Azoospermia – A Cause of Male Infertility

Azoospermia is the complete lack of sperm in the ejaculate and is one of the most severe forms of male factor infertility. Since azoospermia does not have any symptoms, it often comes as a surprise to a couple planning parenthood. This condition does not rule out the possibility of fathering a child. New techniques are now being perfected to help men with azoospermia become a parent to biological children.

Azoospermia is of two types:
• Obstructive Azoospermia that occurs when a blockage in the duct system prevents sperm from mixing with the semen.
• Non-Obstructive Azoospermia occurs when there is a problem with the actual production of sperm within the body and is generally attributed to hormonal imbalances.
Causes of Azoospermia
Failed sperm production is often the result of hormonal abnormalities, undescended testicles or vascular trauma to the testes or to the blood vessels within the testes.
Sperm transport problems are often caused by infection including STDS, by congenital absence of Vans Deferens which are tiny tubes that carry sperm to the urethra for ejaculation or due to a previous vasectomy procedure that prevents the sperm from mixing with the ejaculate.
Diagnosis

The initial semen analysis reveals if there is a problem with sperm production or there is a blockage preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculate. A medical evaluation of a male suspected to be suffering from azoospermia includes:
• A thorough physical examination
• Semen analysis
• Blood tests that include a testosterone and FSH level
• A complete review of medical problems, past surgeries, medications and family history

A testis biopsy under local anesthesia may be performed if the above procedures fail to throw light on the sperm production problem.

Treating Azoospermia
There are ways to treat azoospermia and possibly restore fertility in men suffering from the condition. Treatment options include:
• removing blockages in the duct system
• using medications to restore hormonal balances
New methods of surgical sperm removal are now available, wherein small quantities of sperm can be removed from the testes or around blockages. These include:
• PESA (Percutaneous Sperm Aspiration), in which sperm is taken directly from the epididymis.
• MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration), in which sperm is retrieved in higher numbers from the epididymis.
• TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction), in which a small tissue sample is taken from the testicles in order to retrieve viable sperm.
Thus even if there are no sperm in the ejaculate, sperm can often be harvested and used to achieve fertilization. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) like IVF and ICSI manipulate sperm in a controlled manner and greatly facilitate infertility treatment.

It is important not to give up hope when confronted with azoospermia. A consultation with an infertility specialist for treatment options is the immediate step to be taken. East Bay Fertility Center located in Dublin, California is well equipped with the latest technology and offers comprehensive infertility consultation. The Center is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and offers a complete mind-body experience for couples with fertility issues including male infertiity.

Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.