Azoospermia

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Azoospermia
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Absence of sperm in semen
Complications	Infertility
Onset
Duration
Types	Obstructive azoospermia, Non-obstructive azoospermia
Causes	Genetic disorders, Hormonal imbalance, Obstruction
Risks
Diagnosis	Semen analysis, Testicular biopsy
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment	Surgery, Hormone therapy, Assisted reproductive technology
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency	Affects about 1% of the male population
Deaths	N/A

Pronunciation

Azoospermia is pronounced AY-zoh-oh-SPER-mee-uh)

Definition

Azoospermia is a condition in which there are no sperm in the semen when a man ejaculates.

Causes

This may be because the man does not make sperm or because the sperm is blocked from entering the semen.

Hormonal causes

Azoospermia may be caused by hormone problems also.

Genetic causes

Certain genetic conditions

Vasectomy

History of previous vasectomy or other surgery, or other conditions.

Cancer treatments

Azoospermia may also be caused by certain cancer treatments.

Infertility

Azoospermia can cause infertility or inability to produce children.

Symptoms

Azoospermia usually presents with infertility, sometimes with reduced or loss of libido.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is through history, physical examination, semen analysis, and imaging studies as needed. Check for history of hormone/steroid therapy, antibiotics, 5-ASA inhibitors (sulfasalazine), alpha-blockers, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, chemotherapeutic agents, pesticides, recreational drugs (marijuana, excessive alcohol), and heat exposure of the testes, prior surgeries, or trauma etc.

Treatment

Some conditions are treatable such as pre and post testicular azoospermia while testicular azoospermia is usually permanent.