Difference between Azoospermia & Oligospermia | Australian Concept

Difference Between Azoospermia and Oligospermia in Male Infertility

Infertility is often attributed with women and considered women’s issues. In fact, men can also be infertile. The inability of a man to impregnate his partner is known as male infertility. It can be caused due to various reasons. Mostly, male infertility is caused due to issues with sperm cells which in most cases are a result of oligospermia or azoospermia. About 12% to 15% of couples suffer with infertility world wide.

Basis

Azoospermia

Oligospermia

Meaning

No or zero sperm in semen 

Lower than normal sperm count

Severity 

A severe case of male infertility

Severity may vary depending on the sperm count

Prevalence

It affects 1% of the men worldwide

It’s more common

Treatment Options

Surgery and IVF with ICSI

Lifestyle changes, medication, surgery, and IVF

Signs of Male Infertility

The major sign of male infertility is his inability to achieve pregnancy. It also has some other symptoms such as,

Genetic / Hormonal disorders

Low sperm count

Condition blocking the passage of sperm to flow

Chromosomal abnormalities

Low sex drive

Ejaculation issues

Decreased facial / body hair

Dilated veins around testicles

Sperm motility issues

Gynecomastia

Signs of Male Infertility

What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia treatment refers to the medical term indicating the absence of sperm cells in the ejaculate. It is a severe condition which often leads to infertility in men. It is classified into obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. Obstructive azoospermia occurs when sperm cells are blocked from combining with the ejaculate. Non-Obstructive Azoospermia happens when there is a lack or complete absence of sperm production by the testicles. 

Obstructive Azoospermia is treatable, and a fertility specialist can help determine the best azoospermia treatment options. However, non-obstructive azoospermia is comparatively severe and can only be treated if there is little production of sperm by the testicles. Azoospermia is a rare condition affecting only 1% of the global male population.

What is Oligospermia?

In contrast to azoospermia, oligospermia is a condition in which the sperm count in your semen sample is lower than normal. If sperm count is less than 15 million sperm per millilitre, then the condition is called oligospermia. It can be mild, moderate or severe.

  • Mild Oligospermia: It is diagnosed when the sperm count is between 10 and 15 million sperm per millilitre.

  • Moderate Oligospermia: It is diagnosed when the sperm count is between 5 and 10 million sperm per millilitre.

  • Severe Oligospermia: It is diagnosed when the sperm count is 0-5 million sperm per millilitre.

Men diagnosed with oligospermia can impregnate their female partners, but the degree of oligospermia can affect the probabilities of having children.

Causes of Oligospermia and Azoospermia

Here are the known causes of oligospermia and azoospermia: 

  • Chromosomal abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, Kallmann’s syndrome and Kartagener syndrome.
  • Hormonal imbalances due to any alteration in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. These hormones play a part in sperm production.
  • Medications such as ulcer medications, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, testosterone replacement therapy, or chemotherapy drugs.
  • Retrograde ejaculation can also be a cause of such condition when semen instead of flowing out of the penis reverses back to the bladder.
  • Anti-Sperm antibodies can kill sperm cells by mistakenly identifying them as harmful invaders, which subsequently affects the sperm count.
  • Environmental toxins, including exposure to chemicals, heavy metals or radiation.
  • Sertoli-cell-only syndrome due to which no sperm is produced by the testicles.
  • Undescended testicles occur when, during fetal development, the testicles do not descend from the abdomen to the scrotum. 
  • Anorchia is the absence of testicles which can also lead to azoospermia.
  • Obstruction can be a reason of low or no sperm count. It can be caused by a blockage in the duct or medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.
  • Trauma or Injury as a consequence of vasectomy, scrotal surgery, hernia repair surgery, etc.

Diagnosis & Treatment for Oligospermia and Azoospermia

A person might never know that he has oligospermia or azoospermia unless he tries to impregnate his partner and fails. Upon consulting a specialist and after diagnosis, he gets to know the cause of infertility, which, most of the time, in male factor infertility, is oligospermia and azoospermia.

Azoospermia and Oligospermia can be diagnosed through a semen analysis, following a detailed physical examination and a questionnaire about medical history. To determine whether or not a person is suffering from oligospermia, some other tests are also recommended, which include urinalysis, trans-rectal and scrotum ultrasounds, endocrine system and genetic disorders tests.

azoospermia sperm

Azoospermia Treatment

Azoospermia can be treated depending upon its type e.g., obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia.
Obstructive azoospermia can be treated by removing the blockage preventing the sperm from flowing. It can be done either by reconnecting or reconstructing the ducts which are preventing the sperm flow. This is mostly done through surgery.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia is rather severe and it may not respond to medical treatment. In such cases, pregnancy can be achieved through assisted reproductive technology.
If azoospermia is caused due to low hormone production then it can be treated through hormonal treatment and medication.

Treatment for Oligospermia

Oligospermia can be treated through various medical procedures depending on its underlying cause. If the condition is due to a varicocele or vasectomy, then it can be reversed/corrected through surgery. It can also be treated through hormonal treatment and medications, as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle to increase the sperm count. If all the treatments fail to aid in increasing sperm count, assisted reproductive technology can be used to achieve biological fatherhood.
People diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligospermia can benefit from IVF. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most successful and common type of assisted reproductive technology, which has helped a number of couples in conception.

Conclusion

Many couples are reluctant to visit a fertility centre, as male-factor infertility is not as openly discussed as female-factor infertility in Pakistan. There’s also a common misconception that if you are diagnosed with oligospermia or azoospermia, you can’t become a father. 

Medical technology has advanced to a stage where most male-factor infertility issues are now treatable. Seek treatment if you have difficulty conceiving. Book your first free consultation with a male-factor infertility specialist at Australian Concept now and enjoy a smooth journey to parenthood.

Frequently Asked Question

Azoospermia can’t be cured naturally, as it indicates no sperm count or blockages that might be preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculate.

No, it can be due to hormonal issues, stress, infections, or other temporary issues.

Yes, you can have your biological children with zero sperm count, given that you seek the right fertility treatment.

Australian Concept is one of the most reputable and recognised fertility clinics in Pakistan for male-factor infertility.

The cost of azoospermia and oligospermia treatment in Pakistan can vary from clinic to clinic.

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