Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)

The technique of testicular sperm aspiration is a simple surgical procedure used by andrology and infertility specialists to treat delayed childbearing due to the absence of sperm in the ejaculated semen during intercourse.

Testicular sperm aspiration is considered as a simple and low-cost technique relatively with other techniques, it aims to complete the steps of InVitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), The specialist inserts a needle into the testicle to extract the sperm in a process that takes no more than 10 minutes at maximum and under the influence of local anesthesia.

The time required to complete the testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) is "3 days".

Some specialists in andrology and infertility resort to sperm aspiration TESA from the husband's testicles by taking a sample from the testicular tissue; due to the absence of sperm in the semen (azoospermia) which delays procreation due to ductus deferens obstruction or semen reflux during ejaculation due to diabetes.

Couples who wish to extract sperm are subject to several procedures prior to aspiration, including:

• Semen examination.
• Ultrasound examination.
• Transrectal ultrasound through the rectum.
• Clinical examination to check the size of the testicle.
• Follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) test.
• Urine analysis after masturbation.

Testicles sperm aspiration may involve problems and complications, including:

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Pain in the testicle.
• Hypogonadism.
• Weakness in the testicle with the inability to treat it.
• Low levels of testosterone hormone.
• Sexual problems.

Testicular sperm aspiration includes the following steps:

1. Local or sedative anesthesia of the patient.
2. Inserting a suction needle through the testicle and draw a sample from the sperm or testicular tissue.
3. Place the sample in a petri dish and extract the sperm from the tissue in the laboratory.
4. Use of sperm for extraction purposes, either to fertilize the eggs or to freeze and preserve them for future use.

* The process of sperm extraction in this way is often after getting an egg from the wife, so that the sperm will be available on the day when the egg exploding from their vesicles..

After sperm suction, it is recommended, that the husband is place an ice pack on the testicle from which the sperm was extracted. In addition, the bandages or gauze should be kept on the puncture site to protect the wound from sweat secretions and bacteria that may cause inflammation if it finds its way inside.

The husband can return to normal activities after one to two days of rest. He must commit not to do stressful activities or those that require a strenuous effort, resulting in excessive sweating that may prolong the healing period.

The andrology and infertility specialist advises his patients after sperm extraction TESA to avoid activities such as cycling or motorcycling, horse riding, weight lifting for about two weeks, also to avoid intercourse for about one week.

The successful rates of TESA technique and usage of aspired sperms to complete ICSI depend on several factors, including the age of the couple and the quality of the sperm itself.