azoospermia

medical condition

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Azoospermia is a medical condition characterized by the complete absence of spermatozoa (sperm) in the seminal fluid. This condition is a cause of male infertility, which is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular intercourse without contraception.12

Azoospermia can result from an obstruction in the genital tract or from testicular dysfunction. It can also be associated with congenital disorders or various illnesses. Diagnosis typically involves a microscopic examination of the semen to assess sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

infertility
Abnormalities of sperm production
…ejaculate, a condition known as azoospermia. This condition can be caused by an obstruction of the genital tract, by testicular dysfunction associated with congenital disorders such as sickle cell disease, or by various illnesses.
Read More
…ejaculate, a condition known as azoospermia. This condition can be caused by an obstruction of the genital tract, by testicular dysfunction associated with congenital disorders such as sickle cell disease, or by various illnesses.
Read More