[Management of azoospermias].
An oral assessment and thorough clinical examination are an essential prerequisite in the presence of azoospermia (varicocele? absence of vas deferens?). Examination of the volume and pH of the ejaculate must also be included in the assessment, together with measurement of the FSH and testosterone required and a scrotal and prostatic endorectal ultrasound (particularly helpful in the diagnosis of obstructions, testicular nodules etc.). In terms of second-line treatment, the assessment can be completed by prescription of plasma inhibin B, seminal biochemistry and genetic assessment (blood karyotype, diagnosis of microdeletion of the Y chromosome and diagnosis of mutation of the CFTR gene in the case of bilateral absence of the vas deferens). On completion of this assessment, the azoospermia is either obstructive or non-obstructive, even if it is not always this simple. Obstructive azoospermia can be overcome by reconstructive surgery (vasovasostomy, vasoepididymostomy and transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts), thus avoiding the need for ICSI. In the case of azoospermia with varicocele, treatment of the varicocele can achieve certain results. Finally, in the case of non-obstructive azoospermia, it is difficult to draw a conclusion between the use of fresh or frozen spermatozoa although many teams favour frozen spermatozoa.
Amar
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Chirurgien uro-andrologue, hôpital américain, centre de la Muette, CHU Bichat, Paris, France. androste@club-internet.fr
D053713:Azoospermia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male