Male Infertility

Zero Sperm Count (Azoospermia) Treatment

No sperm in the Ejaculate-semen does not always mean no biological child. In many men, sperm can be found in the testes and used with ICSI to achieve a pregnancy.

Dr. Parth BavishiDr. Parth Bavishi, MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)Co-director & IVF Specialist Ahmedabad | Bavishi Fertility Institute
Surgical Sperm Retrieval Micro-TESE Since 1998 ICSI
Azoospermia (zero sperm count) treatment at Bavishi Fertility Institute
What is Azoospermia

What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia means no sperm are found in the Ejaculate-semen. It is confirmed when two separate semen samples, examined after centrifugation, show no sperm at all. It affects about 1% of men and up to 10–15% of infertile men.

There are two main types. Obstructive azoospermia means sperm are produced normally but cannot get out due to a blockage. Non-obstructive azoospermia means production itself is very low. In both, sperm can often be retrieved directly from the testes or epididymis and used with ICSI.

Dr. Parth Bavishi
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Parth Bavishi, MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)

Co-director & IVF Specialist · IVF & Andrology

Ahmedabad | Bavishi Fertility Institute

Last medically reviewed on . This page is educational and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

Indications

Who this is for

Men whose semen analysis shows no sperm, after confirmation.

Two semen analyses confirming no sperm present.
A history of undescended testes, mumps, chemotherapy or radiation.
Previous vasectomy or a suspected blockage in the sperm pathway.
Hormonal or genetic causes of low sperm production.
Couples wishing to use the man's own sperm where possible.
Advantages

Why specialised azoospermia care matters

The right work-up tells us whether — and how — your own sperm can be used.

Accurate obstructive vs non-obstructive diagnosis guides the whole plan.
In men with hormone deficiency — pretesticular azoospermia — systematic hormone replacement can start natural sperm production.
Microsurgical retrieval (Micro-TESE) finds sperm in difficult cases.
Even a few sperm are enough for ICSI.
Retrieved sperm can be frozen for future cycles.
Donor sperm remains a supported option when retrieval is not possible.
Step by Step

How azoospermia is managed

Careful diagnosis first, then the least-invasive route to usable sperm.

01

Evaluation

History, examination, hormone profile and genetic tests to classify the type.

02

Surgical Retrieval

PESA, TESA or microsurgical Micro-TESE to recover sperm from the epididymis or testes.

03

ICSI

Retrieved sperm are injected directly into the eggs in the laboratory.

04

Freezing

Surplus sperm or embryos are frozen for future attempts.

When retrieval is not possible, screened donor sperm offers a reliable alternative.
Watch & Learn

Zero Sperm Count — Azoospermia NIL count

Dr. Himanshu Bavishi explains what azoospermia (zero sperm count / NIL count) is, why it happens and how it can be treated — so you understand your options clearly.

Success & Safety

Real chances, honestly explained

Every fertility journey is unique. Azoospermia success rates depend on several medical and lifestyle factors.

Factors affecting success

  • Obstructive versus non-obstructive type
  • The underlying cause and any genetic factor
  • Whether viable sperm are retrieved
  • The female partner's age and egg quality
  • Embryo quality and the laboratory
At Bavishi Fertility Institute, we focus on personalised treatment plans rather than one-size-fits-all success claims.

Retrieval and pregnancy rates vary widely with the cause; your specialist will give an honest, individualised assessment. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Cost & Assurance

Transparent, with no hidden costs

Know exactly what your Azoospermia treatment cost includes before you begin.

  • Specialist consultation and evaluation
  • Required diagnostic tests and monitoring
  • The recommended treatment or procedure
  • Medications as per your protocol
  • Follow-up review and guidance
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Risks & Considerations

Risks & considerations

Sperm may not be found

In some non-obstructive cases no sperm can be retrieved despite microsurgery.

How We Help: We discuss this honestly beforehand, with donor sperm as a planned alternative.

Minor surgical risks

Retrieval is a minor procedure with small risks of bruising or discomfort.

How We Help: It is performed under anaesthesia by experienced surgeons and monitored closely.

Genetic considerations

Some causes are genetic and may be relevant to a son's future fertility.

How We Help: Genetic counselling and testing are offered as part of the work-up.
Our Specialists

Our Azoospermia Specialists

Meet the Bavishi Fertility Institute specialists who treat patients with Azoospermia.

FAQ

Azoospermia — your questions answered

No. In many men sperm can be retrieved directly from the testes or epididymis through surgical sperm retrieval and used with ICSI. This gives the option to become a father with your own sperm in azoospermic men. Where it cannot, donor sperm is an option.

Obstructive means sperm are made normally but blocked from getting out; non-obstructive means production itself is very low. The treatment differs accordingly.

Microsurgical testicular sperm extraction — using an operating microscope to locate and retrieve the small pockets of sperm production in non-obstructive azoospermia.

It is done under anaesthesia, so it is not painful during the procedure. Mild soreness afterwards settles quickly.

Yes. Surplus sperm are frozen so they can be used for future ICSI cycles without repeating surgery.

This page is for educational purposes and is medically reviewed by Dr. Parth Bavishi, MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology). It is not a substitute for personal medical advice — please consult our doctors for guidance specific to you.

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A diagnosis of azoospermia?

Speak with our andrology specialists about surgical sperm retrieval and ICSI — there are often more options than you think.

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