No Sperms in Semen
- Men who don’t have sperm in their semen have a condition called azoospermia. It happens to about 1% of all men and 15% of infertile men.
- A normal sperm count is considered to be 15 million/mL or more. Men with low sperm counts (oligozoospermia or oligospermia) have a sperm concentration of less than 15 million/mL. If you have azoospermia, you have no measurable sperm in your ejaculate.
Types of Azoospermia:-
There are two main types of azoospermia:-
- Obstructive azoospermia:-This type of azoospermia means that there is a blockage or missing connection in the epididymis, vas deferens, or elsewhere along your reproductive tract.
- Sperm is getting produced but it’s getting blocked from exit so there’s no measurable amount of sperm in your semen.
- Non-obstructive azoospermia:- This type of azoospermia means you have poor or no sperm production due to defects in the structure or function of the testicles or other causes.
Causes of Azoospermia:-
Causes of Obstructive Azoospermia:-
- Trauma or injury
- Infections & Inflammation.
- Previous surgeries in the pelvic area.
- Development of a cyst.
- Vasectomy
- Cystic fibrosis etc. are some of the main causes of Obstructive Azoospermia.
Causes of Non-obstructive azoospermia:-
- Genetic Causes:- Certain genetic mutations can result in infertility including:-Kallmann syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome,Y chromosome deletion etc.
- Hormone Imbalances/Endocrine disorders can also be factor for Non Obstructive Azoospermia.
- Ejaculation problems such as retrograde ejaculation where the semen goes into the bladder.
- Testicular causes such as Anorchia, Cryptorchidism,Testicular torsion,Vericocele etc also play a major role in Non-obstructive Azoospermia.
Investigations:-
- Semen Analysis
- Measurement of FSH and Testosterone levels.
- X-ray or Ultrasound of reproductive organs to see if there are any problems with the shape and size, and to see if there are tumors, blockages or an inadequate blood supply.
- Biopsy of the testicles etc.
Treatment:-
Treatment of azoospermia depends on the cause. Genetic testing and counseling are often an important part of understanding and treating azoospermia. Treatment approaches include:-
- If a blockage is the cause of azoospermia, surgery can unblock tubes or reconstruct and connect abnormal or never developed tubes.
- If low hormone production(Such as FSH,HCG etc) is the main cause, you may be given hormone treatments.
- If a varicocele is the cause of poor sperm production, the problem veins can be tied off in a surgical procedure, keeping surrounding structures preserved.
- So overall it is better to consult with a doctor, He will examine you and find the right cause of the disease and treat accordingly.
