Please Read the Information Below Carefully Before Answering the Questions

Please read the information below carefully before answering the questions.

Method

 TESE stands for TEsticular Sperm Extraction. By means of a minor operation under (general) anaesthesia, sperm cells are retrieved from a testicle. Fertilisation takes place through IVF in combination with ICSI.  IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is also called test-tube fertilisation. In order to achieve fertilisation, egg and sperm cells are united in a laboratory. A woman receives hormonal therapy so that her egg cells can ripen. The egg cells are retrieved from the ovaries (via the vagina) by means of a syringe with a hollow needle.  ICSI (IntraCytoplasmatic Sperm Injection) is a form of in vitro fertilisation whereby a single sperm cell is injected into an egg cell by means of a needle. When an egg cell and sperm cell fuse, an embryo is formed. This embryo is then replaced in the uterus.

Risks Men run a small risk of bleeding, infections and/or pain following TESE, as in any operation. There is sometimes a (momentary) decrease in the blood testosterone level. Women run a very small risk of bleeding or infection after the ovaries are punctured. They also have an approximately 1% chance of overstimulation as a result of the hormonal therapy. This may involve stomach-aches, nausea and/or vomiting, for which they sometimes have to be hospitalised. Children who are born after an IVF treatment with TESE-ICSI may run a slightly increased risk of congenital defects or a developmental disorder (probably an additional chance of 1- 2% in addition to the risk of 2-3% that applies to everyone).

Chance of Success Sperm cells are successfully retrieved through TESE in approximately half (50%) of the men with Klinefelter’s syndrome. After TESE-ICSI, a clinical pregnancy is achieved in approximately 25% of the women, and a child is eventually born. If there is a sufficient number of sperm cells and embryos, the embryos that are not immediately transferred to a woman’s uterus can be frozen. If the transfer does not result in pregnancy, these embryos can be thawed at a later stage and then transferred. In every treatment (transfer), there is an approximately 25% chance of a clinical pregnancy.

Costs The costs of the TESE-ICSI procedure are usually covered by your medical insurance, but this depends on your insurance company and policy conditions. Three treatments (transfers) are usually reimbursed.

Further Information More information on TESE/IVF/ICSI can be found at - www.nvog.nl (patient information, reproductive medicine)