ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Testicular sperm extraction

Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is a medical procedure that helps doctors retrieve sperm from a man's testicles. The testicles are two small round organs located inside a man's scrotum, and they produce sperm, which is needed to make a baby.

Sometimes, a man may have trouble producing enough sperm or no sperm at all. In this case, the doctor may suggest undergoing a testicular sperm extraction to retrieve the sperm directly from the testicles.

During the procedure, the doctor makes a small cut in the scrotum and extracts small pieces of the testicular tissue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to identify the presence of sperm.

If sperm is found, it can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF), a type of assisted reproductive technology. In IVF, the sperm is combined with a woman's egg in a laboratory dish to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the woman's uterus.

The procedure is performed using local anesthesia, which means that the area is numbed so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.

In summary, testicular sperm extraction is a medical procedure used to retrieve sperm from a man's testicles to help him father a child. It involves making a small cut in the scrotum, extracting small pieces of the testicular tissue, and examining it under a microscope to identify the presence of sperm. If sperm is found, it can be used for IVF to help a couple conceive.