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What causes azoospermia?
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infertility
Major structures and hormones involved in the initiation of pregnancy. Also seen, at right, is the development of an egg cell (ovum) from follicle to embryo.
Azoospermia is a condition characterized by the complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. It is a recognized cause of male infertility.1
The condition can be caused by several factors, including:
- Obstruction: Blockages within the genital tract can prevent sperm from being released.12
- Testicular Dysfunction: This may be associated with various illnesses or congenital disorders, such as sickle cell disease.1
- Inflammation: Conditions such as orchitis—an acute inflammation of the testes often resulting from mumps—can lead to the destruction of the testes and subsequent infertility.2
The primary method for identifying this condition is the microscopic examination of semen.12