Azoospermia Male infertility: Causes, symptoms and how can be treated
Kolkata/IBNS: Azoospermia is male infertility condition which affects 1 percent of the male population and 15 percent of infertile men. It is characterized by absence of measurable sperm in a man’s serum.
Some symptoms of Azoospermia include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, lump, swelling, or discomfort around the testicles, decreased hair on the face or body, premature ejaculation, diabetes and depression. This might be the reason behind one’s inability to make his partner pregnant.
The causes for Azoospermia might be a blockage in the genitals, also known as “Obstructive Azoospermia,” an infection within the male reproductive system, injury to the genitals, genetic causes as identified by Karyotype cystic fibrosis and Y-chromosome
microdeletion testing or maybe effects from surgery to the male reproductive system- including effects from radiation and chemotherapy treatments, etc.
Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee, Consultant and Centre Head, Birla Fertility and IVF Centre, Kolkata, throws light on how it can be treated.
Dr. Bhattacharjee says, "The treatment of the condition largely depends on the kind and cause of Azoospermia. The female partner's fertility condition also determines the treatment options of the health condition. Some of the common procedures for treating the disease are microsurgery, sperm retrieval, hormone treatment, Varicocelectomy. Azoospermia can be obstructive or non-obstructive.
"In the case of obstructive conditions that prevent the flow of sperm, microsurgery can be performed to restore fertility. The more recent the blockage has formed, the more chances there are for complete recovery."
He adds, "In cases where the condition's nature is non-obstructive or when the patient opts out of surgery, sperm retrieval can be performed. This can later be used in IVF to reproduce successfully with the help of assistive reproductive procedures such as ICSI. Hormone treatment is another way to treat Azoospermia."
"... a microscopic Varicocelectomy can reverse this process and restore healthy sperm production in some cases. Non-obstructive conditions can be fully treated," he further says.
Dr. Bhattacharjee also advises on eating a well-balanced diet, getting plenty of rest, drinking enough fluids, and keeping stress in check.
