AZOOSPERMIA CAUSES AND TREATMENT: DR RAMA SOFAT HOSPITAL

            AZOOSPERMIA CAUSES AND TREATMENT

Azoospermia is the complete absence of any sperm in a man’s semen. It is found in 5-10% of men who seek infertility treatment. Consequently, azoospermia is a major cause of male infertility.

Azoospermia Causes

There are two causes of azoospermia: either sperm is being blocked from exiting the testicles (obstructive azoospermia), or sperm is simply not being produced at all (non-obstructive azoospermia) as explained by Dr Rama Sofat.

Obstructive Azoospermia

Sperm could be blocked from exiting the testicles in a variety of spots. The part of the testicle where sperm mature(epididymis), the tube that transports sperm from the testicle to the urethra(the vas deferens), and the openings on each side of the tube (the ejaculatory duct) are all potential sources of blockage, via injury, infection, prior surgeries, or genetic defects as explained by Dr Rama Sofat. 

Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

If the sperm isn't being blocked, that means it isn't being produced, or in some cases it may be produced at such low levels it isn't making into a man's ejaculate.

 This would be called severe oligospermia, and while it is still quite serious, sperm retrival and assisted reproductive technology could still make pregnancy a possibility.

Some potential causes include

- genetic mutations

- Y-chromosome deletions

- radiation (including cancer treatment)

- heavy metal exposure

Azoospermia Treatment

In the cases where lifestyle factors are at issue, such as medication usage or hormone imbalances, treatment can be as simple as switching medications or addressing hormone problems. Varicoceles can be treated using a low-risk surgery called varicocelectomy.

However, in cases of genetic mutations or other things that are not easily treatable, sperm donation may be the most viable option for couples who wish to conceive a child.