CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
Non-obstructive azoospermia occurs when mature sperm are not found in the semen because of sperm production failure at various stages. Although sperm is not found in the semen, there could be areas of your testes that are producing mature sperm. In those cases, sperm can be found during surgery via intense microscopic testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE). Micro-TESE is a highly advanced surgery with success heavily depending on the expertise of the surgeon.
What causes non-obstructive azoospermia?
- Maturation arrest (sperm are present but are not growing to maturation)
- Only Sertoli cells are present (both Sertoli and Leydig cells are needed to produce sperm)
- Radiation
- Medications
- Twisting of the testes in the scrotum
- Infections
- Chromosomal or genetic causes
- Hormonal problems
How can IVF Michigan Fertility Center help me if I have non-obstructive azoospermia?
In cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, a Micro-TESE may be advised. Before the surgery, some men are candidates for hormonal therapy to increase the chances of finding viable sperm. During the procedure, IVF Michigan’s physician will try to isolate mature sperm in the testicle that can be used in IVF-ICSI.