A condition of male infertility, characterized by the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate, confirmed by repeated semen analysis conducted by specialists. Types of Azoospermia: Obstructive Azoospermia (OA) – Sperm production is normal, but a blockage in the sperm ducts prevents sperm from reaching the ejaculate. Affects 6.1%–13.6% of male infertility cases. Common causes include vasectomy (surgical sterilization), infections, genetic disorders, or congenital abnormalities. Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) – A more severe condition where sperm production in the testes is impaired or absent. Causes may include genetic defects, chromosomal abnormalities, or hormonal deficiencies. It is often challenging to treat, with ongoing research into its underlying mechanisms. Treatment Options: For obstructive azoospermia, surgical correction may remove the blockage, or sperm may be retrieved directly from the testes via TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) or Micro-TESE for use in IVF. For non-obstructive azoospermia, treatment depends on whether viable sperm can be found, sometimes requiring hormonal stimulation or surgical sperm retrieval techniques.
The lowest body temperature recorded during rest, typically measured upon waking before any activity. BBT fluctuations, especially a slight increase after ovulation, help determine ovulation timing. This method assists women in tracking fertility windows for either conception or contraception.
Also known as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), this pregnancy hormone is produced in the early stages of pregnancy. It appears 8–10 days post-ovulation when the embryo implants in the uterus. Levels double every 2–3 days in early pregnancy, peaking at around week 8. Medical Uses of hCG: Early pregnancy detection – Found in blood and urine tests as early as 7–9 days post-fertilization. Ovulation induction – Used in fertility treatments to trigger ovulation. Pregnancy monitoring – Abnormal levels may indicate multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, or miscarriage risks.
A biochemical pregnancy, also known as a chemical pregnancy, is an early pregnancy loss that occurs within the first five weeks after implantation. In many cases, women who experience a biochemical pregnancy are unaware that they were pregnant, as the only sign may be a delayed menstrual period. During a biochemical pregnancy, the body starts producing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in amounts sufficient to yield a positive pregnancy test. However, at this early stage, the pregnancy cannot yet be detected via ultrasound, and implantation ultimately fails, leading to a drop in hCG levels. Characteristics and Symptoms: Due to low hCG levels, women usually do not experience typical pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue or nausea. Some women may experience stronger cramps or heavier-than-usual menstrual bleeding. Possible Causes: A biochemical pregnancy may result from: Chromosomal abnormalities Uterine abnormalities Hormonal imbalances In most cases, a biochemical pregnancy does not affect long-term fertility, and most women can conceive again without difficulty.
A fluid-filled cavity that forms in the early stages of embryonic development within the blastocyst. In humans, the blastocoele appears at the end of the first week and the beginning of the second week of embryonic development. Initially, the embryo's cells divide and form a solid mass of cells called the morula. As cell division continues and the compaction process occurs, the blastocoele forms, providing the internal space needed for further development before implantation in the uterus. The blastocoele plays a crucial role in normal embryonic development, allowing for the reorganization of cells within the blastocyst, preparing it for the next stage—implantation in the uterine lining.
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