Testicular biopsy

The biopsy can be done in a few ways. The type of biopsy you have depends on the reason for the test. Your health care provider will talk to you about your options. Open biopsy may be done in the provider's office, a surgical center, or at a hospital. The skin over the testicle is cleaned with a germ-killing…

Your provider may tell you not to take aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin for 1 week before the procedure. Always ask your provider before stopping any medicines.

There will be a sting when the anesthetic is given. You should only feel pressure or discomfort similar to a pinprick during the biopsy.

The test is most often done to find the cause of male infertility . It is done when a semen analysis suggests that there is abnormal sperm and other tests have not found the cause. In some cases, sperm obtained from a testicular biopsy can be used to fertilize a woman's egg in the lab. This process is called in vitro…

Sperm development appears normal. No cancerous cells are found.

Abnormal results may mean a problem with sperm or hormone function. Biopsy may be able to find the cause of the problem. In some cases, the sperm development appears normal in the testicle, but semen analysis shows no sperm or reduced sperm. This may indicate a blockage of the tube through which the sperm travel from…

There is a slight risk for bleeding or infection. The area may be sore for 2 to 3 days after the biopsy. The scrotum may swell or become discolored. This should clear up within a few days.

Your provider may suggest that you wear an athletic supporter for several days after the biopsy. In most cases, you will need to avoid sexual activity for 1 to 2 weeks. Using a cold pack on and off for the first 24 hours may lessen the swelling and discomfort. Keep the area dry for several days after the procedure.…

Chiles KA, Schlegel PN. Sperm retrieval. In: Smith JA Jr, Howards SS, Preminger GM, Dmochowski RR, eds. Hinman's Atlas of Urologic Surgery . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 107. Garibaldi LR, Chemaitilly W. Disorders of pubertal development. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC,…