Azoospermia

Azoospermia isn’t a common condition, and it’s usually treatable. Some people are born with it, and others develop it during adolescence or adulthood.

Azoospermia

Azoospermia occurs when there isn’t measurable sperm in the semen when ejaculating. Sperm is produced by the testicles, and then it mixes with fluids to form semen.

Types of azoospermia:

• Post-testicular azoospermia: there is a blockage or a connection problem in the reproductive system.
• Testicular azoospermia: there is a problem in the sperm production.
• Pre-testicular azoospermia: the testicles and reproductive system aren’t stimulated enough to make sperm.

Causes of azoospermia

• Causes of obstructive (post-testicular) azoospermia: infections (like epididymitis), inflammation, trauma or injury to the testicles, cysts or growths, vasectomy, retrograde ejaculation, and cystic fibrosis.
• Causes of nonobstructive (testicular and pretesticular) azoospermia: hormone imbalances and endocrine disorders (like low testosterone and hyperprolactinemia), varicocele, genetic conditions (such as Kallmann syndrome and Klinefelter’s syndrome), orchitis, radiation and chemotherapy, exposure to toxins or heavy metals, reaction to certain medications, having undescended testicles or no testicles at all, and lifestyle choices (like misusing drugs or alcohol).

Symptoms of azoospermia

• There are no evident symptoms in the condition of no sperm count, and the patient won’t notice the condition until they start trying to have a baby with their partner without success.

Diagnosis of azoospermia

• Medical history.
• Physical exam.
• Semen analysis.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of azoospermia

Treating azoospermia depends on the cause, and treatments include:

• Surgery.
• Medications.
• Retrieving sperm directly from the testicle with a needle.