Azoospermia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Azoospermia is a medical condition in which a man’s semen contains no sperm. It affects about 1% of the male population and is a common cause of male infertility—present in approximately 10–15% of infertile men. Though it often shows no clear symptoms, it is typically discovered during fertility assessments.
Symptoms of Azoospermia
While many men do not experience obvious symptoms, some signs may include:
- Reduced sex drive (libido)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased facial or body hair
- Lump, swelling, or discomfort in the testicles
Causes of Azoospermia
Azoospermia can be caused by either obstructive or non-obstructive factors:
Obstructive Causes (Sperm is produced but blocked):
- Vasectomy
- Trauma or previous surgeries
- Infections or inflammation
- Cysts or blockages in reproductive ducts
Non-Obstructive Causes (Sperm production issue):
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetic abnormalities
- Testicular failure
- Radiation or chemotherapy
- Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, liver, kidney diseases)
Types of Azoospermia
Obstructive Azoospermia
In this type, sperm production is normal, but a physical blockage prevents it from reaching the semen. It accounts for around 40% of cases. Treatment options may include surgical correction or sperm retrieval for use in assisted reproductive technologies.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA)
This occurs when the testicles produce little to no sperm due to sperm production failure. It is more challenging to treat but techniques like Micro-TESE can help retrieve sperm from small, functional areas of the testicles.
Precautions During Treatment
To improve the success of azoospermia treatment, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly
- Take medications and supplements as prescribed
- Ensure adequate sleep
- Avoid heat, radiation, and harmful chemicals
- Wear loose-fitting undergarments
- Protect reproductive organs from injury
Treatment Options for Azoospermia
Sperm Retrieval Techniques (Obstructive Azoospermia):
- ICSI – Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
- TESA – Testicular Sperm Aspiration
- PESA – Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
- MESA – Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
- TESE – Testicular Sperm Extraction
- Micro-TESE – Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (also used in NOA)
Reduced sex drive (libido)
Decrease in facial and body hair
Lump, swelling, or discomfort in the testicular area
