TESA Procedure: Success Rates, Side Effects & What to Expect

ICMR statistics reveal that male infertility plays a role in 10–15% of infertility cases across India. If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive a child naturally, and the reason behind this is male infertility, TESA can be the solution. TESA or Testicular Sperm Aspiration is favoured nowadays by many fertility specialists in cases where the traditional sperm retrieval methods don’t work. Thinking about the IVF treatment cost in Delhi and how can TESA help? Here’s a guide on everything concerning TESA- from the success rates to how it works, and more. 

Source: https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725952326_urology_male_infertility.pdf

What is the TESA Procedure?

Let’s start with the basics. TESA is primarily a procedure that’s used to collect sperm directly from the testicles when sperm isn’t present in the ejaculated semen, which is a condition called Azoospermia. So, if you are unable to produce sperm in your semen for IVF, TESA can help. 

The process itself is pretty straightforward, and it can be easily done under local anaesthesia, which means that you will be awake but won’t feel any pain. Your doctor will use a tiny needle to aspirate (extract) sperm from your testicles. The good news is you don’t have to worry because the process is minimally invasive and usually doesn’t take long at all. 

Success Rates: Will It Work for Me?

Now, if you are wondering how successful the whole thing is, the truth is that the success rates may vary depending on a few factors, like the cause of infertility and the quality of the sperm retrieved. Generally, sperm retrieval via TESA works for about 60-80% of men, but the next step is what really counts. After TESA, the sperm is used in IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), which have their own success rates. So, while TESA is a critical part of the process, the real question is whether the fertilization and embryo transfer will be successful. On average, pregnancy success rates for IVF/ICSI with TESA are pretty similar to traditional IVF, but it’s always best to discuss your specific case with your fertility doctor.

Side Effects: What Could Go Wrong

Like any medical procedure, TESA comes with some risks, though they are generally mild. After the procedure, you might experience:

• Swelling or bruising, which usually fades within a few days, and
• Some mild discomfort or soreness

What Happens After the Procedure?

Once the sperm is successfully collected through TESA, your fertility clinic will prepare it for IVF or ICSI. After that, the next steps involve fertilizing the eggs and transferring the embryo, just like any other IVF treatment. The good news is that the recovery time from TESA is pretty quick. Most men can return to their normal activities after a day or two, although it’s a good idea to take it easy for a bit.

Looking for fertility specialists or need more information on IVF costs in Delhi? Contact our team at NANDI IVF right away!