Micro TESE Procedure: Step by Step Micro TESE Process

What is the Procedure for Micro-TESE?

Some men don't have enough sperm in their ejaculate to be successful with IVF. Fortunately, with the help of ICSI, many of these men still have the opportunity to proceed to IVF. As long as there are some sperm in the testicle, these sperm can be obtained and inserted individually into your partner's (or donor's) eggs with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Let’s get an in-depth knowledge about the Micro TESE procedure step by step below.

How is Micro-TESE Performed?

Micro TESE procedure is performed in the following cases-

Sperm and testosterone (male hormone) are produced in the 2 testicles of the scrotum.

Sperm leave the testicles through a rolled tube called the epididymis. There they remain until they are ready to be used.

Each epididymis is attached to the prostate by a tube called the vas deferens. This duct runs from the scrotum to the groin, then the pelvis and behind the bladder.

There, each vas deferens joins the seminal vesicle and forms the ejaculatory duct.

For ejaculation, sperm pass through the ejaculatory ducts to mix with fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and other glands to form semen.

Semen travels through the urethra and exits through the end of the penis.

Micro-TESE procedure is performed when the goal is pregnancy but is not possible without help. It is for men who have little or no sperm in semen, or men who are not able to ejaculate.

In these cases, sperm can be collected from other parts of the reproductive tract. To obtain better pregnancy rates, Micro TESE process is used with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Recovery After Micro-TESE Procedure

To manage the swelling, using ice pack is usually recommended for the next 24 hours from the procedure.

A combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is also recommended to lower discomfort and uneasiness.

Scrotal swelling is to be expected with this process. The swelling may take some weeks to go down completely.

Some other medicines may also be prescribed as an additional pain reliever.

It’s highly recommended to avoid sex, masturbation, and vigorous activity for at least 8-10 days after this surgical process, to allow your testicles to recover completely.

A tight underwear will help support your scrotum and will help in the recovery process.

Can Micro-TESE Be Repeated?

If you plan to use all of your sperm for IVF, you may need to undergo more than one Microscopic testicular sperm extraction procedures. When possible, any extra sperm retrieved during testicular sperm extraction should be frozen to preserve the sperm and avoid further procedures.

In some cases of severe male infertility, a doctor cannot find or remove sperm during the Micro-TESE procedure. If this happens and you choose to repeat the process, the chances of your doctor finding sperm successfully are only 7-10%.