What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is the medical term used when there are no sperm in a man’s ejaculate. It can be “obstructive,” where there is a blockage preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate, or it can be “nonobstructive” when it is due to decreased sperm production by the testis. Around 10 percent of infertile men and 1 percent of all men have azoospermia.

What are the causes of Azoospermia?

Various factors can cause azoospermia such as genetic diseases, patients who have undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy, patients who have hormone deficiency, men who use narcotics and stimulants or anabolic bodybuilding drugs. Varicocele disease and men who congenitally lack Vasdeferan tubes can also be causes of azoospermia. But unfortunately, in most men, the cause of azoospermia is unknown.

In men who have azoospermia, is testosterone or male hormone not produced in the testicles?

The fact is that the testosterone hormone in the testicle is secreted from the Leydig cells, which are more resistant than the germ cells that produce sperm, and most men with azoospermia do not have marital or sexual problems.

Can I get pregnant if my husband has Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is a severe cause of male infertility, but there are possible treatment options. Hormonal problems and obstructive causes of azoospermia are usually treatable and fertility can potentially be restored. Depending on the type of azoospermia, it may be surgically treatable with a return of ejaculated sperm or it may require sperm retrieval and assisted reproduction.

How long does it take to cure Azoospermia?

However, cases of congenital azoospermia are irreversible and cannot be treated effectively. All other cases of obstructive as well as non-obstructive azoospermia can be dealt with surgical and medical treatment respectively. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks’ time for this condition to be diagnosed and treated successfully.

Why should men with Azoospermia be examined by a specialist in this field?

Azoospermic men should know that in addition to the problem of having children, they should also think about their health. Studies have shown that these patients have a 6% higher chance of other diseases, including cancer, than other men in the community.

What type of surgery on the testicle is suitable?

In patients who do not have an obstruction in the way of sperm exit, this relatively simple operation should be performed by a microscopic method (Micro TESE) by a doctor who has years of experience in this field. The patient has the chance of fertility through artificial insemination. Otherwise, performing the work in non-specialized centers will cause repeated operations on the testicles of men with azoospermia.

This article has been approved by Dr. Faramarz Farahi.