Azoospermia/Oligospermia

In layman’s terms, azoospermia means no sperm while oligozoospermia means not many sperms.

Everything You Need To Know About Azoospermia/Oligospermia

What is a low Sperm Count?

When you have a low sperm count, the sperm count in your ejaculate (semen) during an orgasm is lower than it should be. If you have less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, your sperm count is considered poor.

A low sperm count lowers your chance of becoming pregnant. Despite this, many men with low sperm counts are nonetheless able to conceive children.

What is Azoospermia?

The medical disease known as azoospermia is characterized by the lack of any sperm in a man’s semen sample after it has been centrifuged. Before a guy is diagnosed with azoospermia, at least two semen samples should be examined. Only 1% of men are affected, yet that translates to 20% of all male infertility cases.

What is Oligozoospermia?

Oligozoospermia occurs when a man’s ejaculate contains less sperm than is necessary to conceive than the recommended minimum. Oligozoospermia is another name for this disorder. A sperm count of fewer than 20 million per milliliter is considered oligozoospermia by the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s the most prevalent reason males have fewer odds of becoming pregnant or having an unplanned pregnancy.

Causes of Oligospermia

Oligozoospermia is caused by a variety of medical disorders, including the following:

Varicocele: Spermatogenesis is further hampered by increased testicular temperature as a result of testicular vein dilation. Male hormones like testosterone are needed to produce sperm, and when the testicles’ temperature increases, this interferes with testosterone synthesis. Additionally, the high-temperature damages the sperm’s DNA.
Hormonal imbalance: FSH, LH, and Testosterone, all of which are gonadotropin-releasing hormones, are essential for normal sperm production.

Other variables associated with oligozoospermia in men’s lifestyles include:

High testicular temperature: The most common causes include using a laptop while sitting or wearing clothes that are too tight around the genitals.
Substance abuse and alcohol: Cocaine and marijuana usage might lead to a reduction in sperm count. Both heavy drinking and cigarette smoking have detrimental consequences in moderation.

Causes of Azoospermia

Azoospermia may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Epididymitis
Ejaculatory duct obstruction
Undescended testes at birth
Trauma or surgery of the scrotum
Vasectomy
Primary testicular failure (Klinefilter syndrome)
Genetic infertility is caused by a chromosomal anomaly; karyotyping is required to diagnose this disorder.
Unexplained genetic infertility
Secondary testicular failure (Kallman syndrome)
Pituitary/Hypothalamic tumor
Hyperprolactinemia; high level of prolactin in males
Cancer treatment that involves chemo, radiation, and surgery
Alcohol and glucocorticoids cause drug-induced pituitary suppression.
Testosterone supplements
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Varicocele
Sickle cell anemia
Diabetes mellitus
Exposure to pesticides/toxins, such as in hot tubs and baths
Sperm autoimmunity

Symptoms of Azoospermia

If your attempts to conceive fail, you may not notice any signs or even be aware that you have azoospermia. Any additional indications or symptoms you have may be linked to underlying reasons, such as hormone imbalances or genetic chromosomal disorders.

Otherwise, the following signs and symptoms are possible:

Low sex drive
Erectile dysfunction
Lump, swelling, or discomfort around the testicles
Reduced facial or body hair

Treatments

Blockage

However, patients may be offered microsurgery to restore sperm function in cases when the sperm are blocked in the vas deferens or another location.
Patients who have missing sperm because of a hormonal deficiency have the option of having the necessary hormones administered to them.
Men with unexplained infertility and other problems, on the other hand, are encouraged to go through an IVF process in which the sperm(s) existing in the testes are directly removed utilizing sperm retrieval methods. The sperm is then utilized in a procedure known as ICSI, in which it is directly injected into the female oocyte (egg) in a laboratory (IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

Depending on the diagnosis of infertility, the following techniques may be used:

TESE: Testicular sperm extraction
Micro TESE
MESA: Microscopic Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
PESA: Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
Testicular Biopsy

Compared to azoospermia, oligozoospermia is simpler to cure, however, treatment options vary depending on the underlying reason.

Varicocele: The procedure includes surgically ligating the spermatic veins that have widened in size due to the condition.
Infections: To treat urinary or reproductive tract infections, doctors often prescribe an antibiotic course.
Hormonal imbalance: There are drugs and hormone replacement therapies provided to correct the hormonal imbalance.

Conclusion

Any azoospermia or oligozoospermia might be caused by any number of various things. There are several therapy options available depending on the cause of your azoospermia and oligospermia.

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FAQs

What is the difference between azoospermia and oligospermia?

Azoospermia means no sperm are detected in the semen, while oligospermia means the sperm concentration is lower than the reference range. Both conditions can affect male fertility, but the causes and treatment options differ.

What causes a low sperm count in men?

A low sperm count may be associated with hormonal imbalances, varicocele, infections, genetic conditions, certain medications, heat exposure, or lifestyle factors. Sometimes, the cause is unclear. A fertility specialist can recommend appropriate investigations to identify possible contributing factors.

Can a man with zero sperm count become a father?

Yes, biological fatherhood may still be possible for some men with azoospermia. Treatment depends on whether sperm production is impaired or sperm are blocked from entering the semen. ONP Hospitals can help patients understand the available diagnostic and fertility treatment options.

What tests are needed to diagnose azoospermia or oligospermia?

Evaluation may include repeat semen analysis, medical history, physical examination, hormone testing, and genetic tests or imaging when indicated. A specialist determines which investigations are appropriate based on the initial findings.

Can low sperm count be treated naturally?

Improving lifestyle habits, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and addressing nutritional deficiencies may support reproductive health. However, these measures do not correct every cause of low sperm count, so medical evaluation is important

Which doctor should I consult for azoospermia or low sperm count?

A urologist specializing in male infertility or an andrologist can evaluate conditions such as azoospermia and oligospermia. ONP Hospitals can guide patients toward appropriate fertility assessment and discuss treatment options based on their findings.

Can azoospermia be treated with medication?

Medication may help in selected cases, particularly when hormonal imbalances contribute to the condition. Other causes may require surgery or assisted reproductive techniques. Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and should be guided by a qualified specialist.

Can IVF help couples when the male partner has a low sperm count?

Yes, IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be an option for some couples with severe male-factor infertility. The appropriate approach depends on sperm availability, the female partner's fertility, and other clinical factors. ONP Hospitals can help couples discuss relevant fertility treatment options.

Is surgery possible for azoospermia?

In selected cases, surgery may help correct a blockage or retrieve sperm directly from the reproductive tract or testicle. The procedure depends on the cause of azoospermia and whether sperm production is present. A specialist can explain the potential benefits and limitations.

Does a low sperm count always mean infertility?

No. A low sperm count can reduce the chance of natural conception, but it does not always mean pregnancy is impossible. Other semen parameters and both partners' reproductive health also matter. ONP Hospitals can help couples understand their fertility evaluation and possible next steps.