What is TESA/PESA
Testicular Biopsy?
Testicular biopsy is a simple surgical procedure that allows testicular tissue to be obtained in order to detect the presence of spermatozoa and use them to fertilize the oocytes obtained during an ovarian stimulation cycle.
There are several techniques for performing testicular biopsy, such as TESA (testicular semen aspiration) or PESA (epididymal sperm aspiration), which are among the most commonly used because they are minimally invasive and comfortable for the patient.
For whom is it?
Testicular biopsy is indicated for those cases in which it is not possible to obtain spermatozoa in the ejaculate. This may be due to different reasons:
- Absence of sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia).
- Absence of live sperm in the ejaculate (necrospermia).
- Previous vasectomy or obstruction of the ejaculatory duct.
- Severe alterations in sperm quality.
- Low fertilization rate in previous treatments.
After an evaluation of your case, the Vida Fertility Institute team will design the most appropriate strategy for your treatment.
How is the Testicular
Biopsy process?
Testicular biopsy is performed by aspiration of small testicular fragments. It is performed under local anesthesia and since it is an outpatient surgery, it does not require hospitalization. Thanks to this very minimally invasive procedure, it is possible to aspirate seminiferous tubules of spermatozoa for subsequent observation in the laboratory. If live sperm are recovered, the ICSI technique will be used for the fertilization of the couple’s or donor eggs.
