Azoospermia

Overview

Are you and your partner considering starting a family but struggling to conceive? Azoospermia could be an underlying factor causing infertility.

Azoospermia is a condition where a man has no measurable level of sperm in their semen.

Understanding Azoospermia

Azoospermia is classified into two types: obstructive and non-obstructive. Obstructive Azoospermia is caused by a blockage preventing sperm from leaving the body.

Non-obstructive Azoospermia occurs when there is no sperm production in the testes.

Types of Azoospermia

In obstructive Azoospermia, the testes produce sperm normally, but the sperm cannot reach the ejaculate due to a blockage in the vas deferens.

On the other hand, in non-obstructive Azoospermia, sperm production may be severely impaired, or there may be no sperm production at all.

Azoospermia Causes

Common causes for Obstructive Azoospermia are –

• Congenital Anomalies: Some men are born with abnormalities in the vas deferens or epididymis, the tubes responsible for transporting sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
• Infections: Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause scarring or blockages in the reproductive tract.
• Surgical Complications: Previous surgeries, such as vasectomy or inguinal hernia repair, can lead to obstructions in the reproductive pathway.
• Prostate or Seminal Vesicle Issues: Problems with the prostate gland or seminal vesicles can obstruct the flow of sperm during ejaculation.
• Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction: Blockages in the ejaculatory ducts, which carry sperm and semen from the seminal vesicles to the urethra, can lead to obstructive azoospermia.

Common causes for Non-obstructive Azoospermia are –

• Genetic Factors: Some genetic conditions can disrupt sperm production, such as Klinefelter syndrome, Y-chromosome microdeletions, or chromosomal abnormalities.
  
• Testicular Dysfunction: Conditions like testicular injury, mumps orchitis (inflammation of the testicles due to mumps infection), or exposure to certain environmental toxins can impair sperm production.
• Autoimmune Disorders: In some cases, the body’s immune system may mistakenly attack and damage sperm-producing cells in the testes.
• Radiation or Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy can harm the cells responsible for sperm production, leading to azoospermia.
• Idiopathic Causes: In some instances, the exact cause of non-obstructive azoospermia remains unknown, and it is classified as idiopathic.

Diagnosing the type and underlying cause of azoospermia typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by an experienced fertility specialist like Dr. Supriya Puranik, including physical examination, hormone testing, genetic testing, and sometimes a testicular biopsy to assess the testicular tissue.

The appropriate treatment for azoospermia depends on the specific cause and may involve surgical interventions, hormonal therapy, or assisted reproductive technologies like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) combined with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve pregnancy.

Azoospermia Diagnosis

Azoospermia is diagnosed through a thorough medical history and physical examination. Medical conditions like infections, trauma, and medications that may cause low sperm count are reviewed.

Blood tests, semen analysis, and imaging tests like ultrasound may be ordered to help determine the specific cause.

Azoospermia Treatment in Pune

Several treatment options can help manage Azoospermia, depending on the cause. In cases of hormonal imbalances, medications like testosterone or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can help new sperm to grow. Surgery may also be necessary to correct structural abnormalities that obstruct the production or movement of sperm.

IVF specialists play an essential role in treating Azoospermia.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves extracting sperm directly from the testicles and injecting an egg into the lab. This procedure is known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The sperm used for ICSI in men can have very low concentrations or may not be present in the ejaculate, as often found in cases of Azoospermia.

The Role of an IVF Specialist

Dr. Supriya Puranik is a well-respected IVF specialist in Pune with over a decade of experience treating infertility cases. She is experienced in treating and managing Azoospermia and tailoring a treatment plan to each patient’s unique needs. Her compassionate approach makes her ideal for couples struggling with fertility issues.

If you suspect Azoospermia is causing your infertility problems, don’t hesitate to consult with the expert care of Dr. Supriya Puranik, a trusted IVF specialist in Pune. Book an appointment today to take the first steps toward achieving a healthy and fulfilling family life.

Conclusion

Infertility can be a challenging issue for couples to deal with. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, an IVF specialist and azoospermia specialist like Dr. Supriya Puranik can help couples overcome emotional and medical barriers. With the latest treatment options available, there is hope for couples struggling to create their own families.

About Doctor

Dr. Supriya Puranik

Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Often known as the last glimmer of hope for people who have lost all hope for conceiving a child, Dr. Supriya Puranik is a leading gynaecologist, high-risk obstetrician and Head of IVF & Gynaecology department at Ankura Hospital, Pune

Patient Reviews

Patient Reviews & Feedback

Blogs