according to dr. malpani:
"A testis biopsy is done in order to find out whether sperm production in the testis is normal or not. This is the "gold standard" for judging testicular function, since here the testicular tissue is being examined directly. How is a testicular biopsy performed? This is a simple surgical procedure, which can be done under a local anaesthetic, in an operation theatre or even in the doctor's clinic, if it is well equipped. The test takes about 5-10 minutes to be carried out; and a biopsy could be taken from just one testis, or from both testes, depending upon the nature of the problem.
The removed bit of tissue is then placed in a special preservative fluid called Bouin's fluid which is then sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope after staining.
The biopsy surgery doesn't hurt, because the local anesthetic numbs the tissues. There may be dull ache for a few days after the procedure, but this can be relieved by mild analgesics.
Since testis biopsy is a surgical procedure, most doctors would use it as the last resort when testing the man. If you are advised to have a testis biopsy, ask the doctor how the result will change your treatment (a question you should ask before being subjected to any medical test, in fact!).
The only group of infertile men who should be offered a testis biopsy are those with azoospermia. Men with oligospermia should NOT be subjected to a testis biopsy because the biopsy report is always normal in these men (and this is not surprising - after all, since sperm are present in the semen, they are obviously being produced in the testes!) "
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