Related articles: Azoospermia
Definition
Azoospermia is an alteration of the seminal fluid characterized by the total absence of spermatozoa. This condition leads to the sterility of the subject and may depend on several factors that act directly on the testicle damaging the seminal cells or altering the maturation processes of the precursors.
Spermatogenesis abnormalities can be caused by disorders of the endocrine system, such as: hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal abnormalities, adrenal pathologies, hyperprolactinemia, hypogonadism and hypothyroidism. Some congenital malformative anomalies, on the other hand, involve the complete absence of germ cells in the testis (eg Klinefelter syndrome, microdeletions of parts of the Y chromosome and disorders of sexual differentiation).
Azoospermia may also depend on sclerosis or testicular atrophy due to cryptorchidism, orchitis, varicocele, trauma and exposure to high temperatures for long periods (heat) or toxic substances of various kinds. The inadequate quantity of spermatozoa can also be a consequence of the intake of cytotoxic drugs and hormonal therapies.
Azoospermia can be due to pathological processes that affect the structures through which the seminal fluid is conveyed to the outside (epididymis, vas deferens, etc.) and such as to cause obstruction or blockage. These conditions include congenital malformations, infectious processes (tuberculosis and gonorrhea) and voluntary surgical interruption or consequent to other interventions on these structures.
Possible Causes * of Azoospermia
- Gonorrhea
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Male hypogonadism
- Hypothyroidism
- Orchitis
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Tuberculosis
- varicocele
