Testicular Aspiration

What is Testicular Aspiration?

Testicular sperm aspiration is a type of sperm retrieval method.

This biopsy and aspiration is an extraction technique used to treat severe cases of male-factor infertility. The procedure is also referred to as TESA.

What Happens During the TESA Procedure?

During a TESA procedure, a sample of sperm cells and tissue is removed from the testicle through a small needle attached to a syringe. The sperm is separated from the tissue and examined under a microscope.

The sperm can be used to fertilise eggs or frozen for future infertility treatment.

Who Can Benefit From Testicular Aspiration

Testicular sperm aspiration may be useful for men with fertility problems caused by a blockage that keeps sperm from being ejaculated.

Blockages could be caused by

• previous vasectomy,
• certain genetic conditions,
• ejaculation problems,
• infection, or other conditions.

TESA may also be useful for men who want to have children after having treatment that may cause infertility, such as certain cancer treatments.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – a specialised form of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – is required to achieve fertilisation with TESA sperm.

Testicular Aspiration As Diagnosis

TESA can be used as a diagnostic procedure to diagnose causes of azoospermia

Sperm-Retrieval Techniques

Depending on the clinical situation, Dr Turner may suggest one of the techniques below.

• Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
• microTESA
• Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
• Open testicular biopsy

Risks Associated with Testicular Aspiration

As with any medical procedure, there are general surgical risks and risks specifically associated with the procedure. This includes bleeding [causing a large swelling in the testicle or scrotum], infection and rarely atrophy [shrinking] of the testicle.

Patients should be aware that all elective surgical treatments carry risks. We encourage you to discuss these risks with your treating specialist.