Azoospermia: Types of Azoospermia & How is it Treated?

Dr. Deepak Goenka, M.D
Director, Institute of Human Reproduction
IVF Specialist

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What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is a condition in which a man has no sperm in his ejaculate. This can be caused by various factors, including physical abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and infections. While azoospermia can be distressing for men and their partners who are trying to conceive, it is important to note that it is treatable and there are options available for those seeking to have a child.

Types of Azoospermia:

There are two main types of azoospermia:

• Obstructive Azoospermia
• Non-obstructive Azoospermia.

Causes of Azoospermia:

Obstructive azoospermia:

Obstructive Azoospermia occurs when there is a blockage in the reproductive system that prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation. This blockage can be due to a variety of factors, including birth defects, scarring from surgery or injury, or inflammation.

Non-Obstructive azoospermia:

Non-obstructive azoospermia, on the other hand, is when the testicles are not producing sperm due to a problem within, which is responsible for producing and storing sperm. Non-obstructive azoospermia can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities, and certain infections.

How is Azoospermia Diagnosed?

Azoospermia can be diagnosed through a semen analysis, which involves collecting a sample of a man’s ejaculation and analyzing it for the presence of sperm. Other tests may also be done to determine the cause of azoospermia, such as a hormonal evaluation, physical examination, and imaging tests like ultrasound.

Treatment of Azoospermia

Treatment for azoospermia depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a physical blockage, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage and allow sperm to flow normally. If the cause is a hormonal imbalance, hormone therapy may be recommended to restore normal levels of testosterone and other hormones. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary.

For men with azoospermia, there are a few options available for having a child. One option is sperm retrieval, which involves collecting sperm from the testicles or epididymis (a tube that carries sperm from the testicle) through a surgical procedure. The retrieved sperm can then be used for Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which is a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside of the body and then transferring the fertilized egg back into the woman’s uterus.

Another option is the adoption or using a sperm donor, which can be a good option for couples who are not comfortable with assisted reproductive technologies or cannot afford it. It is important to discuss these options with a fertility specialist and consider the emotional and financial implications of each option.

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