Micro Tese in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics

Micro-TESE: What is it?

Micro-TESE is a specialized surgical technique that allows surgeons to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles. The procedure uses an operating microscope to identify the seminiferous tubules, where sperm production occurs.

It is mainly used for men with non-obstructive azoospermia, where no sperm appears in the ejaculated semen because production is impaired. Once sperm is retrieved, it can be used for IVF-ICSI, which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. For many couples with male infertility, micro-TESE followed by ICSI is the way to have a biological child.

Diagnosis prior to micro-TESE

Several diagnostic tests help confirm non-obstructive azoospermia and predict whether micro-TESE will succeed:

• Spermogram: Analyzes semen under laboratory conditions to confirm the absence of spermatozoa.
• Hormonal assessment: Evaluates testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which control sperm production.
• Scrotal ultrasound: Examines testicle size, shape, and internal structure, plus checks whether the spermatic ducts are open or blocked.
• Additional testing: Depending on your situation, genetic analysis or exploratory testicular biopsy may be recommended.

After these results come back, meeting with a fertility-focused urologist becomes crucial. This specialist walks you through the micro-TESE procedure, discusses what to expect, explains potential risks, and answers your concerns in detail.

Who is Micro-TESE recommended for?

Micro-TESE is mainly recommended for men with non-obstructive azoospermia, meaning no sperm reaches the ejaculate because sperm production in the testicles is impaired. The underlying causes vary from patient to patient, and sometimes none is found.

Common causes include:

• Genetic conditions such as chromosomal disorders or gene mutations affecting sperm formation.
• Varicocele, where veins around the testicle become enlarged.
• Infections such as mumps orchitis, which can damage sperm-producing cells.
• Past trauma or medical treatment, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Undescended testicles in childhood.

Preparing for microTESE

Before scheduling micro-TESE, you'll undergo a thorough medical check-up that includes hormone testing, a spermogram, and scrotal ultrasound imaging. These tests establish your overall health status, identify any conditions that might complicate surgery, and confirm your diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia.

You'll also meet with your urologist for an in-depth consultation. This appointment covers the procedural details, answers your specific questions, and ensures you fully understand what's involved before giving informed consent.

Procedure for Micro-TESE in Turkey

Micro-TESE is a surgical procedure to extract sperm directly from testicular tissue. It is performed under general or regional anesthesia, and less often under local anesthesia, depending on the team and the patient.

The surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum and examines the testicle through an operating microscope. Under magnification, the tubules most likely to contain sperm are identified and small fragments of tissue are removed. The samples go to the laboratory, where an embryologist looks for sperm that can be used for in vitro fertilization.

Many patients go home the same day, depending on the clinic and the anesthesia used.

After the procedure

You need to rest after micro-TESE to support healing. Mild discomfort is normal and is usually managed with standard pain relief medication.

Your medical team schedules follow-up visits to check how the incision is healing.

The laboratory tells you whether sperm was recovered. The embryologist often searches for sperm during or shortly after the operation, and retrieved sperm can be used fresh or frozen for a later ICSI. Your team tells you when to expect the result.

Convalescence and recovery

Recovery after micro-TESE typically happens quickly for most patients. You should limit strenuous exercise for a few weeks while the incision heals completely.

Sexual activity can usually resume after a few weeks, depending on your surgeon's individual recommendations based on your healing progress.

Micro-TESE: Benefits & complications

For men with non-obstructive azoospermia, micro-TESE is the reference technique to look for sperm in the testicles. The operating microscope helps the surgeon identify the tubules most likely to contain sperm and limits the amount of tissue removed. In most comparative series it gives better retrieval results than conventional TESE, but it does not always succeed.

Points to keep in mind:

• Results vary: the chance of finding sperm depends mainly on the cause of the azoospermia. Your urologist discusses it with you beforehand.
• A second step is needed: retrieved sperm is used for IVF-ICSI, and a pregnancy is not guaranteed.
• Complications: possible complications include pain, swelling, bleeding or hematoma, wound infection and a drop in testosterone level after the operation. In some cases, no sperm can be recovered despite a properly performed procedure.

Micro-TESE in Turkey

Turquie Santé is not a clinic: we organize your micro-TESE and the IVF-ICSI that may follow with partner clinics in Turkey. Our service includes:

• Review of your medical file by a specialist, who studies your hormone tests, semen analyses and ultrasound.
• A detailed quote before you travel.
• Airport welcome and transfers in Turkey.
• An interpreter during your stay.
• Assistance 7 days a week for your questions.

When you compare clinics, ask how many micro-TESE procedures they perform each year and whether an embryologist is present in the operating room.