For men eager to become fathers, learning you don’t have any measurable amount of sperm in your semen can be gut-wrenching. At Urology Partners, our male fertility specialists help men overcome the health issues that stand between them and fatherhood.
Call 866-367-8768Azoospermia is a condition in which there is no measurable amount of sperm in a man’s semen. It is a leading cause of male infertility, and is found in five to 10 percent of men evaluated for infertility. It is usually detected when couples seek treatment for infertility. A diagnosis is confirmed through two semen samples taken at different times. Other diagnostic steps often include a physical exam, hormone testing, genetic screening and genital tract imaging.
Azoospermia can be caused by a blockage in the male genital system (obstructive azoospermia), or be the result of poor sperm production (nonobstructive azoospermia).
Obstructive azoospermia can be triggered by an infection in the testicles, prostate or other parts of the male reproductive system. It can also be the result of trauma to the sex organs from surgery, radiation, or by an injury to the pelvis, lower abdomen or spine.
Nonobstructive azoospermia can be caused by a genital injury, varicose veins in the scrotum (a condition known as varicocele), radiation and chemotherapy.
The use of steroids, antibiotics, alcohol, smoking and illegal drug use can trigger nonobstructive azoospermia. Exposure to environmental factors such as pesticides, heavy metals and extreme heat also boost the risk for developing the condition. A genetic predisposition or family history can be a factor in both obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia.
Treatment for obstructive azoospermia may involve microsurgical reconstruction of the vas deferens, epididymis, ejaculatory duct or other location where blockage is detected. Rather than undergo surgery, men may choose surgical extraction of sperm from their testicles, epididymis or vas deferens in order to conceive using other reproductive techniques. Although men who suffer from nonobstructive azoospermia have limited sperm production, they may produce enough sperm to become fathers. In this case, the Urology Partners physician will try to identify the precise cause of the nonobstructive azoospermia and see if there are reversible factors that can be eliminated or modified to improve sperm production. Another treatment option is the surgical extraction of sperm from inside the man’s testicles.
The experienced and compassionate fertility specialists at Urology Partners are honored to help men who want to become fathers.
