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What does azoospermia mean in male infertility?
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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 medical condition characterized by the complete absence of spermatozoa in the semen. It is a significant factor in male infertility, distinct from oligospermia, which refers to a low sperm count.12
This condition can arise from several underlying causes, including:
- Obstruction: A physical blockage within the genital tract that prevents sperm from being ejaculated.2
- Testicular Dysfunction: Impairment of the testicles, which may be associated with various illnesses or congenital disorders, such as sickle cell disease.2
Depending on the cause, treatment options may be available. For instance, if the condition is caused by a blockage, surgical intervention may be used to clear the pathways. In cases where sperm are present in the epididymis but cannot be ejaculated, procedures such as microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) may be performed to retrieve sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).3