Testicular Mapping (Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration Mapping)
Testicular Mapping (also known as Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration Mapping, or FNA Mapping) is a diagnostic procedure used in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) to identify areas of sperm production in the testicles before attempting sperm retrieval procedures like Micro-TESE.
It helps plan and improve the success rate of sperm retrieval while minimizing unnecessary tissue damage.
What Is Testicular Mapping?
- A minimally invasive outpatient procedure using fine needles to extract tiny samples from different areas of the testes
- The samples are analyzed under a microscope to check for the presence or absence of sperm in each location
- Usually done under local anesthesia
Purpose of Testicular Mapping
- Locate "hot spots" (areas with active sperm production)
- Avoid unnecessary surgery in men with zero chance of sperm retrieval
- Guide Micro-TESE or other surgical sperm retrieval techniques
- Improve chances of successful ICSI by targeting the right areas
Who Needs Testicular Mapping?
- Men diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)
- Men with prior failed TESA or Micro-TESE
- Men with testicular failure (e.g., due to genetics, chemotherapy, or unknown causes)
- Couples with repeated IVF failure due to male factor infertility
How the Procedure Works
- Testes are numbed with local anesthetic
- A fine needle is used to aspirate (withdraw) cells from multiple mapped sites across both testicles
- The samples are immediately analyzed for sperm presence and activity
- A "sperm map" is created to guide the next steps
Benefits of Testicular Mapping
Precision – Identifies sperm-producing areas for targeted retrieval
Minimally Invasive – Avoids extensive surgery if sperm is unlikely to be found
Cost-Effective – Helps avoid unnecessary full surgical sperm retrieval
Pre-IVF Planning – Increases chances of successful ICSI if sperm is found