Azoospermia and Male Infertility

Azoospermia refers to the absence of sperm in a semen sample. Azoospermia drastically reduces the chances of fertility. The condition can be caused due to –

• either a problem with the ability to create sperm naturally (non-obstructive or azoospermia)
• or a blockage in the body blocking sperm during ejaculation (obstructive azoospermia)

In case of a blockage, surgery may be the answer. Non-obstructive azoospermia can be hard to determine at first, but can be caused due to –

• a previous illness or treatment, such as chemotherapy
• a previous traumatic incident

Common male infertility causes

Male infertility issues do not necessarily arise due to azoospermia. Other causes of male infertility include –

• low testosterone levels
• lack of sperm
• sperm is unable to swim correctly
• abnormal sperm
• testicular damage
• ejaculation issues
• medical imbalances caused by medicines such as sulfasalazine

However, please note that various reasons for male infertility can be caused due to hypogonadism, a condition that reduces testosterone levels.

How do I know if I have azoospermia?

A sperm test can determine where the problem lies. If your body is not producing enough sperm, there are several treatment options available.

The following methods can be used to help obtain sperm in a male who is struggling with infertility –

PESA: Percutan Epididymal Sperm Aspiration – Sperm is withdrawn from the testicles using a thin injection, inserted into the epididymis.This method is used for men with obstructive azoospermia.

PTSA: Percutan Testicular Sperm Aspiration – An injection is inserted into the testicles without opening the skin that covers the testicles.

TESE: Testicular Sperm Extraction – A small incision is made and the skin which houses the testicles is opened. The algubinea, covering surrounding each testicle is also opened and small pieces are taken from the tissue of a testicle.

Another version of TESE, Micro TESE, is also used. In Micro TESE, the skin surrounding the testicles and the small tunic, algubinea, surrounding each testicle is opened with a small incision. The testicle tissue is examined with a microscope and samples are taken.

With TESE, the probability of finding sperm increases to 70% while in TESA/PESA methods, the likelihood of finding sperm is 40%. TESE is also minimally invasive so poses least risk of testicle damage.

Each treatment offers the possibility of obtaining sperm for various conception methods, such as IVF, even if you suffer from azoospermia.

Surgical treatment may not always be needed. However, it makes sense to keep all options with you.

If you are looking for the best fertility clinics and IVF centers in Los Angeles and Irvine, CA, call Pacific Reproductive Centerat 866-423-2645 TODAY! PRC has helped thousands of people fulfill the dream of creating families of their own.LA’s Pacific Reproductive Center will answer all your questions and provide you expert guidance to solve your fertility problems.

About This Author

pacificreproductive Joined: June 26th, 2018