Micro TESE (Infertility)
Create a requestMicro-TESE, or Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction, is a procedure designed for men who have a very low sperm count or non-obstructive azoospermia, meaning there is no sperm in their semen due to lack of production. This surgery involves the extraction of sperm directly from the testicles using microsurgical techniques for use in assisted reproduction technologies, such as IVF.

General
Micro-TESE is a highly specialized surgical technique aimed at men who are unable to produce enough sperm for conventional fertility treatments to be effective. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves the surgeon using a microscope to identify and extract sperm directly from the testicles. The collected sperm can then be used immediately in fertility treatments or frozen for future use. Since Micro-TESE is performed with high magnification, it allows for the precise removal of sperm from areas within the testicle that are most likely to contain sperm, while minimizing damage to the testicular structure and hence preserving hormonal function to the greatest extent possible. This procedure has become a beacon of hope for couples facing male factor infertility, providing an opportunity to achieve pregnancy when other methods have failed. The use of a microscope significantly enhances the chances of finding sperm compared to other methods of sperm extraction, making it an ideal choice for men who have no sperm present in their semen due to non-obstructive reasons.
Special Details
Who is it for?
- Men diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia.
- Individuals who have had vasectomies and wish to pursue biological fatherhood without vasectomy reversal.
- Men who have had unsuccessful results from previous sperm retrieval attempts.
- Couples considering IVF but facing challenges due to male infertility.
Recovery Period
- The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours.
- Recovery time varies, but most men can return to normal activities within a week, with full recovery taking up to 4-6 weeks.
- Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and sexual activity for a short period post-surgery.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Infection and bleeding at the incision site.
- Damage to the testicular tissue that could affect testosterone production.
- Pain and swelling in the testicles.
- Potential failure to retrieve viable sperm.
Alternative Treatments
- Standard TESE (less invasive but might be less effective).
- Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA) for cases of obstructive azoospermia.
- Use of donor sperm for assisted reproductive techniques.
- Adoption or child-free living as non-medical alternatives.
Success Rate
Success rates for sperm retrieval with Micro-TESE range from 40% to 63%, depending on the underlying cause of the azoospermia and the individual's specific condition.
Procedure step-by-step overivew
- Pre-operative assessment and planning, including hormonal profile and genetic testing.
- Administration of general anesthesia.
- Small incision made in the scrotum to expose the testicle.
- Microscopic examination of the testicle to identify tubules likely to contain sperm.
- Extraction of sperm-containing tissue from selected tubules.
- Immediate microscopic evaluation of the extracted tissue to confirm the presence of sperm.
- Closure of the incisions with sutures.
- Post-operative care and instructions for recovery.
Prices
Why Do Prices Vary?
- Surgeon's expertise and experience.
- Hospital or clinic's location and reputation.
- Type of anesthesia used.
- Need for additional pre-operative and post-operative tests and consultations.
- Potential for overnight hospital stay.
- Turkey
- $2,500 - $4,000
- Czech Republic
- $3,000 - $4,500
- Croatia
- $3,000 - $5,000
- Lithuania
- $2,800 - $4,200
- Poland
- $2,900 - $4,300
- Germany
- $5,000 - $7,000
- Switzerland
- $7,000 - $9,000
- France
- $4,500 - $6,500
- United Kingdom
- $6,000 - $8,000
- United States
- $8,000 - $15,000
- Canada
- $6,000 - $12,000
- Australia
- $5,000 - $7,000