Obstructive Azoospermia: Evaluation and Treatment of Infertility in Men in NYC

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.


Common Causes of Obstructive Azoospermia:

  • Prior vasectomy.
  • Primary infections (sexually transmitted diseases)
  • Ejaculatory duct obstruction.
  • Ectopic location of ejaculatory duct.
  • Prior inguinal surgery
  • Prior radical prostatectomy
  • Prior pelvic surgery such as colon resection
  • Radiation therapy to the pelvis or inguinal areas

Treatment Options for Men with Obstructive Azoospermia

determined-man-shutterstock_123130195Obstructive azoospermia is a fairly common but fortunately treatable cause of infertility in management.  Depending on the particular situation, one of the 2 options is available:

  1.  Repair and reconstruction to overcome the obstruction
  2. Use of assistive reproductive techniques such as testicular sperm extraction with in vitro fertilization (IVF / ICSI).

The choice depends on the patient’s preferences, partner’s reproductive situation, and the complexity of necessary construction.

Treatment of Obstructive Azoospermia after Vasectomy or Obstruction: What You Need to Know

Men who have sperm in the testis but have an obstruction in the epididymis or ejaculatory ducts caused by surgery (vasectomy, hernia repair, prostatectomy), inflammation, infection, or unknown causes have a number of treatment options available to them.

The simplest way to retrieve sperm from the testis is to perform a procedure called ‘testicular sperm aspiration’.  Alternative options include percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA).

Alternative options include vasectomy reversal.

What is the Right Choice: Testicular Sperm Aspiration or Vasectomy Reversal?

The major difference between vasectomy reversal and testicular sperm aspiration is how pregnancy is achieved.  Sperm obtained during TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) or PESA can only be used for ART (artificial reproductive technologies) such as IVF (in vitro fertilization), which includes ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).   Sperm obtained from TESA cannot be used for intrauterine insemination (IUI). 

After a successful vasectomy reversal, a spontaneous pregnancy can occur through vaginal intercourse. Ejaculated sperm can also be used for IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF. 

TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration at New York Urology Specialists

TESA is performed in our offices. We perform the procedure under local anesthesia after a spermatic cord block with bupivacaine (the medication used by dentists).  The procedure takes less than 30 minutes to perform. There is no preparation necessary before the procedure. After the procedure, a compressive dressing will be applied to the scrotum for 24 hours. Most men experience minimal to no pain during or after the procedure.  Most men do not require any pain medications beyond Motrin or Tylenol.

TESA needs to be coordinated with an IVF center.  The sperm is placed in a special solution and will be taken immediately after the procedure to the IVF center for analysis, ICSI, further preservation, and storage for future use.

Did you know? Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 penile, scrotal, testicular, kidney, bladder, and prostate surgeries, including testicular implants, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, scrotoplasty, circumcisions, circumcision revisions, frenuloplasty, penile implants, Urolift, prostate enucleation, correction of Peyronie’s disease, and congenital penile curvature.  He performs 150-200 penile surgeries a year.

Where to Get Male Infertility Treatment in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer treatment for male-factor infertility.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Call/text today: 1-212-204-6300 or make an appointment online.  

We perform penile procedures, varicocele and hydrocele repair, vasectomy reversal, and cosmetic circumcision.  We offer treatment for missing testis, low testosterone, low sperm count, testicular pain, premature ejaculation, and male infertility. We treat sexual and erection problems and offer comprehensive STD testing for infections. We offer confidential appointments.

Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance.  We offer free insurance verification.

We perform testicular ultrasound examinations in our office.  We offer testosterone replacement therapy and vasectomy in our office.   We treat urinary and erection problems. We offer confidential appointments.

Cost of Male Infertility Treatment without Insurance

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer flat-fee ‘all-cost-included’ procedures such as scrotal and testicular surgery, circumcision, no-scalpel vasectomy, testicular implant, vasectomy reversal, hydrocelectomy, varicocelectomy, and many more.  The procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia or sedation. Men from other states can save thousands of dollars over local hospital fees by coming to New York Urology Specialists for treatment.  Please contact us for current prices and discounts for patients without insurance or with high insurance deductibles.

Cost of Treatment and Insurance

Inexpensive Urologist Visit CostAt New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

We accept many health insurance plans.  We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage.  Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Male Infertility Evaluation and Treatment?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with male infertility, low sperm count, and idiopathic male infertility.  We treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, scrotal and testicular problems, premature ejaculation, testicular pain, and urinary problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.  
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual, urinary, and erection problems in men.
  • Experience – we see and treat many infertile men and couples. You are treated by board-certified urologists who are up-to-date on the latest advances in the field.
  • Freedom to Choose Reproductive Endocrinologists – As an independent practice, you’re not forced to use a reproductive endocrinologist for the female partner who works with us.  You are free to choose a reproductive endocrinologist of your choosing.
  • We offer treatment options for testicular pain, penile problems, male infertility, Peyronie’s disease, prostatitis, enlarged prostate, frequent urination, overactive bladder, and prostate cancer in our office.  Office procedures avoid the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • Extensive experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully with varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, testicular implants, orchiectomy, epididymal cyst removal, scrotoplasty, circumcision, penoscrotal web correction, spermatic cord denervation.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
  • We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men who are seeking treatment for scrotal swelling, testicular and penile problems, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, urinary, and cancer treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.

What do Testicular Problems Look Like?

You can find pictures of testicular problems as well as before and after treatment images in our image gallery.

Scheduling Appointments for Treatment of Infertility in Men at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Dr. Shteynshlyuger MD is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating sexual, testicular, hormonal, urinary, and sexual problems in men.   He has performed hundreds of penile and testicular surgeries, including testicular implants, penile implants, varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, adult circumcision, circumcision revision, vasectomy, surgery for enlarged prostate, and many other procedures.  


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Treatment for Men With Fast Recovery at New York Urology Specialists

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of men’s health concerns, including infertility and low sperm problems, sexual problems, and urinary problems in men.  We understand the challenges that penile problems and testicular problems create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for penile problems and testicular problems, including appearance concerns, foreskin problems, premature ejaculation, testicular pain, and erectile dysfunction that fit your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with sexual problems that include penis problems, scrotal problems, and erectile dysfunction. By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man who desires an effective treatment for any problem that affects the penis.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for men’s sexual problems.

We Treat Some of the Most Complex Men’s Health Problems Including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-212-204-6300 or make an appointment online

Dr. Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of infertility problems in men, as well as sexual, urinary, and erection problems in men.  He uses modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  We offer microscopic varicocelectomy, testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), vasectomy reversal, circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, penoscrotal web repair, testicular implants, inflatable penile implant, shockwave therapy for ED, and treatment for Peyronie’s disease.

He has successfully treated hundreds of men with male-factor infertility, testicular problems, low testosterone, premature ejaculation, and erection problems. 

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-212-204-6300.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients.  Find out our office hours or directions to our office. 

We offer affordable appointment prices with or without insurance.  Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.