Non Obstructive Azoospermia

Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA)

A Diagnosis with Challenges—But Also New Hope

If you’ve been told that no sperm was found in your semen, it may be due to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)—a condition where the testicles produce little to no sperm due to underlying issues in sperm development. It may feel like the end of the road, but it’s not.

At Best Life Fertility Centre, we specialize in advanced evaluation, surgical sperm retrieval, and IVF technologies that offer real hope—even in the most complex cases.

What Is Non-Obstructive Azoospermia?

Unlike obstructive azoospermia, which is caused by a physical blockage, NOA results from a failure of the testes to produce mature sperm. This condition affects about 1% of all men and 10–15% of men with infertility.

Common Causes Include:

Genetic abnormalities (e.g., Y chromosome microdeletions, Klinefelter Syndrome)
Hormonal imbalances (low FSH, LH, or testosterone)
History of undescended testicles
Testicular injury or infection
Previous chemotherapy or radiation

How We Diagnose NOA

A proper diagnosis is essential to guide treatment. At Best Life Fertility Centre, our comprehensive workup includes:

Semen analysis to confirm azoospermia
Hormonal profiling (FSH, LH, Testosterone, Prolactin)
Genetic testing for chromosomal abnormalities or Y-chromosome microdeletions
Scrotal ultrasound to assess testicular structure
Testicular biopsy or Micro-TESE to check for sperm presence directly

These investigations help us determine whether viable sperm can be found—and how best to proceed.

Is Pregnancy Still Possible with NOA?

In many cases, yes.

While natural conception is not possible, some men with NOA still produce small pockets of sperm inside the testicles. Using a specialized procedure called Micro-TESE (microsurgical testicular sperm extraction), we can often retrieve viable sperm for use with IVF + ICSI.

Even if sperm is not found, we provide counseling on donor sperm options and emotional support throughout your journey.

Treatment Options for NOA

Depending on the underlying cause, we may recommend:

Hormonal treatment to stimulate spermatogenesis (in selected cases)
Micro-TESE for direct sperm retrieval
Genetic counseling (if a genetic cause is identified)
IVF with ICSI using retrieved sperm
Donor sperm IVF if no sperm is retrievable

Our goal is to maximize every opportunity for biological fatherhood—while offering compassionate guidance every step of the way.

Supporting You Through Every Possibility

A diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia can be emotionally overwhelming. That’s why we approach every case with:

You deserve the chance to build the family you dream of—and we’re here to help you explore every possibility.

Let’s Explore Your Options—Together

Let’s determine the cause, explore sperm retrieval, and create a personalized path to parenthood.