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Expert Q&A
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| By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program | ||
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I recently found out my husband has azoospermia. Our doctor has explained to us that there is no hope in having a child that is biologically his. Is there any information you can give us about his problem?
Azoospermia, the complete lack of spermatozoa in the semen, is a rare condition. Typically, it results from occlusion of the vas deferens, which may result from previous surgery or medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Another potential cause is the congenital absence or occlusion of the vas deferens.
Typically, the testes produce sperm, however their transport to the urethra is somehow blocked. A testicular biopsy can be performed. The tissue can then be inspected and sperm, if present, can be extracted and prepared for ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) associated with IVF (in-vitro fertilization).
If no sperm can be retrieved, IUI (intrauterine insemination) using donor sperm is another option.
Related Expert Q&A
- I have endometriosis and have been on birth control pills or Depo Provera for over 8 years. Do you suggest I stop getting the shot soon?
- What can you tell me about azoospermia?
- What should a man do to increase his fertility (diet, health, etc.)?
- Can smoking affect a man's sperm count? What else can affect a man's sperm count?
- How does the father's health, nutrition, alcohol consumption, etc. affect sperm health and production?