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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.
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.
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.
