{"id":39634,"date":"2025-06-23T12:56:29","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T10:56:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction\/"},"modified":"2025-06-23T12:56:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T10:56:29","slug":"azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction\/","title":{"rendered":"Azoospermia and assisted reproduction"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Male infertility represents 40% of infertility cases that look to assisted reproduction clinics, such as our fertility clinic in Spain, for help. And, of these cases,\u00a0<strong>15% have azoospermia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Azoospermia is a semen abnormality characterised by the<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>total absence of spermatozoids in the ejaculate<\/strong>. This absence of sperm may occur if the testicles do not secrete spermatozoids (non-obstructive azoospermia), or if the testicles do produce sperm but none are present in the ejaculate due to an obstruction (obstructive azoospermia).<\/p>\n<p>In this article we want to tell you\u00a0<strong>how we diagnose each of these types of azoospermia<\/strong>\u00a0in assisted reproduction clinics, as well as what treatments exist in order to achieve a pregnancy and prevent this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-common-illnesses-that-can-cause-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">male infertility issue<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Tabla de contenidos<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #3f3f3f;color:#3f3f3f\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #3f3f3f;color:#3f3f3f\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction\/#Obstructive_azoospermia\" >Obstructive azoospermia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction\/#Diagnosing_azoospermia\" >Diagnosing azoospermia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction\/#Treatment_for_azoospermia\" >Treatment for azoospermia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/azoospermia-and-assisted-reproduction\/#Testicular_biopsy_in_cases_of_azoospermia\" >Testicular biopsy in cases of azoospermia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Obstructive_azoospermia\"><\/span>Obstructive azoospermia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Obstructive azoospermia is the absence of spermatozoids in semen due to a\u00a0<strong>defect in the seminiferous tubules\u00a0<\/strong>or vas deferens, thus preventing the sperm from exiting the body as part of the ejaculate.<\/p>\n<p>With this type of azoospermia,\u00a0<strong>testicular functioning and production is normal<\/strong>. This is characteristic of illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, infections of the seminal conducts or following a surgery, such as a vasectomy (male surgical sterilisation).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non\u2010obstructive azoospermia<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Non\u2010obstructive azoospermia is more serious, as it involves a\u00a0<strong>defect in the process of sperm cell formation\u00a0<\/strong>(spermatogenesis). This type of azoospermia is the most common, representing 70% of azoospermia cases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non\u2010obstructive azoospermia may be congenital<\/strong>\u00a0(present at birth), or acquired at a certain point in time during the male\u2019s life (testicular trauma, hormonal imbalance, illnesses such as the mumps and meningitis, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, use of certain medications or drugs, etc.).<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, with non\u2010obstructive azoospermia the absence of sperm production in the testicles may be<strong>\u00a0total and absolute, partial or focal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Diagnosing_azoospermia\"><\/span>Diagnosing azoospermia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the event that a semen analysis indicates a total absence of spermatozoids, it is recommended that the male have the sperm study carried out<strong>\u00a0a second time to confirm<\/strong>\u00a0the diagnosis. These tests should be done at least a week apart.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the semen analysis, the patient should provide his\u00a0<strong>complete medical record<\/strong>: any family or personal history, use of medication at present, drug consumption, etc. By drawing a blood sample we will also run a male hormone study, genetic study (karyotype, Y chromosome microdeletion, cystic fibrosis \u2026) and a physical examination of his genitals. The results of these tests are generally able to pinpoint a possible cause of the patient\u2019s azoospermia.