Azoospermia is a male infertility condition where there is a zero sperm count. It can be obstructive or non-obstructive, and can be caused by various factors. Treatment options are available, and men should not feel ashamed or discouraged by the diagnosis.
Azoospermia is a condition of male infertility characterized by a zero sperm count. Although man can produce ejaculate, it does not contain sperm. This condition is estimated to affect fewer than one in 50 men, although it accounts for a high proportion of men seeking fertility treatment and is a relatively common cause of male infertility. A reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist can diagnose azoospermia and make treatment recommendations.
When couples experience infertility, one of the easiest diagnostic tests to perform is to test the man’s ejaculate, which often makes this the first route a doctor goes, before getting involved in more invasive diagnostic tests for the woman. . In a sperm count test, a man sends a sample of semen and it is analyzed in a laboratory to see how many sperm can be found and what condition they are in. If none are visible, the man has azoospermia.
There are two different types of azoospermia. In obstructive forms of the condition, a man produces sperm but cannot be delivered due to an obstruction in the reproductive tract. This can be caused by a congenital condition. Non-obstructive azoospermia is characterized by the inability to produce sperm or the production of sperm in low numbers. Some causes of non-obstructive forms can include hormonal imbalances, medications, and underlying disease processes.
Having azoospermia does not necessarily mean that a man cannot reproduce. For men with obstructive azoospermia, it may be possible to collect a semen sample that can be used to impregnate a woman with assisted reproductive technology. Nonobstructive forms can be addressed by changing medications or through medical treatment of the underlying cause. Even if a man’s sperm count is very low after this, it is still possible to collect sperm for use in a fertility treatment. Seeing an experienced fertility specialist can greatly increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
The diagnosis of azoospermia can be overwhelming for some men, because sperm is often seen as a symbol of virility in many cultures, and having a sperm count of zero can feel like an assault on someone’s manhood. Men should rest assured that low sperm counts are usually not their fault and that treatments are available to address the situation. For men who want to have children, a low sperm count needn’t be a hindrance to reproduction and, at times, it can be very treatable.
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