Aspermia is a medical condition characterized by the complete absence of semen during ejaculation. Although a man may experience orgasm, no seminal fluid is expelled from the penis, which can lead to infertility since sperm are unable to be transported for fertilization.
How is Aspermia Different from Azoospermia?
- Aspermia means no semen volume at all during ejaculation.
- Azoospermia means the semen is present but contains no sperm.
Think of semen as a delivery truck and sperm as parcels inside. In azoospermia, the truck arrives empty; in aspermia, the truck never leaves the depot.
Causes of Aspermia
Several factors can cause aspermia, including:
- Retrograde Ejaculation: Semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This condition can be caused by diabetes, medications (like alpha-blockers), or surgeries affecting the bladder neck or prostate.
- Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction: Blockages can prevent the flow of semen during ejaculation.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis that disrupt nerve signals necessary for ejaculation.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Androgen deficiency can cause underdeveloped seminal vesicles and prostate glands, leading to low or absent semen production.
- Infections or Inflammation: Affecting the reproductive tract, interfering with semen production or release.
- Medications and Surgery: Certain drugs or surgeries, particularly involving the prostate or urinary tract, may lead to aspermia.
- Psychological Factors: In rare cases, psychological or psychosomatic factors can cause failure to ejaculate.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- No visible semen after ejaculation despite orgasm.
- Possible hazy urine after intercourse (due to retrograde ejaculation).
- Sometimes pain or discomfort in the genital area if associated with infections or obstructions.
Diagnosis is made through semen analysis, where no semen volume is detected, and additional tests may include post-ejaculatory urine analysis and imaging.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause, treatments may include:
- Medications to manage retrograde ejaculation or hormonal imbalances.
- Surgical procedures to remove obstructions or reconstruct the ejaculatory pathway.
- Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as sperm retrieval directly from testicular tissue and using IVF or ICSI to achieve pregnancy.
Conclusion
Aspermia is a rare but significant cause of male infertility marked by the absence of semen during ejaculation. Accurate diagnosis of underlying causes—ranging from retrograde ejaculation to neurological or hormonal issues—is essential for effective treatment. With appropriate medical or surgical intervention, many men with aspermia can still father children using assisted reproductive technologies.