Couples struggling to conceive due to Azoospermia may still have a chance of having a biological child through assisted reproductive treatments like IVF.
As infertility rates have significantly risen among women and men in recent years, many couples and individuals find the experience overwhelming. Low sperm count is one of the most common male fertility issues, characterized by a concentration of fewer than 16 million sperm per milliliter of semen. This condition can significantly reduce the chances of conception.
Azoospermia is a severe condition where the male ejaculate contains no sperm at all. It manifests through symptoms like erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, reduced facial and body hair growth, poor volume of ejaculate, and discomfort, or swelling around the testicles. Azoospermia can be split into two types: obstructive and non-obstructive Azoospermia. A blockage in the male reproductive system can cause obstructive Azoospermia, preventing the sperm from reaching the semen. Various factors can cause this condition, including previous vasectomy, injury, infection, or congenital anomalies. However, it is possible to restore fertility through surgical intervention. When the testes fail to produce enough sperm or no sperm at all, this is called non-obstructive Azoospermia. It can be due to hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, or previous radiation or chemotherapy treatment. In addition to being more difficult to treat, nonobstructive Azoospermia can affect a man’s ability to father children. Leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of Azoospermia.
This would include maintaining average body weight while refraining from harmful substances such as recreational drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Also, avoid activities that may cause damage to reproductive organs, like prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Diagnosing and treating Azoospermia competently is vital if you plan to conceive a child biologically. A detailed evaluation of physical examination, hormonal evaluation, test for diabetes, and ultrasonography of the testis should be carried out. If left untreated, the condition will lead to experiencing lower success rates with fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Competent fertility specialists would recommend procedures like Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE), where sperms are retrieved from the testes for treatments like IVF. Despite this, not all men with non-obstructive Azoospermia will qualify for this procedure, and the success rates may vary widely. Using donor sperm for IVF is the last resort if all treatment fails.
Infertility is an emotional journey, and having a reliable support system can be invaluable in navigating obstacles. Therefore, couples dealing with this condition should seek guidance and support from IVF specialists in India, counselors, mental health professionals, and support groups.
Suffering from Azoospermia is not the end of the road. Remember, with competent treatment, couples diagnosed with this condition can still have their biological children and realize their dream of parenthood.
