IVF — General Information › Micro-TESE
Micro-TESE
This page is provided for general information. IVF treatment is not carried out at this practice; it is provided only in assisted reproduction (ART) centres licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Micro-TESE is the search for sperm within testicular tissue under the microscope in men who have no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia). The procedure is performed by a urologist in a licensed centre. This page is general information describing the process.
Why the couple is assessed together
A male factor contributes in roughly half of couples with infertility. Beginning treatment directed at the woman without investigating the male partner costs both time and resources.
The date of micro-TESE and the date of egg collection are usually planned within the same period, so preparation on both sides proceeds together.
What is done beforehand
- At least two separate semen analyses
- Hormone assessment (FSH, LH, testosterone)
- Genetic testing: karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion analysis
- Urological examination and testicular ultrasound
- Distinguishing whether an obstructive cause is present
What the outcome may be
Where sperm are found they are used to fertilise the eggs by intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI), or frozen for later use.
Sperm may not be found. That possibility is discussed openly beforehand; hormone levels and genetic results give some indication of the likelihood but no certainty.
Preparation on the female side
In the treating centre ovarian reserve is assessed, the structure of the uterus is examined and the treatment calendar is set to align with the micro-TESE date. The aim is for preparation on both sides to be completed at the same time.
