Testicular biopsy and sperm extraction (TeSE, MicroTeSE)

Procedures we perform
ABOUT TESTICULAR BIOPSY AND SPERM EXTRACTION

What is testicular biopsy/sperm extraction?

A testicular biopsy or testicular sperm extraction (TeSE or microTeSE)(pronounced tee·sah) is a procedure to sample a small amount of tissue from the testicles.

The tissue removed is sent for microscopic examination or to extract sperm for use in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Why is a testicular biopsy/sperm extraction required?

Testicular biopsy and sperm extraction are performed to treat male infertility.

Testicular biopsy is a diagnostic procedure to see if the testicles are producing sperm, and to determine the cause for fertility issues.

Testicular sperm extraction (TeSE or microTeSE) is a therapeutic procedure to obtain sperm which can be used to fertilise eggs to make embryos, which can be use in IVF.

 

Read more about male infertility below.

Male infertility

Male infertility is the inability to conceive a child due to problems with sperm production, function, or delivery.
PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a testicular biopsy involve?

Testicular biopsy/TeSE involves making a small incision in the scrotum to access the testicle.

A pea size amound of tissue is removed from the testicle and sent to the laboratory for analysis or sperm extraction.

MicroTeSE uses a surgical microscope to search for sperm in the testicle before removing it for use in IVF.

Testicular biopsy and TeSE can be performed with local anaesthetic (numbing injection) or general anaesthetic. MicroTeSE requires a general anaesthetic.

What is the recovery after a testicular biopsy?

Testicular biopsy, TeSE and MicroTeSE are performed as day surgery – you can go home on the day of the procedure.

You will have mild pain in your scrotum for around one week after the procedure. This can usually be managed with over the counter pain relief.

You can usually return to normal activities, including work, two to three days after the procedure, but you need to avoid vigorous physical activity for one to two weeks.

 

 

OUR TEAM

Meet our Urologists

The following doctors in our practice perform testicular biopsy and sperm extraction:

Dr Glen Wood

Dr Glen Wood

Urologist
Dr Jason Paterdis

Dr Jason Paterdis

Urologist
Dr Jonathan Chambers

Dr Jonathan Chambers

Urologist

Discuss treatments for male infertility with one of our Urologists

Contact us to make an appointment