Azoospermia is a lack of sperm in seminal fluid. If, after one year of unprotected sex, a pregnancy has not occurred, this means that the man, woman, or both, may have a fertility problem. In 40% of infertile couples, the male has a fertility problem.

Azoospermia is found in five to 10 percent of men evaluated for infertility. The condition may be present at birth or may develop later in life. At Asgar Group of Clinics, we are leaders in azoospemria treatment. We create a highly personalized treatment plan to help return fertility to our patients.

Here’s a quick lesson in how the body works: Sperm is made in the testicles. It travels through the reproductive tract and mixes with the fluid that’s found in the seminal ducts. Together, the sperm and this fluid make semen the thick, white ejaculate that comes out of the penis.

With azoospermia, the sperm is taken out of the equation. You may have ejaculate, but it doesn’t contain sperm. You may be familiar with the term “low sperm count” but azoospermia, on the other hand, is referred to as “no sperm count.”

You might have a problem that keeps your testicles from making sperm or that stops sperm from getting out of your body. There are three main types of azoospermia :

Pretesticular azoospermia : Your testicles are normal, but your body can’t get them to make sperm. It might happen because of low hormone levels or after you’ve had chemotherapy. This type is pretty rare.

Testicular azoospermia : Damage to your testicles keeps them from making sperm normally. It can happen because of :

• An infection in your reproductive tract, such as epididymitis and urethritis
• A childhood illness such as viral orchitis, which causes swelling of one or both testicles
• A groin injury
• Cancer or its treatments, like radiation
• Genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome

Post-testicular azoospermia : Your testicles make normal sperm, but something keeps them from getting out, like :

• A blockage in the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis. This is called obstructive azoospermia.
• A vasectomy
• Retrograde ejaculation, when semen goes into your bladder instead of out of your penis during an orgasm

About 40% of men with azoospermia have the post-testicular type.

You may not have any symptoms or even know you have azoospermia until your efforts conceive are unsuccessful. Any other signs or symptoms you encounter may be more related to the underlying causes, like hormonal imbalances or genetic chromosomal conditions.>/p>

Otherwise, possible symptoms might include :

• low sex drive
• erectile dysfunction
• lump, swelling, or discomfort around the testicles
• decreased hair on the face or body

There is no known way to prevent the genetic problems that cause azoospermia. You can take the following measures to prevent azoospermia :

• Avoid activities that could injure the reproductive organs.
• Avoid exposure to radiation.
• Know the risks and benefits of medications that could harm sperm production.
• Avoid lengthy exposure of the testes to hot temperatures.

Your course of treatment depends upon the cause of azoospermia and is tailored to the individual patient. Your physician will talk to you about your specific case and treatment recommendations.