What Is Azoospermia?
Azoospermia is the condition in which there is no sperm at all in a man’s semen. It constitutes approximately 15% of male infertility causes and is seen in 1% of men. Since it usually does not show any symptoms, most men only notice this condition through tests performed during the process of trying to have a child. Azoospermia is divided into two different types:
- Obstructive Azoospermia: Sperm production is normal; however, sperm cannot reach the semen due to blockage in the sperm ducts.
- Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Sperm production is decreased or absent. It may occur due to genetic or hormonal reasons.
📍 FertiJin Women’s Health and IVF Center – Şişli / Istanbul
What Are the Symptoms of Azoospermia?
Azoospermia is usually a silent condition that does not show symptoms. Men are diagnosed during semen analysis (spermiogram) performed in the process of trying to have a child. In rare cases, the following symptoms may be seen:
- Low semen volume or fluid amount
- Decreased sexual desire
- Hair growth changes due to hormonal imbalance
- Decrease in testicular volume
Causes of Azoospermia
Azoospermia may occur due to many different reasons:
| Obstructive | Non-Obstructive |
|---|---|
| Congenital absence of sperm ducts (CBAVD) | Y chromosome microdeletion (genetic deficiency) |
| Blockage after vasectomy surgery | Hormone deficiency (FSH, LH deficiency) |
| Infection or trauma | Testicular failure or radiation effect |
Genetic causes are detected in approximately 40% of non-obstructive azoospermia cases. For this reason, genetic analyses (for example, Y chromosome microdeletion test) are routinely performed at FertiJin.
Azoospermia Treatment
The aim of azoospermia treatment is to obtain sperm and make natural pregnancy or IVF application possible. The treatment method is planned according to the underlying cause.
1. Micro TESE Method (Microsurgical Testicular Biopsy)
Micro TESE is an advanced method applied in non-obstructive azoospermia cases. Testicular tissue is examined under a microscope and samples are taken from the sperm-producing areas. This method:
- Minimizes tissue damage
- Increases the sperm retrieval rate (50–55%)
- Reduces the need for repeated procedures
The obtained healthy sperm can be used in IVF (ICSI) application or frozen and stored.
2. Microsurgical Method (Obstructive Azoospermia)
In obstructive azoospermia cases, the sperm ducts are opened with microsurgery. After this procedure, sperm can be obtained directly from the duct. With the removal of the blockage, the sperm retrieval rate can reach up to 100%.
Is It Possible to Get Pregnant with Azoospermia?
Yes. Men diagnosed with azoospermia can become fathers with appropriate treatment through the IVF method. At FertiJin IVF Center, sperm obtained through micro TESE or microsurgical methods are injected into the egg in the laboratory using the microinjection (ICSI) method. This procedure increases the chance of natural fertilization and supports healthy embryo development.
🎯 Sperm retrieval rate with Micro TESE: 50–55%
🎯 Success in Obstructive Azoospermia (blockage-related) cases: 90–100%
Azoospermia Treatment Prices
Azoospermia treatment costs vary depending on the method to be applied, the surgical technique, and the equipment of the center. At FertiJin IVF Center, pricing is determined individually according to diagnosis, genetic tests, and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Azoospermia
Can azoospermia be treated?
Yes. When the underlying cause is correctly identified, sperm can be obtained with micro TESE or microsurgical methods. <h3″>Is azoospermia genetic? In some cases, yes. Sperm production may not occur due to Y chromosome microdeletion or genetic mutations.
Does azoospermia mean complete infertility?
No. A significant portion of azoospermia patients can have children with IVF treatment.
What is the difference between azoospermia and oligospermia?
In oligospermia, there are a small number of sperm in the semen; in azoospermia, there is no sperm at all.
Azoospermia Treatment at FertiJin – Istanbul
FertiJin Women’s Health and IVF Center, located in the Şişli district of Istanbul, stands out with high success rates in azoospermia and male infertility treatment. With advanced laboratory technologies, microsurgical experience, and a specialist embryologist team, a personalized treatment protocol is created for each patient.