MicroTESE: A Microscopic Solution for Male Infertility & Its Success Rate
November 6, 2023
Infertility is a deeply personal and challenging journey that many couples face. While often there is a focus on female fertility treatments, it's important to acknowledge that male infertility can also be a significant factor in the struggle to conceive. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have revolutionised the field of reproductive medicine, offering hope and solutions for couples experiencing male infertility. One such breakthrough procedure is MicroTESE, which has proven to be a microscopic solution for male infertility.
Facing infertility can feel overwhelming, but the MicroTESE success rates are offering a new glimmer of hope, especially for Indian couples dealing with male infertility. There has been an increasing emphasis on treating female fertility, but male infertility itself accounts for 10% to 15%, primarily because of Azoospermia or Oligospermia. The technique involves a sensitive microsurgery for sperm extraction from testicular tissue, even in challenging cases. The procedure is safe, but it carries some mild discomfort and a risk of haemorrhage or hormone deficiency. So, read on to learn more about the success rates and risks of the procedure.
What is MicroTESE?
MicroTESE stands for Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction. It is a specialised surgical procedure performed under high-powered microscopes to identify and retrieve sperm from the testicles of men with azoospermia (no sperm in their ejaculate). Azoospermia can be caused by various factors such as genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, blockages, or testicular dysfunction.
How Does MicroTESE Work?
MicroTESE, or microsurgical testicular sperm extraction, is a technical surgical procedure that extracts sperm from men with Azoospermia (a condition where sperm is absent within the ejaculate). Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) addresses male sterility, where impaired sperm development occurs because of various influential factors.
Surgeons in MicroTESE use highly advanced microscopes to detect and extract healthy sperm from the seminiferous tubules. The method delivers improved MicroTESE success rates compared to other methods of sperm retrieval. While worldwide studies report on such aspects as testicular volume or hormone profiles, the method used by Apollo Fertility focuses on scans to find active sperm "hotspots" within the testes. The following is a breakdown of the general steps typically involved in shaping this process:
- A trained surgeon discovers hotspots where sperm development is likely to be possible.
- The surgeon operates to dissect the hotspots to obtain small samples for microscopic examination.
- An embryologist inspects the samples gathered and looks for living sperm.
- A follow-up with the fertility specialist to enable couples to attempt IVF/ICSI using the collected sperm.
- MicroTESE is a minimally invasive procedure that further decreases pain and the healing period for patients. It is an efficient method of conception for those desiring pregnancy via assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF or ICSI.
What Factors Affect the Success Rates of MicroTESE?
Apollo Fertility, being experienced in the latest male infertility treatments, provides care and expertise. Customised to guarantee high success rates, MicroTESE brings parenthood for couples with sperm retrieval success rates of 40% to 60% in men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA).
According to Apollo Fertility, MicroTESE success rates depend on several factors and personal conditions, such as infertility and the surgeon’s skills. The condition can arise due to various primary reasons:
- Age of Male Partner: Older age can correlate with lower sperm retrieval rates.
- Hormonal Levels: Lower Follicle-Stimulating Hormone(FSH) levels correlate with higher success rates.
- Underlying Conditions: Successful sperm extraction is more likely with genetic disorders like Klinefelter Syndrome(extra X chromosome). A few microdeletions(Y chromosome) have also been associated with better sperm extraction outcomes.
- Cryptorchidism History: The severity of Cryptorchidism(a male condition in which one or both testes do not descend into the scrotum) and its management by early orchidopexy are linked to better success rates in microTESE.
- Testicular Volume: Increased testicular volume, particularly 20 ml or higher, enhances the success of sperm retrieval.
- Clinical Outcomes: Following successful sperm retrieval, clinical rates are usually between 22% and 28%. The individual diagnosis and treatment contribute to evaluating the efficiency of MicroTESE.
- Surgeon experience: Experienced surgeons have superior sperm retrieval rates due to technical skill and anatomical knowledge.
- Histopathology: Favourable biopsy results correlate highly with successful sperm retrieval in MicroTESE.
- Surgery Timing: MicroTESE surgery timing after orchidopexy or other surgery should be noted to improve outcomes, while delaying may harm spermatogenesis.
Apollo Fertility MicroTESE success rates depend on examinations customised for each individual. Recent experience with MicroTESE in India has been positive. A 2023 study recorded a 72.9% (70/96) sperm retrieval rate among 96 NOA men. A 43% for biochemical pregnancies, and 17% in clinical pregnancies after embryo transfer. This study was published by the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (IJRCOG).
Another statistic is that a 38% sperm recovery rate was achieved in 463 men with NOA in a 2021 PubMed report, with a fertilisation rate of 85.4% and a 22.3% clinical pregnancy rate.
