CLINICAL ASPECTS OF AZOOSPERMIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Infertility is defined as the failure of a couple to become pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected, sexual intercourse. Infertility is not "just a female problem" as there is a male infertility component in approximately 50% of couples. Azoospermia, defined as complete absence of sperm from the ejaculate, is present in about 1% of all men and in approximately 15% of infertile men. Azoospermia may occur because of reproductive tract obstruction (obstructive azoospermia) or inadequate production of spermatozoa, such that spermatozoa do not appear in the ejaculate (non-obstructive azoospermia). This review includes causes of azoospermia, symptoms of azoospermia, diagnosis of azoospermia, evaluation of azoospermia and treatment of azoospermia.

KEY WORDS: Azoospermia, Infertility, Reproductive, Sperm