Azoospermia is the absence of sperm in seminal fluid, and if a pregnancy has not occurred after one year of unprotected sex, either the man, the woman, or both may have a fertility issue. In 40% of infertile couples, the male has a fertility issue.
Azeroospermia affects 10%–15% of infertile men and about 1% of all males.
TYPES OF AZOOSPERMIA
The following components make up the male reproductive system:
- Testes, or testicles– engage in spermatogenesis, the production of sperm (male reproductive cells).
- Seminiferous tubules– The testes’ tissue, which is primarily made up of tiny tubes,
- Epididymis– Tube used for transporting and storing mature sperm.
- Vas deferensThe vas deferens contracts, moving the sperm past the seminal vesicles and prostate gland, which combine the sperm with seminal fluid to form semen. – Tube that extends from the epididymis into the body cavity and curves to connect with the urethra.
- Urethra– Tube that passes through the penis to remove the vas deferens’ semen and the bladder’s urine.
TYPES OF AZOOSPERMIA
Azoospermia can be grouped into three major types:
1) Pre-testicular causes (non-obstructive):The testicle cannot produce sperm due to inadequate sex hormone production, which can be brought on by:
- Kallmann syndrome:Low levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers the pituitary gland to release hormones that regulate the reproductive organs, are symptoms of a genetic (inherited) disorder associated with the X chromosome.
- disorders of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, which can be brought on by certain drugs, particularly those used in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other medical conditions.
2) Testicular causes (non-obstructive):problems with the testicles’ composition or functionality.
- Testicles are absent in anorchia.
- Inability of the testicles to fall into the scrotum, or cyptorchidism
- Testicles that only produce Sertoli cells (dead sperm cells)
- During spermatogenic arrest, sperm cells that are fully mature are not produced by the testicles.
- Males with Klinefelter’s syndrome typically struggle with infertility, lack of sexual or physical maturity, and learning challenges because they have an extra X chromosome, which makes their chromosomal makeup XXY instead of XY.
- Late in puberty, mumps can cause mumps orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles.
- Tumors
- Reactions to certain medications
- Radiation treatments
- diseases like kidney failure, cirrhosis, or diabetes
- Surgery
- Varicocele, which is characterized by dilated or widened testicular veins
3) Post-testicular causes (obstructive):This condition affects about 40% of men with azoospermia and is brought on by issues with ejaculation or a blockage in the reproductive tract.
- the epididymis, vas deferens, or another reproductive organ has a blockage or a missing connection.
- The genetic mutation that causes congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), a genetic defect in which the vasa deferentia are absent at birth, is also strongly associated with cystic fibrosis. Men with CBAVD have a high risk of being carriers of cystic fibrosis, and female partners of men with CBAVD should undergo a gene mutation analysis to see if they are also carriers in order to determine the risk of having a
- Infection
- Growth of a cyst
- Injury
- Vasectomy (surgery to completely or partially remove the vas deferens)
CAUSES OF AZOOSPERMIA
Defects in chromosomes (the structure inside a cell nucleus that contains genetic material) can affect the quantity, shape, and size of sperm. Genetics (inheritance) plays a role in 10%-15% of men with low or no sperm production.
The Y (male) chromosome can have defects in a variety of places, and in some cases, a microdeletion—a small deletion—of the Y chromosome can result in infertility.
DIAGNOSIS OF AZOOSPERMIA
When no sperm cells can be found under a powerful microscope on two separate occasions in samples of centrifuged seminal fluid, azoospermia has been determined to exist.
If sperm cells are present, they will separate from the surrounding fluid in centrifuged seminal fluid and can be seen under a microscope. A centrifuge is a laboratory tool that spins a test sample at a high speed to separate it into its various parts.
The patient’s medical history will be obtained by the physician as part of the diagnosis and will include the following:
- ability to have children; past success or failure with regard to fertility
- Childhood illnesses
- pelvic injuries or operations (which may result in duct blockage or inadequate blood flow to the testicles)
- infections of the genital or urinary tract
- sexually transmitted diseases
- undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
- any prescription drug usage, whether current or past
- misuse of other drugs or alcohol, including marijuana
- Recent fevers or heat exposure, such as frequently using a sauna or steam room (heat destroys sperm cells)
- family history of cystic fibrosis, mental illness, infertility, or birth defects
A physical examination will also be performed by the doctor, who will look for:
- the body’s size, shape, and overall development, as well as its reproductive organs
- the scrotum and penis’s contents
- When the vas deferens is active
- The epididymis may be sore or swollen.
- Whether a varicocele is present or not
- rectum to check for ejaculatory duct obstruction
Additional tests that the doctor might request include:
- measurement of hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone.
- Genetic testing
- examinations using ultrasound or X-rays of the reproductive organs to check for tumors, blockages, or insufficient blood supply as well as for issues with the shape and size of the organs.
- To detect hypothalamic or pituitary disorders, brain imaging is used.
- Any sperm found in the testes may occasionally be frozen for later analysis or use in assisted reproduction in cases of normal-sized testes and normal hormone levels. A biopsy (tissue sampling) of the testes is performed to determine whether the condition is obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR AZOOSPERMIA
In order to facilitate assisted reproduction, genetic material from the testes can be extracted.in
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR AZOOSPERMIA
AGNUS CASTUS :Useful for azoospermia with decreased sexual activity, mental depression, and sexual melancholy. There is prostatic fluid loss with gleety discharge when strained.
SELENIUM :Provided when there is a loss of sexual power with increased desire and diminished ability. Useful for azoospermia with noticeable effect on genitor-urinary organs. There is prostitis and sexual agony.
LYCOPODIUM :Especially helpful when there is no erectile function and impotence, as well as azoospermia with a progressive decline in functional power and digestive power weakness.
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