TESE procedure is successful for most males. More than in 60% of cases, the doctors find the sperm while undergoing the procedure. However, some of you might need multiple microTESE procedures if you plan to use your sperm for in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Although many men find microTESE to be beneficial, sperm detection during surgery is not always possible. Your surgeon's chances of properly identifying sperm are quite low if this happens and you choose to have microTESE again.
The micro TESE success rate in India is known to be influenced by a wide range of factors such as:
- Conditions such as azoospermia
- Maturation of germ cells
- Hypospermatogenesis
- Serotoli cell-only (SCO) syndrome
- Prior orchitis
- Clinical varicocele is present
What is the Micro TESE Procedure Cost in India?
The cost of Micro TESE in India may vary depending on the specific treatment used, the clinic’s location, doctor’s fees and the complexity of the case. Micro Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) procedures in India might cost anything from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 or more which can depend on such factors.
However, at Crysta IVF, one of the best IVF centres in Kanpur we operate without compromising on quality. With our highly qualified team of doctors, modern ART facilities, and reasonable prices, couples seeking innovative infertility treatments for men in India may undergo Micro TESE easily.
What are the Benefits & Side Effects of Micro TESE Surgery?
Every situation comes with two parts such as benefits and side effects. Well, in Micro TESE surgery can be beneficial for some and could result in certain drawbacks as well. Here are some benefits and side effects of Micro TESE surgery:
Benefits of Micro TESE Surgery | Side-Effects of Micro TESE Surgery |
---|---|
Solves all the non-obstructive azoospermia issue | Difficulty in locating sperm in certain situations |
Average success rates | Few risks of bleeding from General Anaesthesia |
Maximum sperm retrieval rate with minimal testicular injury | Skin or testicular infections |
Makes pregnancy possible for many couples | |
Minimal pain & faster recovery |
TESE vs Micro TESE: How They Are Different?
The word Micro explains how TESE and Micro TESE are different from one another. Well, here are some differences between both the procedures:
- TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) does not require the use of a microscope, however Micro TESE does.
- Males with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) are advised to undergo micro TESE, in which finding viable sperm can be difficult.
- However, males with obstructive azoospermia are suggested TESE, in which sperm production is likely present but cannot reach the ejaculate.
Conclusion
Many men who suffer from severe oligospermia or azoospermia have hope to become fathers all because of the delicate and highly skilled surgery known as micro-TESE. Doctors can carefully find and remove the elusive sperm that might be inside the testes by using the power of microscopic technology, giving couples a new chapter to start their family.
For people who are struggling with infertility, Micro-TESE may be a life-changing alternative due to the potential benefits of effective sperm retrieval. Connect with Crysta IVF and get consulted with fertility experts to know your reason for infertility and start your new journey to parenthood.
Disclaimer
As per the "PCPNDT" (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994, Gender Selection and Determination is strictly prohibited and is a criminal offense. Our centers strictly do not determine the sex of the fetus. The content is for informational and educational purposes only. Treatment of patients varies based on his/her medical condition. Always consult with your doctor for any treatment.