Male infertility is a serious issue that affects infertile couples in 1/3rd of the cases. Infertility in men is caused by abnormalities in the sperm. The two most common causes of such abnormalities are known as Aspermia and Azoospermia. Let’s study them in detail.
Aspermia is a disorder that stops semen from being released and is a leading cause of male infertility. A male with Aspermia has normal sperm counts, but there is no ejaculated fluid present to help their release. Aspermia may affect guys of all ages, but it is more common in the elderly or those with specific underlying reproductive health issues. The treatment for this medical condition is determined by the underlying cause and the specific diagnosis. Men with this condition may experience orgasm despite the absence of ejaculation.
Types of Aspermia
There are two types of Aspermia, namely:
1. Complete Aspermia: This form of Aspermia has no seminal fluid during ejaculation.
2. Partial Aspermia: This form of Aspermia produces a very small amount of semen during ejaculation.
Causes of Aspermia
Aspermia may occur due to a number of reasons, including:
1. Blockages in the Seminal Ducts: Seminal fluid cannot travel through the seminal ducts during ejaculation if there are blockages or other obstacles in the seminal ducts.
2. Backward Ejaculation: In this instance, semen enters the bladder as opposed to exiting the body by ejaculation.
3. Neurological Disorders: Diseases that impact the neurological system have the potential to interfere with the signals that are required for seminal fluid to be released during ejaculation.
4. Infections and Inflammation: The production of semen and ejaculation might be hampered by infections or inflammation in the reproductive system.
5. Specific Medications: Aspermia is a side effect of some medicines, especially those used to treat prostate disorders.
6. Post-Surgical Complications: Aspermia may arise from surgeries involving the male reproductive system or nearby organs.
Symptoms of Aspermia
The main symptom is the complete absence of semen following ejaculation. There are a few other indications that suggest a man may be suffering from this condition:
- Semen’s blood content, if any at all is present
- Anejaculation
- Pain in the scrotum, genitals, and while urinating
- Frequent urination after intercourse
Diagnosis of Aspermia
Aspermia can be diagnosed in the following ways:
1. Medical history and physical examinations: A detailed medical history and physical examination aid in identifying potential causes of Aspermia and assessing the severity of the problem.
2. Semen Analysis: A semen analysis is an important diagnostic test for determining the existence, quality, and quantity of semen and sperm. This helps to determine the severity and type of aspermia.
3. Imaging Studies: Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, can be used to discover blockages or irregularities in the reproductive system.
Treatments for Aspermia to get pregnant
The following methods are used to treat Aspermia in order to achieve pregnancy:
1. Treating the actual cause: Depending on the root of the problem, treating infections, eliminating blockages, or changing medications can help reduce or resolve aspermia.
2. Fertility Treatments: Assisted reproductive procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can be used to achieve pregnancy by collecting sperm straight from the testicles or urine bladder in cases of retrograde ejaculation.
3. Sperm Retrieval methods: Sperm retrieval methods, such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE), can be utilized to obtain sperm straight from the testicles for assisted reproductive treatments.
Azoospermia is a condition in which there is no detectable sperm in the ejaculate. The testicles produce sperm, which travels through the reproductive system and combines with fluids to make semen. If you have azoospermia, you may have semen yet no sperm. Azoospermia may be “obstructive,” meaning a blockage prevents sperm from getting to the ejaculate, or “nonobstructive,” meaning the testis produces less sperm.
Types of Azoospermia
There are three types of Azoospermia, namely:
1. Post-testicular Azoospermia: It indicates a blockage or missing connection in your reproductive tract. You are making sperm, but it is being prevented from flowing out for some reason. This kind is also known as obstructive azoospermia.
2. Testicular Azoospermia: It occurs when there is damage to the structure or functioning of your testicles, resulting in low or no sperm production. This is frequently referred to as nonobstructive azoospermia.
3. Pretesticular Azoospermia: In this type, your testicles and reproductive system appear normal but are not sufficiently stimulated by hormones to produce sperm. This can occur following chemotherapy or as a result of hormonal imbalance. This can also be referred to as nonobstructive azoospermia.
Causes of Azoospermia
The most common cause of azoospermia is an obstruction or blockage, although other causes include heredity or hormone abnormalities.
