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Azoospermia is the condition in which no sperm cells are found in the semen. Azoospermia, which is one of the important causes of male infertility, may be detected during evaluations performed in couples who have difficulty having children. However, receiving this diagnosis does not always mean that having children is impossible.
What Is Azoospermia?
It is the condition in which no sperm cells are found in the semen during semen analysis. Semen is the reproductive fluid that carries sperm cells. It may be seen in approximately 1 out of every 100 men in the general population and in approximately 10-15% of men evaluated due to infertility. It is not a disease on its own, but a condition that can develop due to different underlying causes.
What Are the Symptoms of Azoospermia?
It often appears during examinations performed because of the inability to have children.
- No pregnancy despite long-term unprotected intercourse
- Decreased sexual desire
- Erection problems
- Shrinkage in the testicles
- Body changes related to hormonal disorders
- History of previous infection or surgery
However, azoospermia can also be detected in many men without any symptoms.
What Causes Azoospermia?
Sperm Production Disorders
It is the condition in which sperm production in the testicles is insufficient or does not occur at all. Among the causes:
- Genetic diseases
- Hormonal disorders
- History of undescended testicle
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Some infections
- Testicular damage may be present.
Azoospermia Due to Obstruction
Although sperm is produced in the testicles, there may be an obstruction in the sperm-carrying ducts. This condition may be seen:
- In congenital absence of ducts
- After previous infections
- After surgical procedures
- After vasectomy.
What Are the Types of Azoospermia?
Obstructive Azoospermia
There is sperm production, but sperm cannot reach the semen due to obstruction in the sperm ducts. In this group, the success of obtaining sperm is generally higher.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
Sperm production in the testicles may have decreased or completely stopped. The treatment plan is determined according to the underlying cause.
How Is Azoospermia Diagnosed?
In the diagnostic process, semen analysis is performed first. When necessary:
- Hormone tests
- Genetic examinations
- Scrotal ultrasonography
- Physical examination
- Advanced urological evaluations may be applied.
For a definitive diagnosis, semen analysis may need to be repeated at certain intervals.
Can Azoospermia Be Treated?
Treatment varies according to the cause of azoospermia.
- Hormonal treatments
- Surgical corrections
- Elimination of duct obstruction
- Planning of reproductive techniques
Therefore, every patient diagnosed with azoospermia should be evaluated individually.
What Is Micro TESE in Azoospermia?
Micro TESE is the process of searching for sperm from testicular tissue with the help of a microscope. It may be applied especially in non-obstructive azoospermia to increase the chance of obtaining sperm. The sperm obtained can be used in in vitro fertilization treatment.