<\/p>\n<p>To obtain a definitive diagnosis, however, a testicular biopsy is often necessary. The purpose of this procedure is not only to determine the cause of azoospermia, but also\u00a0<strong>to freeze any sperm recovered<\/strong>\u00a0so that it can later be used in a cycle of in vitro fertilisation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_for_azoospermia\"><\/span>Treatment for azoospermia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When we are dealing with obstructive azoospermia, the treatment needed to achieve a pregnancy is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/in-vitro-fertilisation\/\">in vitro fertilisation with ICSI.<\/a>\u00a0In this case, the necessary spermatozoids will be\u00a0<strong>obtained by testicular biopsy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of non\u2010obstructive azoospermia, treatment shall depend on the nature of the condition, and there are\u00a0<strong>two alternatives<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>With complete non\u2010obstructive azoospermia, the only possible treatment to achieve fatherhood is to use\u00a0<strong>spermatozoids from a sperm donor bank<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Azoospermia which is acquired through infection or due to the use of medication\/drugs, etc.,\u00a0<strong>may be treated to recover spermatogenesis<\/strong>\u00a0or sperm formation; following treatment, the female may even be able to get pregnant naturally.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Testicular_biopsy_in_cases_of_azoospermia\"><\/span>Testicular biopsy in cases of azoospermia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The testicular biopsy, just like egg retrieval, is performed in the operating theatre and the patient is generally sedated. This intervention\u00a0<strong>lasts between 15 and 20 minutes<\/strong>\u00a0approximately and is carried out by a urologist or a fertility specialist.<\/p>\n<p>During the testicular biopsy the physician will make a small incision on the scrotum and the testicle, measuring about two centimetres wide, and will\u00a0<strong>extract a small sample of testicular tissue<\/strong>. This is the sample that the biologist will analyse to confirm or rule out the presence of spermatozoids.<\/p>\n<p>If spermatozoids are found, they will be used in a fresh cycle of in vitro fertilisation, or they can also be cryo\u2011preserved in a sperm bank and used later in a cycle of assisted reproduction. Generally speaking,\u00a0<strong>a\u00a0<\/strong>sample is also sent off to be<strong>\u00a0studied for anatomic pathology<\/strong>, which will help to make the diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p>Following the testicular biopsy the male will need time to<strong>\u00a0recover and remain under observation\u00a0<\/strong>for about two hours, after which he will be discharged and can go home.<\/p>\n<p>Like with all surgical interventions the testicular biopsy is not completely risk\u2011free, but the risks are highly controlled and<strong>\u00a0complications are very infrequent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Do you think you may have azoospermia and would you like to be diagnosed? At our fertility clinic in Spain we can help you.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Schedule an appointment with us<\/a>\u00a0and we\u2019ll review your case and\u00a0<strong>find the best solution so that you can become a father<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Male infertility represents 40% of infertility cases that look to assisted reproduction clinics, such as our fertility clinic in Spain, for help. And, of these cases,\u00a015% have azoospermia. Azoospermia is a semen abnormality characterised by the\u00a0total absence of spermatozoids in the ejaculate. This absence of sperm may occur if the testicles do not secrete spermatozoids [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[497],"tags":[528,511,512,605,529,518,507,508,502,520,513,503,509,510,658,599,506,535,515,558,560,563,564,557,606,516,505,530],"class_list":["post-39634","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fertility-problems","tag-assisted-reproduction","tag-assisted-reproduction-clinic-in-algeciras","tag-assisted-reproduction-clinic-in-malaga","tag-azoospermia-en","tag-causes-of-infertility","tag-fertility-clinic","tag-fertility-clinic-in-algeciras","tag-fertility-clinic-in-malaga","tag-fertility-treatments","tag-fertility-treatments-in-algeciras","tag-fertility-treatments-in-malaga","tag-in-vitro-fertilisation","tag-ivf-clinic-in-algeciras","tag-ivf-clinic-in-malaga","tag-male-fertility","tag-male-infertility","tag-pregnancy","tag-reproduction-unit-gutenberg-centre","tag-reproductive-treatments","tag-semen-en","tag-seminogram","tag-sperm-selection","tag-spermatozoa","tag-sterility","tag-testicular-biopsy","tag-ure-en","tag-ure-centro-gutenberg-en","tag-vitrification"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39634","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39634"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39756,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39634\/revisions\/39756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}