NO SPERM / Azoospermia
No sperm, or otherwise known as azoospermia is a major cause of male infertility, when a man’s ejaculate (semen) has no measurable sperm. Normally, the testicles in a man's scrotum produce sperm. The sperm flows through the male reproductive system to mix with fluid to form semen. Semen is the thick, white fluid released from the penis during ejaculation.
types of NO SPERM / AZOOSPERMIA
There are two types of azoospermia which are as follows:
- Obstructive azoospermia - This is where there is normal sperm production, but the reproductive tract for both testicles is blocked. This means no measurable sperm can get into the semen. Some patients may have a different problem on each side of the scrotum.
- Non-obstructive azoospermia - This is where there is poor sperm production. Men do not produce enough sperm for a detectable amount to show up in their semen. Nonobstructive azoospermia remains challenging to treat, but thanks to advances our doctors and others have developed, we can help restore sperm to the semen in some cases.
CAUSES OF NO SPERM / AZOOSPERMIA
Obstructions occur most commonly in the:
- Epididymis: The coiled tube on the back of each testicle where sperm matures
- Vas deferens: The tube that transports sperm from the epididymis
- Ejaculatory duct: The tube from which the sperm exit into the urethra and mix with fluid to form semen.
treatment for NO SPERM / AZOOSPERMIA
A patient's treatment plan will depend on which type of azoospermia they have —obstructive or nonobstructive.
- For obstructive azoospermia, we may recommend microsurgery surgery, a delicate procedure that unblocks the reproductive tract. We can often perform the procedure using minimally invasive techniques. Learn more about treatment for obstructive azoospermia.
- For nonobstructive azoospermia, sometimes lifestyle or medication changes may be necessary. Other times we may recommend hormone treatment. Learn more about treatments for nonobstructive azoospermia.
- Sperm extraction: We have a high level of experience and expertise with this complex procedure, helping men with very low sperm counts become biological fathers. Learn more about sperm extraction.
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