1. Post-Testicular Azoospermia (Obstructive Azoospermia)
Issues that might induce blockages include:
- Trauma or injury to the testicles
- Infections (including epididymitis)
- Inflammation
- Retrograde ejaculation
- You’ve had previous pelvic procedures
- Cysts, or growths
- Vasectomy
- Cystic fibrosis gene mutations
2. Pretesticular and Testicular Azoospermia (Non-Obstructive Azoospermia)
Pretesticular and testicular azoospermia can be caused by:
- Certain genetic diseases
- Hormone imbalances and endocrine disorders including low testosterone, hyperprolactinemia, and androgen
- Varicocele
- Some medications that can cause adverse effects on sperm production
- Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or exposure to heavy metals or toxins
- Testicles may be absent or undescended
- Orchitis
- Lifestyle choices that include using drugs or drinking alcohol and spending a lot of time in saunas or hot tubs
Symptoms of Azoospermia
You may not notice any signs or even realize you have azoospermia until your attempts to conceive fail. Any other indications or symptoms you notice may be related to the underlying causes, such as hormone imbalances or genetic chromosomal disorders.
If not, other symptoms may include the following:
- Poor sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lumps, swelling, or discomfort around the testicles
- Decreased facial or body hair
Diagnosis of Azoospermia
Your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical examination, paying special attention to the areas of your scrotum, and maybe include a rectal exam. Apart from that, the following tests will be used to diagnose azoospermia:
- Blood tests to determine testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
- Genetic testing
- X-rays or ultrasounds of the scrotum
- If they suspect the hypothalamus or pituitary gland is involved, doctors will perform a brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Treatments for Azoospermia to get pregnant
Azoospermia treatment is determined based on the underlying cause. Understanding and treating azoospermia frequently involves genetic testing and counseling. The other treatment options include:
1. Surgery: If your azoospermia is caused by a blockage, you may need surgery to unblock tubes and ducts or to reconstruct and connect ones that are not enabling sperm to travel across.
2. Hormone therapy: Prescription hormone treatment may be required if decreased hormone production is the primary cause.
3. Fertility treatments: Using a needle to extract sperm directly from your testicle. Obtaining sperm in this manner can help you establish a pregnancy using assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
While Aspermia and Azoospermia are both the major causes of infertility in men, with the proper treatment and care, men with these conditions can also achieve fatherhood. If you are struggling to get your partner pregnant, then consult a fertility specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ’s
Are there any natural remedies to treat azoospermia?
Domestic methods for sperm production may or may not be effective with azoospermia. While a low sperm count may respond effectively to specific herbs and dietary changes, sperm that is lacking due to an obstruction or genetic issue may not respond in the same way.
How can I prevent azoospermia?
There are several steps you can take to protect sperm production in cases of azoospermia caused by injury, lifestyle, or medications, such as:
– Avoid any activities, such as harsh contact sports, that could affect your testes and reproductive system.
– Avoid excessive radiation exposure.
– Consult your doctor about the benefits and hazards of drugs that may affect sperm production.
– Avoid activities that might expose your testes to hot temperatures, such as saunas or steam baths.
How is sperm infertility prevented?
Prevention of infertility due to issues with the sperm can be done by following the mentioned advices:
– Do not smoke
– Limit or refrain from drinking alcohol
– Avoid illegal drugs
– Maintain a healthy body weight
– Don’t undergo a vasectomy
– Avoid substances that cause extended heat in the testicles
– Reduce stress
– Avoid pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins
Till what age can men have children?
Men can become fathers even at a later stage in their lives. However, the sperm quality drops with age, and partners of men aged 45 and older take longer to conceive and are more likely to miscarry. Developmental disorders like Autism are also marginally more common in children with older fathers.
How common is aspermia?
Aspermia is uncommon compared to other male reproductive illnesses. However, it can occur due to a variety of circumstances, so seeking medical care is critical if you suspect you have the condition.
Why am I not releasing sperm?
Medication, certain chronic health issues, and surgical procedures can all cause delayed ejaculation. It could also be caused by substance abuse or a psychological condition like depression, anxiety, or stress. In many cases, the cause is a combination of physical and mental issues.