Female infertility is one topic that is often talked about. Similarly, male infertility is something that many people overlook or is not often discussed. However, infertility issues in men are as important as those in women, and one such concern is azoospermia. This condition is associated with the sperm absence in the male ejaculate.
We know a lot of you might not be aware of the relationship between IVF and azoospermia. As the best fertility hospital in India, it is our responsibility to educate you about this condition, thus this blog.
Azoospermia: What is it?
It is a rare medical condition associated with fertility in men. An interesting fact is that only 1% of the entire male population is affected by azoospermia. Under this condition, sperm remains absent in ejaculation, leading to infertility concerns.
Two Types of Azoospermia are:
OA (Obstructive Azoospermia)
Here, sperm production remains normal however, it is unable to find its way to the ejaculate due to a physical blockage. Common causes of this condition include prior infections, congenital abnormalities, or surgical interventions such as vasectomy.
NOA (Non-Obstructive Azoospermia)
This type of azoospermia is more challenging and complex. Here, the testes are not capable of producing an appropriate number of sperm primarily because of hormonal or genetic factors. Unfortunately, NOA is also the most common form of this condition affecting men.
Azoospermia: Treatment Options
The treatment for this condition depends on several factors, including its subtype and underlying cause. Some possibilities are articulated below.
OA (Obstructive Azoospermia)
Possible treatment options for OA include surgical interventions like epididymal sperm retrieval or vasectomy reversal. These procedures are performed to treat the physical blockage or retrieve sperm from the reproductive tract.
NOA (Non-Obstructive Azoospermia)
NOA is a challenging condition requiring advanced treatment options. Fertility specialists at the best IVF center in India might attempt hormone therapy to encourage sperm production, but it can prove to be inactive under certain conditions. In case that happens, they will proceed with fertility treatments under ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), such as IVF.
IVF for Azoospermia
Many advanced technologies are available to diagnose the symptoms of male fertility and treat it, one among them is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). IVF is an unparalleled infertility treatment that has helped countless couples struggling with infertility. Ways in which IVF contributes towards the treatment of this condition are:
Sperm Retrieval Techniques
This procedure is often performed in case of OA (Obstructive Azoospermia) since there is a physical blockage hindering the sperm’s travel to the ejaculate. Under this, the caregiver will retrieve sperm from the reproductive track with the help of procedures like PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) and TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction).
Donor Sperm
People having NOA-type conditions struggle with sperm production. While different types of treatment are administered to help this impairment, the chances of success are not certain, and that is where choosing donor sperm as an option comes into the picture. Fertility specialists can perform IVF with the donor’s sperm, increasing the chances of successful conception.
ICSI in IVF
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is one type of ART fertility treatment that can be performed in the IVF procedure. It is specifically done when there are doubts regarding the quality and quantity of the retrieved sperm.
Conclusion
The treatment for Azoospermia, including IVF, depends on several factors, including the condition’s subtype. The same is the case when it comes to chances of success. The advancements in medical technology have continued to help people struggling with fertility, and IVF is among the best possible options for both OA and NOA condition types. To know more about the male infertility treatment cost in India along with the procedure, please visit us at Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center.
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