For years, fertility problems have mainly been associated with women. However, it has been discovered that men can also be infertile, especially when they have azoospermia. Azoospermia is a condition in which the male semen is void of sperms.
Today, more men are now becoming parents despite having azoospermia. This is due to several treatments that have been invented to help men with infertility issues. Below are some of the treatments used to treat azoospermia.
1. Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
This treatment involves the removal of sperm from the testicles by inserting a fine needle into the testes. This technique is used in men who have a blockage in the epididymis or vas deferens, which prevents the sperm from getting into the semen.
TESA is usually done under local anesthesia, and it has a high success rate.
2. Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
TESE is another procedure that is used to extract sperm from the testicles. However, it is done through a small incision in the testicle. This technique is used in men who do not produce sperms due to testicular failure.
Like TESA, TESE is also done under local anesthesia.
3. Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
PESA is a procedure that is used to remove sperm from the epididymis. This technique is used in men who have a blockage in the vas deferens, which prevents the sperm from getting into the semen.
PESA is done under local anesthesia, and it is a quick procedure that is usually completed within 30 minutes.
4. Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE)
Micro-TESE is a surgical procedure that is used to find and extract sperm from the testicles. This procedure is recommended for men who have non-obstructive azoospermia, which means that they do not produce sperms due to testicular failure.
Micro-TESE is a complex procedure that is done under general anesthesia.
5. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is a procedure that is used alongside the above-mentioned techniques to fertilize eggs. This technique involves the injection of a single sperm directly into the egg to create an embryo.
ICSI is usually done in cases where the sperm count is too low, or the sperm is too weak or abnormal to fertilize the egg naturally.
In conclusion, men with azoospermia can now become parents through the various treatments that have been developed.
Some of the treatments include testicular sperm aspiration, testicular sperm extraction, percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, microdissection testicular sperm extraction, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. These treatments have a high success rate, and they have made it possible for men with infertility issues to have children.