TESA/TESE Surgery Recovery Guide: How to Minimize Swelling, Bruising & Discomfort
Undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or aspiration (TESA) is a crucial step for many IVF patients, but proper post-op care significantly impacts your recovery. Here's a comprehensive, medically vetted guide to optimize healing after your procedure.
What to Expect After TESA or TESE
Whether you’ve undergone TESA (a needle aspiration of testicular tissue) or TESE (a small incision to remove tissue), the procedure typically takes less than an hour and is often done under local or light sedation. Post-procedure, most men go home the same day.
However, mild to moderate symptoms can occur, including:
Swelling of the scrotum or testicles
Bruising or discoloration
Mild aching or soreness
Occasional spotting or bleeding at the incision site
These symptoms usually peak within 24–48 hours and resolve within a week.
First 24 Hours: Critical Care Phase
What to Expect:
Moderate scrotal swelling (golf to tennis ball size)
Bruising that may extend to the penis and thighs
Dull ache rated 4-6/10 on pain scale
Do This Immediately:
Ice Religiously
Use frozen peas or gel packs wrapped in a cloth
20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 8 hours
Reduces swelling by up to 40% (Journal of Urology, 2023)
Wear Your Support
Athletic supporter or tight briefs 24/7
Avoid boxers for at least 72 hours
Medication Protocol
Acetaminophen (1000mg every 8 hours)
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen) first 48 hours (increases bleeding risk)
Days 2-7: Active Healing Phase
Swelling Reduction Strategies:
Daytime: Switch to intermittent ice (3-4x/day)
Night: Sleep with a pillow between your legs
Bruise Care:
Arnica cream applied gently 2x/day
Bromelain supplements (500mg 2x/day)
Tips for Minimizing Swelling and Discomfort
Use Cold Compresses
Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to the scrotal area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24–48 hours. This helps reduce inflammation and numb the area.Wear Tight Supportive Underwear
Scrotal support is crucial. Choose snug briefs or an athletic supporter (jockstrap) to reduce movement and pressure on the testicles.Limit Physical Activity
Avoid lifting, strenuous exercise, or sexual activity for at least 5–7 days. Give your body time to heal.Pain Management
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are usually enough to manage discomfort. Avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) unless your doctor says they’re okay, as they may increase bleeding risk post-surgery.Keep the Area Clean
If you have stitches (as with TESE), follow your doctor’s instructions on wound care. Keep the area dry for the first 24 hours and avoid soaking in baths or hot tubs.Monitor for Signs of Infection
While rare, signs of infection include fever, excessive swelling, redness, pus, or worsening pain after 2–3 days. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most men return to light work or desk jobs within 1–2 days. Full physical recovery, including resuming exercise or heavy lifting, can take up to 7–10 days, depending on the extent of the surgery. TESE recovery may be slightly longer than TESA due to the incision.
If a more invasive technique like MicroTESE were used, your doctor may recommend a longer recovery timeline.
The IVF Kitchen has seen 99% of men go through this procedure awake with a local anesthesia to numb the area. These men will get up and just go home after the procedures, and rarely have we had any male patients come back with issues. The recovery is the easy part, so have no fear if you’ve got an appointment coming up!
“No pain, no baby?”
