Question

Can a man with zero sperm count get a woman pregnant?

Answer 1

Azoospermia is a condition in which there is no sperm in a man’s ejaculate. Blockage along the reproductive tract, hormonal problems, ejaculation problems, issues with testicular structure or function are some of the causes of azoospermia. Among these, some problems can be treated and fertility can be restored. About 1% of all men have azoospermia and 10%-15% cases of male infertility is because of this condition. 15 million/ml or more sperm count is considered as normal. Men with oligozoospermia or oligospermia have a sperm concentration of less than 15million/ml. If a man has azoospermia, there is no measurable sperm in his ejaculate.

Complete answer:
Azoospermia are of two types:
1. Obstructive azoospermia: In this condition, there is a blockage or missing connection in the epididymis, vas deferens, or elsewhere along the reproductive tract. Sperm is produced but it is getting blocked and can’t exit so, there is no measurable amount of sperm in the semen.
2. Non-obstructive azoospermia: There is poor or no sperm production due to defects in the structure or function of testicles.
3. Obstructive cause of azoospermia:
Most commonly, obstruction occurs in the epididymis, vas deferens, or ejaculatory duct. Blockage in these areas are due to: Trauma or injury to these areas, inflammation, infection, previous surgeries in the pelvic areas, development of a cyst, vasectomy (permanent contraceptive procedure in which vas deferens are cut to prevent flow of sperm).
4. Non-obstructive causes of azoospermia are:
Certain genetic mutations can result in infertility like ; Kallmann syndrome. Sex linked (carried on X-chromosome), inheritable, genetic disorder, if left untreated can result in infertility. Klinefelter’s syndrome. (44+XXY) A male carries an extra X chromosome resulting in infertility along with lack of sexual or physical maturity, and difficulties in learning. Deletion of Y chromosome. Sections of genes on the Y chromosome that are responsible for sperm production are deleted resulting in infertility.
5. Hormonal imbalances or endocrine disorder: hypogonadism, hypogonadotropic, hyperprolactinemia and androgen resistance.
Retrograde ejaculation: Semen goes into the bladder.
6. Testicular causes: anorchia (absence of testicles), cryptorchidism (testicles have not dropped into the scrotum), testicular torsion, tumors, radiation treatments, mumps orchitis (inflamed testicles caused by mumps in late puberty), spermatogenic arrest (testicles fail to produce fully mature sperm cell).

Women can’t get pregnant by a man suffering from azoospermia.

Note:
Diagnosis of azoospermia: Measurement of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone levels, genetic testing, X-ray or ultrasound of the reproductive organs to see if there are any problems with the shape and size of the testicles or assisted organs and to see if there are tumors, blockages or inadequate blood supply. Imaging of the brain to identify disorders related to hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Biopsy of the testis: A normal biopsy would imply a blockage is probable at some point in the sperm transport system.