What is Azoospermia?
Azoospermia is the absence of any sperm cells in semen analysis (spermiogram test). In order to detect azoospermia, the semen sample must be very carefully analyzed by experienced hands. If no sperm cells are detected, the entirety of the semen sample must be put through a centrifuge, and the entire sample must be examined to determine whether there are any sperm cells. In some patients with diagnosed azoospermia a low number of sperm cells can be detected in subsequent tests. This is called virtual azoospermia. In these cases any found sperm cells must be immediately preserved by freezing.
Azoospermia patients can not have children by natural means. However, with new technology they can have children. The sperm cells found by the Micro-TESE operation can be used in IVF to help azoospermia patients have children.
How is azoospermia detected?
Azoospermia does not have any symptoms. Semen has a normal volume and appearance. A sperm test can be used to diagnose azoospermia. A semen sample taken after 2-7 days of abstinence is inspected in the andrology lab. If no sperm cells are detected, the entire sample is centrifuged and then inspected for any sperm cells. You can get results 2-3 hours after giving a sample.
Reasons for azoospermia
-Blockage of the sperm channels or lack of one from birth
-Cryptorchidism (absence of at least one testicle in scrotum)
-Hormone deficiency
-Some types of infections
-Genetic disorders (problems in Y-chromosome that facilitates sperm production)
-Some chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment can permanently suspend sperm production.
Azoospermia treatment
After examination of azoospermia patients by our urologist, Micro-TESE is performed. In patients with no sperm cells in the semen sample, sperm cells surgically extracted from the testicles are used in IVF treatment to help the patient have a child.
What is Micro-TESE ?
Micro-Tese is an operation for azoospermia patients where a small tissue is extracted from the patients' testicles and then searched for sperm cells. Expanded sperm producing channels are inspected under microscope, and very small tissue samples are taken from these channels. This way the chance to find sperm is greatly increased. When a sperm cell is found, it is used in IVF treatment to help the patient conceive.
How is Micro-TESE done?
Micro-TESE is carried out under general anesthesia and therefore causes no pain to the patient. The testicles are opened to make the sperm channels visible and the sperm containing enlarged sperm channels are found under microscope. Very small tissue samples are taken from channels determined to be containing sperm cells. These tissue samples go through several processes in the andrology lab where they are searched for any sperm cells. This process is repeated until a sperm cell is found. If no sperm cells are found from one testicle, the same process is repeated on the other testicle. If a sperm cell is found, all the taken samples are preserved by freezing to be used in subsequent IVF treatments. In our clinic Micro-TESE is done first, and IVF treatment of the female patient is started if a sperm cell is found. This way the female patient doesn't use any unnecessary hormones in the case where no sperm cells are found. The sperm freezing process does not harm the sperm cells. The freezing process also prevents the male patient from having to go through a second Micro-TESE operation in subsequent IVF treatments.
Micro-TESE operation can take 1-2 hours. After resting in our clinic for 2-3 hours, the patient is discharged on the same day after medical checks.
What's the difference between Micro-TESE and testicle biopsy?
Testicle biopsy and Micro-TESE are completely different operations. In testicle biopsy, a single tissue sample is blindly taken from one region of the testicle, other sections are not inspected. In Micro-TESE the testicles are opened and very small tissue samples from places with the highest probability of containing a sperm cell are taken under microscope. This allows sperm cells to be found by Micro-TESE that would otherwise be missed by testicle biopsy. For this reason, Micro-TESE should be done on patients whose testicular biopsy didn't show any sperm cells. Sperm cells can be obtained by using micro-TESE on such patients.
How many times can Micro-TESE be done?
The previous micro-TESE results of the patient are evaluated by the urologist to determine whether another micro-TESE is possible. If necessary, micro-TESE can be repeated a few times.
How much does Micro-TESE cost?
Due to local laws we are prohibited from publicly sharing any price information on our website. For detailed information, you can reach us at +905308865263 or by filling out the appointment form on the Bursa EUROFERTIL website.