Azoospermia is a semen disorder characterized by the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. This sperm disorder can be either obstructive or secretory. The difference between these two types of azoospermia lies in whether or not sperm are produced.
In the case of obstructive azoospermia, sperm are produced in the testicles. However, these sperm cannot be released when the man ejaculates.
In contrast, secretory or non-obstructive azoospermia is characterized by a failure in the process of spermatogenesis, that is, during sperm production. Therefore, men diagnosed with secretory azoospermia will need to use a sperm donor if they wish to become fathers.
Read the full article on: Can a Man with Azoospermia Get a Woman Pregnant? ( 48).
By Andrea Rodrigo B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), José María Sánchez Jordán M.D. (gynecologist), Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Sandra Fernández B.A., M.A. (fertility counselor).
Last Update: 04/16/2026
