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Aspermia vs Azoospermia – How These Conditions Affect Male Fertility?

  • Writer: AMALSHA S
    AMALSHA S
  • 6 days ago
  • 4 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago


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Some men produce semen without sperm cells, while others don't ejaculate at all - do you know why? Well, to learn that, we have brought the topic into the picture.

Aspermia vs Azoospermia - Although they both sound similar, they affect fertility/ conception in very different ways. These medical conditions differ mainly in one aspect: whether semen or sperm are produced.

Knowing them helps males find out the real reason behind infertility, and discovering the right treatment leads them to parenthood. Read on to fulfill your dream of parenthood, removing these challenges.

What’s the Core Difference Between Aspermia and Azoospermia?

Those who don't know much about Aspermia vs Azoospermia think they are both similar. However, in reality, Aspermia and Azoospermia affect fertility in different ways. The core difference lies here:

In Aspermia, semen doesn't release during ejaculation. In simpler words, despite the sexual arousal and orgasm happening normally, fluid doesn't come out visibly. This situation arises due to nerve damage, blockage, or issues in the ejaculatory ducts.

Whereas, in Azoospermia, semen is released, but it doesn't contain any sperm cells. The fluid will visibly look normal, but in reality, it won't fertilize an egg since sperm cells are entirely missing. Now, why does it happen? Either the testicles aren't producing sperm cells at all, or if they are, the sperm cannot travel due to a certain blockage.

In short, you can understand it like this: In Aspermia, the 'delivery' of sperm doesn't happen. Whereas, in Azoospermia, the 'sperms' are missing during the delivery.

Aspermia vs Azoospermia — The Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

If you are dealing with Aspermia or Azoospermia, they might be affecting your fertility without obvious signs. Some men don't realize it until they face trouble conceiving.

In Aspermia, the complete absence of semen during orgasm is the most noticeable sign. The male will feel the usual climax sensation, but no fluid will come out. Some men may also suggest a strange pressure or light pain during ejaculation. In contrast, others may see changes during urination, mainly if the semen is flowing backward into the bladder.

In Azoospermia, semen is present, absolutely normal in amount and texture, but without any sperm cells. Men mainly find it only after they go through a semen analysis, and the result shows zero sperm count. Some males may even have symptoms like testicular pain, low sex drive, or hormonal imbalance, such as mood swings or tiredness.

Given that these signs are invisible or very subtle, both conditions usually go unnoticed until males go through a fertility test.

Aspermia vs Azoospermia — The Causes Men Should Know

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Another major question when discussing Aspermia vs Azoospermia is what the causes are. Well, both conditions can arise from different health issues themselves.

Causes like hormonal imbalance, genetic factors, past injuries, pelvic surgeries, and untreated infections are common in both conditions. They can interfere with both sperm and semen production. These issues can even disturb the normal functions of the reproductive organs, causing fertility challenges.

Aspermia usually occurs due to blockage in the ejaculatory ducts. It prevents semen from being released and may push semen flow backward into the bladder. In some males, Aspermia can occur due to surgery, spinal cord injury, or nerve damage from diabetes.

Whereas, Azoospermia results from problems in sperm production itself. It's either a production issue inside the testicles or some sort of blockage that is stopping sperm cells from mixing with semen. Both situations are possibly due to infections, varicocele, or genetic conditions. In some males, it also arises due to certain medicines or radiation.

Aspermia vs Azoospermia — How These Conditions Affect Fertility and Sexual Health?

Aspermia and Azoospermia impact a man's fertility, but they also affect his emotional and physical well-being. When a man is unable to release semen or produce sperm, it surely puts an internal pressure on his confidence and sexual well-being. It can make many feel anxious and less satisfied during sex, often connecting fertility with masculinity.

Aspermia vs Azoospermia — Available Treatments

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Your treatment pathway for Aspermia or Azoospermia depends on the root cause of the condition. Typically, the doctors at Bliss fertility aim to restore sperm presence and their way to reach the egg.

For males dealing with Aspermia, the fertility expert may suggest:

●Minor surgery to open the ejaculatory ducts.

●Medication to help semen flow outside the penis (to treat retrograde ejaculation).

●Physiotherapy to treat nerve damage.

●Lifestyle Changes.

●Targeted Medication.

Whereas, for males dealing with Azoospermia, the fertility expert may suggest:

Note: The treatment depends upon obstructive (blockage) or non-obstructive (no sperm production).

●Vasovasostomy or epididymovasostomy in case of blockage to fix sperm transport.

●And if there’s no sperm production, hormone therapy can help to stimulate sperm production. As well as, the TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) or MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) are also helpful. They can assist in collecting sperm directly from the testicles for ICSI or IVF.

Beyond Diagnosis: Can Fatherhood Still Happen?

Fertility doesn't define manhood, parenthood, or a relationship's strength, remember that always.

For expert help on aspermia vs azoospermia, contact Bliss Fertility in Kerala and find the best professional help for all your infertility concerns. Call Now



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