Azoospermia: What to Do About the Absence of Sperm
Azoospermia can sound like a complicated and overwhelming term, especially when you receive a diagnosis revealing this issue. It is defined as the absence of sperm in the semen and is one of the most common causes of male infertility. It's estimated that between 1% and 2% of men may be affected by this condition.
Types of Azoospermia
- Obstructive Azoospermia
In this form, sperm is produced, but there is a blockage in the reproductive system that prevents its release. Some common causes include:
- Infections: Such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause scarring.
- Previous surgeries: Interventions in the abdominal or pelvic region that create scars.
- Vasectomy: A surgical procedure that intentionally blocks the passage of sperm.
- Congenital anomalies: Malformations present at birth that can cause obstruction.
- Trauma: Injuries to the genitals or pelvis affecting the deferent ducts.
- Medical conditions: Diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
In this case, the man does not produce enough sperm or does not produce any at all. Causes can include:
- Hormonal issues: Imbalances in hormones like testosterone and FSH.
- Genetic factors: Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome.
- Testicular damage: Due to trauma, infections, or exposure to toxins.
- Medical conditions: Diseases like diabetes that affect sperm production.
- Lifestyle factors: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can negatively impact sperm production.
Diagnosing Azoospermia
To diagnose azoospermia, a semen analysis is performed. If no sperm is found, further tests, such as hormonal analyses or ultrasounds, may be conducted for a deeper investigation.
Treatment Options
The good news is that there are solutions! Here are some options for treating azoospermia:
- Medications: Hormonal treatments that may help improve sperm production.
- Surgery: Necessary to restore flow if obstructions are present.
- Assisted reproductive techniques: Such as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), which is especially useful for non-obstructive azoospermia cases.
How ICSI Works
- Sperm extraction: Procedures like TESE (testicular sperm extraction) or MESA (epididymal sperm extraction).
- Fertilization: A single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
- Transfer: The resulting embryos are transferred to the partner's uterus.
- Sperm Donation
- If viable sperm cannot be retrieved, sperm donation is another alternative.
Steps in this Case:
- Donor selection: Choose a donor who meets necessary criteria.
- Fertilization: Use the donated sperm to fertilize the partner's eggs.
- Transfer: The embryos are transferred to the uterus.
Sperm donation can be a highly effective option, allowing the couple the chance to conceive.
At FIVIR, we specialize in solving reproductive issues, including azoospermia, and we have success rates significantly above the average for fertility clinics in Spain. If you're looking for a fertility clinic in Valencia to successfully address this issue, you may have already found the right one! Request an appointment here.