Micro-TESE: A Breakthrough in Male Infertility Treatment.

Infertility affects millions of people worldwide and is not limited to women; male infertility is also a significant concern.

Thankfully, advancements in medical technology and procedures have provided men with new hope, one of which is Micro-TESE.

Micro-TESE is short for Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction. It is a surgical procedure to retrieve sperm from the testicular tissue. Micro-TESE is key for men with infertility, especially those with a condition called non-obstructive azoospermia, this is when the testicles don't make enough sperm to be seen in the ejaculate. However, pockets of sperm production may still be present. Micro-TESE enables the retrieval of the viable sperm directly from the testes, providing men with an opportunity to achieve conception.

A Micro-TESE procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. A Care Fertility affiliated urologist will make an incision in the scrotum to access the testicles, the surgeon carefully examines the tissue under the microscope to spot areas that might have sperm. If viable sperm are found they take small samples of tissue. These samples are examined right there in the operating room under another powerful microscope by a scientist.  Some samples are also sent to the laboratory for further evaluation at Care Fertility. Usually, you can go home the same day.

What are the advantages of Micro-TESE?

1.     Higher success rates: Micro-TESE is better at finding viable sperm compared to other methods like regular testicular biopsy because it uses a microscope. This means more chances of retrieving sperm successfully.

2.     Fewer long-term side effects: After Micro-TESE, there are fewer problems like hormone imbalances and shrinking testicles compared to standard testicular biopsy.

What is the success rate of Micro-TESE?

At Care Fertility, the live birth rate after Micro-TESE is excellent, with about 86% of cases resulting in a live birth when sperm is successfully retrieved from the testis. The percentage of men who have sperm retrieved during Micro-TESE depends on the cause of the sperm problem. 

It's recommended to have a counselling session with one of Care Fertility’s counsellors before the surgery, just in case sperm isn't found on the day of the procedure. Supportive counselling can be very helpful during these challenging times.

If you or your partner are facing male infertility, it's a good idea to talk to a reproductive specialist about the potential options available to you. Remember, you're not alone, and there are medical options available to help you on your journey to becoming parents.