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What is Azoospermia? How Does it Affect Fertility in Men?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

So, you have been trying to get pregnant for quite some time without any success? If it’s been a year or more, it might be time to check with a specialist. Fertility problems can occur in the male as well as the female. One of the common issues with male fertility is a condition called azoospermia.

Contents

How common is Azoospermia?
What are the common symptoms of Azoospermia?
Types of Azoospermia
How is Azoospermia diagnosed?
How is Azoospermia treated?

What is Azoospermia?

The definition of Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the man’s ejaculated semen, meaning no sperm are found in the fluid on a routine semen analysis.

How common is Azoospermia?

Approximately 1% of all men and 10%-15% of infertile men have azoospermia.

What are the common symptoms of Azoospermia?

1. Inability to get your partner pregnant

2. Problems with sexual function, including a lack of sexual drive or difficulty maintaining an erection.

3. Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area.

4. Increased body fat, body hair, and breast tissue.

5. Clear, watery, or whitish discharge from the penis.

6. Veins that are enlarged, twisted, and can be seen in the scrotum, also known as varicocele.

Types of Azoospermia

Azoospermia is principally of two types:

1. Obstructive Azoospermia

Obstructive azoospermia occurs when the sperm is produced but blocked from reaching the ejaculate. This blockage may occur in a number of different places, including:

• The area in the testicles where sperm mature

• The tube that carries the sperm into the ejaculate

• The ducts at each side of the tube

The blockage may occur due to injury, infection a prior surgery or a genetic abnormality.

2. Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

In this case, sperm is not produced at all, or a very minimal amount is produced, which cannot make it out of the testicles. This could occur due to undescended testicles, hormonal issues, past infections, injury of the testicles, congenital and genetic abnormalities, or an enlarged vein in the scrotum.

How is Azoospermia diagnosed?

If you suspect that you may have a problem, you need to consult a specialist. The specialist will ask you about your health and any medicines you take. He will ask how long you have been trying to have a baby, the timing and frequency of your sexual activity, and if you encounter any problems with sexual urges and functions. He will also ask about your lifestyle, such as alcohol consumption and smoking.

Additionally, you may undergo any of the following:

• A physical exam – You will be checked for signs of any imbalance in your hormones, such as increased body fat, body hair, and breast tissue. The size and shape of your testicles will be examined, as well as your prostate and other parts of your reproductive system.

• A biopsy – A sample of your testicle will be taken for testing. This will help to determine the ability of your testicles to produce sperm.

• A semen analysis – A semen sample is taken and tested to check your fertility.

• Blood tests – these are done to get a clear picture of your overall health.

• Genetic testing – this may be done to look for abnormal genes which can cause problems with sperm production, sperm transport, or formation of the male reproductive organs.

Other tests such as an MRI, a spermatic venography, a scrotal or transrectal ultrasound, a post-ejaculatory urinalysis etc.

How is Azoospermia treated?

The treatment method followed will be decided on the basis of the cause of the azoospermia. Treatment can be as follows:

1. Medicines may be given to treat an infection of the reproductive system. Hormones may be administered to treat a hormonal imbalance.

2. A procedure called percutaneous embolization may be used to treat a varicocele. An obstruction is made in the enlarged veins. This stops the flow of blood within the vein.

3. A sperm extraction may be done to remove sperm from the testicles or epididymis if there is an obstruction. This extracted sperm can be stored or used to fertilize a woman's egg.

4. A surgery may be required to remove a varicocele or repair a blocked vas deferens.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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