Risks and Complications Associated With MicroTESE
MicroTESE is an extremely promising therapeutic procedure for male infertility, but it does come with a few risks. Minor complications are manageable, while major ones are unlikely in the hands of incompetent professionals. They must ensure excellent outcomes.
- Possible Risks: Minor side effects may include pain, bleeding and infection that resolves within a few days.
- Severe Complications: Testicular damage or atrophy is an uncommon risk, particularly with less experienced surgeons.
- Complication Management: Most complications are manageable, highlighting the significance of skilled professionals' expertise.
- Preoperative Assessments: These preoperative assessments are crucial for identifying medical conditions that could affect the success or recovery of the surgery process.
- Postoperative Care: Aftercare for medical procedures helps to prevent complications and promotes a smooth recovery.
MicroTESE is considered a safe procedure for men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia. If you are struggling with male fertility, MicroTESE by Apollo Fertility is a trusted choice in the field of reproductive medicine.
The Challenges of Male Infertility
Male infertility can create emotional distress and strain relationships due to societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding fertility issues. Men may feel a sense of guilt or inadequacy when faced with difficulties in starting a family. It's important to remember that male infertility is a medical condition and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly increase the chances of successful conception.
Benefits of MicroTESE
- Increased Success Rates: MicroTESE offers higher success rates compared to other surgical sperm retrieval methods, making it an effective solution for men with azoospermia.
- Minimal Invasiveness: The procedure is minimally invasive and requires only a small incision, reducing post-operative discomfort and recovery time.
- Improved Fertility Options: By retrieving viable sperm directly from the testicles, MicroTESE enables couples to explore assisted reproductive techniques like IVF or ICSI, providing a greater chance of conception.
- Personalised Approach: MicroTESE evaluates the unique sperm production pattern of each individual, allowing for personalised treatment strategies to optimise fertility outcomes.
- Future Fertility Preservation: In cases where no viable sperm is found during MicroTESE, the procedure provides valuable information about future fertility potential and preservation options such as testicular tissue freezing.
Tips for Patients for Enhancing Outcomes
Maximising MicroTESE success rates requires careful planning and is guided by expert hands. These key strategies can enhance outcomes to give the best chances of successful sperm retrieval and fertility treatment.
- Lifestyle Modifications: To enhance semen quality, follow a nutritious diet and exercise routine and refrain from smoking and heavy drinking.
- Pre-Surgery Tests: Hormone tests and semen analysis can determine any underlying conditions.
- Specialist Role: Seek out experienced fertility experts for pre-evaluations and customised approaches for maximum and successful sperm recovery.
- Technological Improvements: Improves the precision of sperm removal to ensure that treatment is effective.
Trust Apollo With MicroTESE Success!
The journey of parenthood with advanced medical solutions like MicroTESE can give you hope, even if infertility can be challenging. With key lifestyle changes, including diet, sleep and exercise, there are higher chances of MicroTESE success rates. Consulting experienced fertility specialists and thorough pre-surgical evaluations also contribute to high MicroTESE success rates. In addition, the newest technology, including sophisticated microscopes and precise sperm removal techniques, ensures maximum positive outcomes.
Apollo Fertility blends expertise and innovation with a fertility solution customised for individuals to achieve their dream of having children. Don't delay- select your preferred city, date and time to book an appointment. Book your slot by calling customer care and begin toward a brighter future!
If you are struggling with male infertility, MicroTESE at Apollo Fertility can provide a microscopic solution to help you overcome this challenge. Our experienced fertility specialists as well as advanced technology and personalised approach make us a trusted choice in the field of reproductive medicine.
MicroTESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction) assists in retrieving viable sperm from testicular tissue in men with azoospermia(no sperm in their ejaculate). Applicable for Non-Obstructive Azoospermia(impaired sperm development) where fertility treatments like IVF and ICSI are possible. It is a painless procedure conducted under general anaesthesia with minimal post-operation discomfort and a quicker healing time for the patients.
The success rates of MicroTESE vary depending on individual factors such as the cause of infertility and the quality of retrieved sperm. However, studies have shown approximate success rates ranging from 40% to 60%.
Semen analysis, hormonal evaluations, genetic testing and physical examinations are the ways to diagnose male fertility. Additional imaging tests, like ultrasound, may be employed to identify structural abnormalities affecting fertility
MicroTESE is slightly painful with minimal risk of haemorrhage and damage to the testicles, inducing hormone deficiency in men with oligospermia(low sperm count in their ejaculate). It is a safe procedure with no severe side effects. Moreover, better visuals with microsurgical TESE reduce complications over percutaneous testicular biopsies and provide better protection.