What Is Aspermia?
Aspermia refers to a condition in men where there is a complete absence of semen during ejaculation (also called anejaculation). This condition is not the same as azoospermia, which refers to the absence of sperm cells in the semen.
Aspermia is widely associated with male infertility. Men with this condition often achieve orgasm and even experience the sensation of ejaculating, but no semen is ejaculated.
There are many factors that can cause this condition. The three most common causes are retrograde ejaculation, ejaculatory duct obstruction, and sexual dysfunction.
Aspermia can also be caused by past surgical procedures, nerve damage due to disease, or congenital cysts. These conditions can all be treated, but treatment will depend upon the diagnosis and the root cause of the condition.
Aspermia Symptoms
Aspermia is rare compared to other conditions that cause male fertility problems. However, the symptoms are easily identifiable and it’s not difficult to determine whether or not a man has aspermia.
The primary symptom of aspermia is the complete lack of semen during ejaculation. Other common signs that could indicate the existence of this condition include:
- At the time of ejaculation, there is no semen (sometimes referred to as a “dry orgasm”).
- The urine becomes hazy following intercourse due to semen traveling into the bladder (a condition known as retrograde ejaculation).
- Pain experienced in the pelvic area following ejaculation.
- Blood may be seen in the urine (and/or the semen if any is present).
- Male infertility
Causes Of Aspermia
There are a number of potential causes for aspermia. These include:
- Hormone Imbalance
- Infection
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Diabetes
- Prescription Medication
- Alcohol/Illicit Drugs
- Radiation/Chemotherapy
- Congenital Disorder
- Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction
- Psychological Factors
Aspermia Treatment
There are many treatment options available depending upon the cause of the condition. These options for treatment include:
- Antibiotics to treat infection.
- Assisted reproductive techniques, including IVF and ICSI.
- Medication to treat certain forms of retrograde ejaculation.
- Discontinuing use of a prescription drug causing the aspermia.
- Surgical procedures
- Sex therapy
Additionally, if the cause of the aspermia is determined to be due to radiation treatments, the condition will often reverse after the treatments have finished.
Prevention
An ejaculatory obstruction can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs should be treated immediately. This can potentially help to prevent aspermia caused by a blockage of the tract. However, the remaining causes generally cannot be prevented.
Naresh Raja is an Executive Editor at The Sperm Count Report. He has more than ten years of experience writing and editing articles about health and fitness, nutrition, fatherhood, and reproductive health.
