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Updated: May 6, 2026
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Published on: May 27, 2022
Understanding Couples' Perspectives After Negative Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction: A Qualitative Theme
Samantha H Rosen1, Ryan Davis1, Robert Brannigan2
1Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Objective:
To study the emotional responses and family-building decisions made by individuals and couples following unsuccessful microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE), as described in publicly accessible online narratives.
Methods:
Public posts describing personal or partner experiences after unsuccessful micro-TESE for nonobstructive azoospermia were systematically identified across online forums. Two independent investigators conducted a qualitative theme analysis using grounded theory methodology.
Results:
Fifty-two posts were analyzed, authored by patients (46%) and partners (54%), with most published in 2025. The most common choice was pursuing sperm donation (46%), followed by additional medical interventions (19.2%) and ongoing decision-making (21%). Others reported embryo donation (3.8%), adoption/fostering (6.7%), or remaining child-free (3.8%). Five major thematic categories emerged: (1) Emotional processing, with many users expressing grief over the loss of biological parenthood; (2) Family planning, highlighting financial limitations and medical decision-making; (3) Therapy and counseling, including reflections on emotional and genetic support; (4) Timeline of decision-making, influenced by partner alignment and emotional readiness; and (5) Role of online communities, which offered validation, peer advice, and emotional support in lieu of formal follow-up care. Three broader concepts were identified: emotional recovery precedes decision-making; partner consensus influences chosen pathways; and online platforms serve as informal support systems.
Conclusion:
Online narratives illustrate the complex journey couples face after a failed micro-TESE. Emotional readiness, partner consensus, financial barriers, and peer support influence reproductive decisions. These findings highlight gaps in structured post-procedural guidance and underscore the need for earlier, integrated, patient-centered emotional and clinical counseling.
