What Is Azoospermia And What Does it Mean for Your Fertility?
Do you want to know What is Azoospermia and What Does it Mean for Your Fertility? If so, then welcome because you are on the right spot because, in this article, we will cover all aspects of it.
What Is Azoospermia and What Does it Mean for Your Fertility?
When it comes to discussing infertility, many individuals still believe that it is predominantly a female problem. This is far from the truth, and believing in such a way may harm your chances of becoming pregnant in the first place. By failing to investigate the health and fertility of both the male and female, you may be missing out on treatment choices that might assist you in becoming pregnant.
If you and your spouse have been attempting to conceive for more than six months, it may be time to investigate testing for both male and female infertility at the same time. Because of the persisting societal stigma associated with male factor infertility, locating information about the condition’s causes and treatment options may be challenging.
You will be able to establish the root cause of your infertility after discussing it with your doctor regarding male reproductive health. Then you can figure out the best course of action to take. A low sperm count is one of the most prevalent reasons for infertility in guys attempting to conceive, and it is also one of the most treatable.
Some guys go even farther than that in their quest for happiness. Azoospermia is a medical disorder that occurs when there is no sperm present in the sperm of the male reproductive system. Although this diagnosis may be frightening, it does not always imply that you will be unable to conceive.
What is azoospermia?
Azoospermia is a condition that affects around 10-15 percent of men suffering male factor infertility, making it one of the most common causes of male factor infertility. Each variety of this ailment has its causes and treatment choices, distinct from the other types of condition.
It is possible to have obstructed azoospermia without having a blockage in your testicles or urethra, which stops your sperm from reaching the sperm-bearing semen during the ejaculation process. When men have obstructive azoospermia, they may notice a decrease in semen produced when they ejaculate.
It is frequently the most straightforward kind of male azoospermia to treat, and men who have obstructive azoospermia often show increases in their sperm count and overall fertility after undergoing the procedure.
Nonobstructive azoospermia is the name given to the second form of azoospermia. This signifies that your sperm production has been significantly decreased to the point where sperm cannot be discovered in your sperm.
If your testicles aren’t generating any sperm, this may indicate that they aren’t working at all. Even if this is the case, there are still solutions available. Many of the reasons for nonobstructive azoospermia may be rectified or controlled with medication.
What can cause azoospermia?
The reason for your azoospermia, like many other variables that might lead to infertility, can be traced back to a range of genetic, physical, and environmental factors, among others. Some of these reasons are readily addressed, and some may even be preventive, while others may need more comprehensive testing or surgical intervention to diagnose and cure.
The following are examples of common causes of obstructive azoospermia:
- Vasectomy or prostatectomy are two terms used to refer to the same procedure.
- Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs.
- A blockage or a broken link in the reproductive system, including the epididymis and vas deferens, may result in infertility.
- Infection of the reproductive system includes the prostate and testicles, among other things. These infections may include venereal illnesses such as chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Trauma or damage to the testicles
- Cyst development in the female reproductive tract
- The following are some of the most prevalent causes of nonobstructive azoospermia:
Side effects of various treatments and substances, particularly those associated with prolonged opioid usage, are well documented.
- testosterone replacement treatment has a lengthy history
- Radiation and chemotherapy—These treatments can create hypothalamic or pituitary abnormalities, which might interfere with the generation of sperm.
- Varicoceles—
- Varicoceles are enlargements of the veins in the scrotum that form while you are sexually active.
- Anomalies in the genetic code.
- Diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal failure are among the conditions that may occur.
- The Kallmann Syndrome is a condition in which a person suffers from excessive sweating.
- Due to the low amounts of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) caused by this genetic condition, the pituitary gland has a more difficult time secreting the necessary hormones for the proper functioning reproductive organs.
- Anorchia, which is the entire lack of testicles, and testicles that have not descended into the scrotum are examples of testicular disorders (cryptorchidism)
- Testicles that do not generate thoroughly developed sperm cells are referred to as atrophic testicles (spermatogenic arrest)
Understanding the underlying causes of azoospermia may aid in treating or preventing the disorder. For example, when attempting to conceive, you should strive to avoid exposure to radiation and activities that might harm your reproductive organs if at all feasible.
Additionally, investigate the adverse effects of any drugs that you are currently taking to ensure that they will not interfere with your sperm production in any way.
How do I know if I have azoospermia?
Even though some of the illnesses that might cause azoospermia may manifest physical symptoms, the condition itself will not have a significant impact on your overall health.
If you have been having difficulty conceiving and believe that any of the reasons listed above may be hurting your sperm production, see your doctor about having your sperm tested.
Your doctor may examine your sperm for various features, including the number of sperm in each cell (the concentration of sperm in your semen).
Your doctor will most likely propose two sets of semen analysis tests to determine whether or not you have azoospermia definitively. If you discover a lack of sperm in your sperm, the next step is to figure out why.
Your physician will review your medical history, which may include drugs, surgeries, injuries, and even diseases that occurred as a youngster.
They will also look at any circumstances in your life that may impact your sperm production, as well as any family history of azoospermia that you may have. Additional tests, such as bloodwork and imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be performed to discover the reason for your azoospermia as well.
If you have high amounts of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or testosterone, your doctor may want to check your hormone levels periodically.
When it comes to regulating sperm production in the testicles, FSH and testosterone act in tandem. In men with low testosterone levels and high levels of FSH, this may signal a reduction in sperm production.
Once you have determined what is causing the absence of sperm in your sperm, you may begin discussing your treatment options, including assisted reproductive technologies.
