We help men with azoospermia overcome this barrier to fatherhood
Azoospermia, or the absence of viable sperm, is a male fertility issue that the doctors at our Indianapolis fertility center can effectively treat. When left undiagnosed, this condition can prevent a couple from conceiving, as no healthy sperm can reach the egg. We divide this fertility issue into two categories: obstructive and non-obstructive. Our treatment options can help men move past both types of this condition.
Why obstructive azoospermia might occur
This condition occurs when the testicles produce sperm but cannot ejaculate it due to a blockage in the male genital tract. Our Indianapolis fertility center doctors have found that there can be various causes of this situation.
Vasectomy. This procedure is the most common cause of sperm being unable to reach the reproductive tubing.
Infections. Some infections that affect the prostate, testicles or reproductive tract can prevent healthy sperm from reaching the egg.
Complications from surgery. Scar tissue from surgery might affect the flow of semen.
Congenital condition. If a man is born with a cyst in the prostate that blocks the sperm ducts or is born without all or a portion of the vas deferens, his sperm might have trouble getting to the reproductive tubing.
Our fertility doctors can help men determine whether obstructive azoospermia is preventing the conception of a healthy pregnancy.
Learn more about the non-obstructive type of this condition
This problem occurs when a man produces very low quantities of sperm or no sperm at all. Often, the levels of sperm are so low that they never leave the testicles. Numerous situations can cause this sperm disorder.
Genetic issues, specifically Y chromosome deletions, can affect how much sperm a man produces.
Varicocele, or varicose veins in the testicles, can impede the production of sperm.
Use of testosterone or other anabolic steroids can cause temporary sterilization.
Chemotherapy and radiation can result in halts in healthy sperm production.
If we find that a man has this type of sperm disorder, one of our male fertility specialists will work with him to develop a customized treatment plan.
Effective treatment options for this condition
If testing reveals that a man has azoospermia, there are certain treatments the doctor might recommend. These treatments help to ensure that healthy sperm can eventually reach the egg for fertilization.
Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration, or MESA. This simple procedure involves a doctor collecting sperm from the epididymis.
Testicular epididymal sperm extraction, or TESE. Like the MESA procedure, TESE consists of the removal of tissue from the testicle. A specialist then immediately examines the tissue for the presence of sperm.
After retrieving sperm using MESA and TESE, we can use the sperm to fertilize an egg or freeze it for later use.
The knowledgeable team at our Indianapolis fertility center helps to ensure men receive the right diagnosis and high-quality care so that they can build their family. Contact us for more information about male fertility issues.