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 Azoospermia is defined as the complete absence of sperm cells in semen and affects approximately 1% of all men. The male reproductive system is made up of the testes or testicles, seminal ducts, scrotum, prostate, epididymis, vas deferens and penis. Sperm that is produced in the testicles flows through the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal ducts and out through the penis. It is carried along its journey by semen, which is a thick white liquid produced by the prostate gland.

Azoospermia may have different causes. Pre-testicular azoospermia is caused by abnormalities in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or the testicles whereas post-testicular azoospermia is caused by an obstruction or due to problems with ejaculation. A better way to categorize azoospermia is to classify it as either obstructive or non-obstructive. This allows for a more effective determination of treatment options as patients with non-obstructive azoospermia may have different genetic problems.

Obstructive azoospermia may occur due to obstruction of the epidididymal, vassal or ejaculatory ducts. While vasectomies are a common cause of vassal obstructions, genitourinary infections, injuries sustained during scrotal or inguinal surgeries, congenital defects and cases of scrotal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that cause a lump in the scrotum can also cause azoospermia.

If you are having problems fathering a child you should consult a doctor or a fertility specialist. A diagnosis of azoospermia can be made with the help of diagnostic tests such as a testicular biopsy. This remains the best test to differentiate between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. It can also predict the level of sperm cells in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia.

Obstructive azoospermia need not necessarily mean that a man cannot father a child. Treatment for such cases may involve corrective surgery to remove the obstruction after which conception can be achieved through normal sexual intercourse. Surgical treatment may utilize microsurgical techniques to reconstruct the vas deferens or epididymis. In cases of ejaculatory duct obstruction it can be used to perform transurethral resection to remove the obstruction.

Before performing microsurgery, your doctor may recommend the retrieval and freezing of your sperm in case the surgery fails to cure your azoospermia. This will help to avoid the unnecessary trauma and expense of a second procedure.

Microsurgery should only be performed after the female partner has been evaluated for female infertility.

In other cases, sperm cells can be extracted from the male reproductive organs and used for in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, none of these methods come with any kind of guarantee of success.

There are no natural cures for azoospermia that have as yet been proven scientifically. However, there are certain home remedies that you can try along with the treatment suggested by your doctor. These include:

• Quitting smoking as it lowers sperm count
• Avoid drinking alcohol as it too lowers sperm count
• Avoid drinking coffee and caffeinated beverages
• Your diet should be a well-balanced one comprising of nutritious foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Keep fit by exercising regularly
• Avoid sports such as weight lifting and body building
• Wear loose underwear at all times
• Certain yoga postures are reputed to help increase fertility
• The herb tribulus terrestis has been used in Ayurveda and is reputed to help in cases of male infertility by improving testosterone levels and boosting blood circulation to the reproductive organs
• Another Ayurvedic herb, mucuna pruriens is reputed to benefit the male reproductive system and improve fertility
• The herb safed musli is reputed to boost semen volumes and increase sperm count while also acting as an aphrodisiac
  

Reference:

1. http://www.uhmc.sunysb.edu/urology/male_infertility/AZOOSPERMIA.html

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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