Azoospermia is a condition where a man has no measurable level of sperm in his semen. It is a form of male infertil**y and can make it difficult for a man to conceive a child. There are two main types of azoospermia:
Obstructive azoospermia: This occurs when there is a physical obstruction preventing the sperm from being released into the semen. This can be caused by a previous infection, a previous surgery, or a congenital defect.
Non-obstructive azoospermia: This occurs when there is a problem with the testicles that prevents sperm production or maturation. This can be caused by genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or environmental factors.
Diagnosing azoospermia usually involves a physical exam, semen analysis, and blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances. Additional tests, such as testicular biopsy or imaging, may be required to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment for azoospermia will depend on the underlying cause. In cases of obstructive azoospermia, surgical intervention may be required to remove the blockage.
In cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, treatment options may include hormone therapy, assisted reproductive techniques (such as in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection), or sperm retrieval procedures (such as testicular sperm extraction or microdissection testicular sperm extraction).