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Azoospermia: Causes, Key Symptoms, Tests And Treatments
When a guy has azoospermia, his semen have no sperm, leading to infertility. Many cases are treatable. It's common to meet childless couples, some by choice due to career focus and others due to infertility.
Infertility has increased over the decades and is not just a female issue. About 50% of infertility cases involve the male partner. One cause of male infertility is a zero sperm count.
What Is Azoospermia?
Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Prior to ejaculation the semen is mixed with sperm. The sperm is the male contribution for conception and is crucial for male fertility.
When male ejaculate is in the vaginal passage, the sperm travel to the fallopian tubes in search of the female egg. Once the female egg has been located, one healthy and robust sperm then enters the egg and fertilises it to form an embryo.
The azoospermia definition can be summed up as a zero sperm count. It is a condition which makes a male infertile. The male partner needs to have a certain minimum sperm count, which deems him fertile.
Without the required sperm count present in the semen, a man is not able to impregnate his female partner naturally. A male should have a minimum sperm count of at least 20 million per millilitre of semen.
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Get A Second OpinionAzoospermia Symptoms
Azoospermia is also known as sperm blockage. It is not a sickness or a disease. It is a condition which does not allow a certain function of the body. This is due to the malfunction of an organ or could also be due to the blockage of ducts.
In this case, it is the production of healthy sperm, which is impaired. There are no specific external symptoms of azoospermia. So, a male will not suffer any external or noticeable symptoms with this condition and may appear absolutely healthy and robust.
The azoospermia symptoms are not visible, and hence, usually, a male is not even aware that he has a fertility issue.
Causes Of Azoospermia
In a man who has Azoospermia, before initiating treatment, it is important to know the cause for lack of sperm in the ejaculate, can be caused by various factors, broadly categorized into obstructive and non-obstructive reasons.
Obstructive Azoospermia It means that sperm are being produced normally inside the testicle, but there is a blockage or obstruction in the reproductive tubing, that is not allowing the sperm to come out in the ejaculate.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia It means that sperm are being produced normally inside the testicle, but there is a blockage or obstruction in the reproductive tubing, that is not allowing the sperm to come out in the ejaculate..
Obstructive Azoospermia
- Blockages in the Reproductive Tract: Obstructions in the vas deferens, epididymis, or ejaculatory ducts can prevent sperm from being present in the semen.
- Congenital Absence of the Vas Deferens (CAVD): A genetic condition where the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles) are absent from birth.
- Infections: Past infections such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or epididymitis can cause scarring and blockages in the reproductive tract.
- Surgeries or Injuries: Previous surgeries or injuries in the pelvic area or reproductive organs can lead to blockages.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
- Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with hormone production or regulation, such as low levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH), can impair sperm production.
- Genetic Conditions: Disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, Y chromosome microdeletions, and other genetic abnormalities can affect sperm production.
- Testicular Failure: Conditions where the testicles fail to produce sperm, which can be due to varicocele, mumps orchitis, trauma, or exposure to radiation or chemotherapy.
- Medications and Toxins: Certain medications, anabolic steroids, exposure to toxins, and recreational drugs can negatively affect sperm production.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm production by increasing the temperature around the testicles.
- Undescended Testicles: A condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, which can impact sperm production if not corrected early in life.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own sperm cells
How Common Is Azoospermia?
Azoospermia is not a very common condition. It affects only about 1% of the entire male population. The absence of sperm prohibits natural conception. For a male to have sperm in his semen is imperative to be able to father a child.
Male infertility is quite common today, especially in urban areas. When a couple is not able to conceive, there is a high probability that one of the causes is male infertility. Among the couples that seek treatment for infertility, we find that about 20% of them suffer from zero sperm count.
Many men are not even aware that there is no sperm in their semen. It is only when they are not able to make their wives pregnant that they realize that something is not right. Fortunately, with the use of the latest technology, there is hope for men suffering from azoospermia at Medicover Fertility.
Oligospermia And Azoospermia–The Difference?
Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the semen. Oligospermia is a condition when a male has less than 15 million sperm in a milliliter of semen. Oligospermia and azoospermia are both conditions in which natural conception is not possible.
Male suffering from either of these conditions will need medical help to father a child. IVF with ICSI is the best fertility treatment recommended for azoospermia as well as severe oligospermia.
Azoospermia Diagnosis And Tests
A detailed medical history including reviews of any earlier medical records defining male infertility of the patient.
- Semen Analysis: To confirm the absence of sperm.
- Hormone Testing: To check for hormonal imbalances.
- Genetic Testing: To identify any genetic causes.
- Testicular Biopsy: To examine sperm production in the testicles.
- Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound or MRI to detect blockages or structural issues.
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Book an AppointmentAzoospermia Treatments include:
- Surgery: To remove the blockage or repair any structural issues.
- Microsurgical Sperm Aspiration: To retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques: Such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to achieve pregnancy.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing exposure to toxins, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding medications that negatively impact sperm production.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good diet that is high in zinc and Vitamin C is recommended for men with a poor sperm count. Some cases of non-obstructive azoospermia can improve their sperm count with diet and medication. Men with obstructive azoospermia need to get medical help.
The possibility of natural pregnancy when a partner has azoospermia is nil; however, with medical help such as IVF, he can have children.
Approximately 1% of all men across the globe and almost 10-15% of infertile men have azoospermia.
Although the genetic causes of azoospermia are not reversible, men with genetic issues can still produce some amount of sperm within the testicles that can be utilized for fathering a child.
Foods high in antioxidants like fruits (berries, citrus), vegetables (spinach, broccoli), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and whole grains can help improve sperm health.
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids, along with staying hydrated and avoiding excessive heat exposure, can help increase sperm thickness.
Foods high in trans fats, processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and soy-based products may potentially decrease sperm count.
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