What is Azoospermia?
Azoospermia is one of the factors of male fertility in which there is a complete lack of sperm during ejaculation. This issue is also referred to as ‘zero sperm count’. It is considered as the most severe condition according to the Journal of Fertility and Sterility. This condition does not mean that man’s testicles do not produce sperm. But it means the sperm is not able to make it into the ejaculation.
Moreover, according to the report by Stanford International Azoospermia Center, men who suffer from this condition are at a three-fold risk of developing cancer within 6 years after their first semen analysis which diagnosed azoospermia. With the advancement in technology, there are different options available to treat the issue of male infertility.
Causes of Azoospermia
There are basically two types of azoospermia which are mentioned below for your reference.
- Obstructive azoospermia
The sperm is produced by the testicles but they are not able to ejaculate because of blockage or obstruction in the reproductive tract. Its causes are genetic, congenital or any type of infection.
- Non-obstructive azoospermia
In this case, either there will be no sperm or sperm count will be very less. It causes are genetics, varicocele, radiation/toxins or a chromosome abnormality.
Treatment option
You should not feel worried if you are facing a problem, as low sperm count treatment is available. Earlier the only way to treat the issue was with donor sperm. But with the advancement in science and technology,
- IVF along with ICSI
If men produce sperm but they are very less then IVF (In-Vitro-Fertilization) issued along with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). This method has helped many infertile couples to successfully conceive. In the IVF cycle, the women are given hormonal injections which help in producing more eggs of good quality. With ICSI, the sperm is injected into the egg for fertilization. Once the embryo is formed, it is placed back in the women’s reproductive tract which helps the women to get pregnant.
- Testicular Sperm Aspiration TESA
One of the most commonly used procedure is TESA. The procedure is very invasive in which needle is inserted through the epidermis of the scrotum and then the fluid is taken it takes inside the testicle.
- Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
The Perc Biopsy is also a similar method of treatment. In this, a bigger needle is used so that more sperm can be extracted. Moreover, in this procedure, the needle is directly inserted into the epididymis.
- Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)
MESA is an open surgical method which helps in treating the problem of azoospermia. The main aim of this method is to treat the problem which is linked with cystic fibrosis. You should consult the doctor about the entire process and what type of method of treatment will suit you best.