Los Angeles Azoospermia Treatment, Causes | Beverly Hills Male Fertility Specialist

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What is Azoospermia?
What are My Treatment Options?
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What are the Causes of Azoospermia?
Azoospermia Outlook
Schedule an Appointment

If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, it can sometimes be the result of azoospermia. Fortunately, board-certified urologist Dr. Justin Houman can help you explore your fertility options and grow your family.

What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is a medical condition characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Normally, the testes produce sperm, which travel up the vas deferens and combine with seminal fluid produced by the prostate and other glands. When ejaculation occurs, this mixture of seminal fluid and sperm is released. However, in cases of azoospermia, the ejaculate consists only of seminal fluid, with no sperm present. This condition affects approximately 10% of men who are infertile and about 1% of the entire male population. Men who have undergone a vasectomy are considered azoospermic due to the intentional severing or blocking of the vas deferens, which prevents sperm from being included in the ejaculate.

There are two primary types of azoospermia: obstructive and nonobstructive. Obstructive azoospermia occurs when a blockage in the reproductive tract prevents sperm from being present in the ejaculate. This blockage can occur at various points, such as in the vas deferens, epididymis, or ejaculatory ducts, and may be due to congenital issues, infections, surgeries, or injuries. On the other hand, nonobstructive azoospermia is characterized by low or absent sperm production in the testes. This type can result from genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), or exposure to certain toxins or medications.

Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing azoospermia effectively. If you suspect you have this condition, a consultation with Dr. Houman in Los Angeles can provide you with a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Understanding the underlying cause of azoospermia and exploring the available treatment options can significantly enhance your chances of achieving fatherhood and addressing any associated health concerns.

What are My Treatment Options?

Your first step is diagnosing azoospermia with a semen analysis. You’ll also work with your urologist to determine the cause of your azoospermia, which may include more testing with an ultrasound. If your azoospermia is obstructive, meaning there’s a blockage, your urologist may be able to reconstruct the area with surgery. If your azoospermia is nonobstructive, you may be able to produce results by changing or getting rid of medications, or by supplementing hormones. Microsurgical sperm retrieval can be an effective way to cause a pregnancy and your urologist can help you determine whether it’s the right option for you.

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What are the Causes of Azoospermia?

There are many different possible causes of azoospermia. Some may be genetic or anatomic, including conditions such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, varicoceles, or abnormalities of the vas deferens. It can also be caused by drug use or the result of radiation treatments. Finally, some causes of azoospermia are unknown – for example, because of environmental factors or reduced testicular development.

Azoospermia Outlook

The goal of azoospermia treatment is to increase the chances of getting your partner pregnant rather than curing it. You can still have children even with azoospermia, but you may need to navigate a non-traditional route to get there. Whether you opt for fertility treatments, donor sperm, or adoption, many azoospermic men are still able to attain their goals for a family. Dr. Houman can help you explore your options and find the path that works best for you and your partner.

FAQ: Azoospermia

What causes azoospermia?
Azoospermia can be caused by two main types: obstructive and nonobstructive. Obstructive azoospermia occurs due to a blockage in the reproductive tract, preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate. Nonobstructive azoospermia is due to low or absent sperm production in the testes, which can result from genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, varicoceles, or exposure to certain toxins or medications.

How is azoospermia diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis to confirm the absence of sperm. Further tests, such as blood tests to check hormone levels, genetic testing, and imaging studies like ultrasound, may be conducted to identify the underlying cause.

Can men with azoospermia still father children?
Yes, many men with azoospermia can still father children with the help of medical interventions. Techniques such as sperm retrieval and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF offer viable options for achieving pregnancy.

What is the difference between obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia?
Obstructive azoospermia is caused by a blockage in the reproductive tract that prevents sperm from being included in the ejaculate. Nonobstructive azoospermia results from the testes producing little to no sperm, often due to genetic or hormonal factors.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help with azoospermia?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins can support overall reproductive health and may improve sperm production in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia.

When should I see a doctor about azoospermia?
If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, or if you have any concerns about your fertility, it is advisable to see a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of successful intervention.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about your treatment options for infertility, your first step is meeting with a urologist. Schedule your consultation in Los Angeles with Dr. Justin Houman by calling (310) 854-7822 or filling out our online form to get started.

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Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.