Azoospermia Explained: What It Means When There’s No Sperm in the Semen

Azoospermia Explained: What It Means When There’s No Sperm in the Semen

Male fertility issues are more common than many realize, and one of the most serious diagnoses a man can receive is azoospermia—when there’s no measurable sperm in the ejaculate. While this condition can be alarming, many men with azoospermia still have options for fatherhood with the right medical guidance.

What Is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is a condition where no sperm cells are present in a man’s semen. It affects about 1% of all men and up to 15% of men with infertility. It’s typically discovered during a routine semen analysis as part of a fertility evaluation.

Types of Azoospermia

There are two main types:

Obstructive Azoospermia:

• Sperm production is normal in the testicles, but a blockage prevents the sperm from reaching the ejaculate. This can be due to:
  • Prior vasectomy
  • Congenital absence of the vas deferens (often linked to cystic fibrosis gene mutations)
  • Infections or surgeries causing scarring or obstruction

Non-Obstructive Azoospermia:

• This type involves impaired or absent sperm production. Causes include:
  • Genetic abnormalities (such as Klinefelter syndrome)
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Testicular injury or infection
  • Radiation or chemotherapy exposure

How Is Azoospermia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a semen analysis. If no sperm is found, further testing is done to confirm the result. This may include:

• Repeat semen analysis
• Blood tests to check hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone)
• Genetic testing
• Scrotal ultrasound
• Testicular biopsy

Can Men with Azoospermia Still Have Children?

Yes—many men with azoospermia can still become biological fathers, depending on the underlying cause:

For Obstructive Azoospermia:

• Surgical correction may be possible. If not, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testicles or epididymis using procedures like:
  • MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
  • TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)

For Non-Obstructive Azoospermia:

• Treatment depends on the cause. In some cases, sperm production can be improved with hormonal therapy. If sperm is being produced in small amounts, surgical retrieval may still be possible. If no sperm can be retrieved, using donor sperm is an option many couples consider.

What Are the Next Steps?

At University Reproductive Associates, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and fertility treatments for men with azoospermia. Our collaborative approach includes urologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and embryologists working together to find the best path forward for your family-building goals.

If you or your partner have been diagnosed with azoospermia, schedule a consultation with University Reproductive Associates to learn more about your options for fatherhood. Expert care and cutting-edge treatments are available to support your journey.