
Dr. Himanshu Bavishi
MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Infertility, IVF & Genetics
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.

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.

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.
Men whose semen analysis shows no sperm, after confirmation.
The right work-up tells us whether — and how — your own sperm can be used.
Careful diagnosis first, then the least-invasive route to usable sperm.
History, examination, hormone profile and genetic tests to classify the type.
PESA, TESA or microsurgical Micro-TESE to recover sperm from the epididymis or testes.
Retrieved sperm are injected directly into the eggs in the laboratory.
Surplus sperm or embryos are frozen for future attempts.
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.
Every fertility journey is unique. Azoospermia success rates depend on several medical and lifestyle factors.
Factors affecting success
Retrieval and pregnancy rates vary widely with the cause; your specialist will give an honest, individualised assessment. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Know exactly what your Azoospermia treatment cost includes before you begin.
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In some non-obstructive cases no sperm can be retrieved despite microsurgery.
Retrieval is a minor procedure with small risks of bruising or discomfort.
Some causes are genetic and may be relevant to a son's future fertility.
Meet the Bavishi Fertility Institute specialists who treat patients with Azoospermia.
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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Helpful reads on Azoospermia from the Bavishi Fertility Institute specialists.
Everything you need to understand about Azoospermia — how it works, who it helps and what to expect on your journey.
Practical, science-backed tools to help you understand your fertility — privately and instantly.
Speak with our andrology specialists about surgical sperm retrieval and ICSI — there are often more options than you think.
Share a few details and our fertility counsellor will call you back — confidential, compassionate and personalised.