What is the absence of sperm in semen called?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

Azoospermia is the correct medical term for the condition where there is a complete absence of sperm in the seminal fluid.
The term is derived from Greek roots: 'a-' (without), 'zoo-' (animal or living being, referring to sperm), and '-spermia' (related to semen or seed).
This diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic examination of a centrifuged semen sample on at least two separate occasions.
Azoospermia can be caused by a blockage in the reproductive tract (obstructive azoospermia) or by a failure of the testes to produce sperm (non-obstructive azoospermia).

Option A: Asthenozoospermia refers to poor sperm motility (movement), not the absence of sperm. The prefix 'astheno-' means weakness.
Option B: Aspermia is the complete lack of semen ejaculation. In this condition, there is no fluid, and therefore no sperm, ejaculated.
Option D: Polyspermia is a term used in embryology to describe the abnormal event where an egg is fertilized by more than one sperm. It is not a condition diagnosed through semen analysis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology related to male infertility and semen analysis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in patient education regarding proper semen sample collection, including the required period of abstinence (2-3 days), collecting the entire sample, and delivering it to the lab within an hour to ensure accurate results.
A diagnosis of azoospermia is not the end of the road for fertility. It necessitates referral to a specialist to investigate the cause (obstructive vs. non-obstructive) through hormonal testing and imaging, which determines subsequent management.
Management options for azoospermia can range from surgical correction of a blockage to sperm retrieval techniques (e.g., TESE) combined with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for non-obstructive cases.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology related to reproductive health.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'absence of sperm in semen'.
Next, analyze the options by breaking them down into their root components.
The prefix 'a-' means 'without' or 'lack of'. 'Zoo' refers to living organisms (sperm). '-spermia' pertains to semen.
Azoospermia directly translates to 'without sperm in the semen'.
Differentiate this from 'Aspermia', which means 'without semen' (the fluid itself), and 'Asthenozoospermia', where 'astheno-' means weakness (poor motility).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Gynecology Williams pp. 49-73, 23-51

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 113-115

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