Sperm carrying ducts may be missing or blocked. A patient may have
bilateral (both sides) congenital (from birth) absence of the vas
deferens. He may have obstructions either at the level of the
epididymis (the delicate tubular structure draining the testes) or
higher up in the more muscular vas deferens. He may have become
mechanically blocked during hernia or hydrocele repairs. He may have
become blocked by scar tissue as a response to an infection.
Sperm are stored in sacs called the seminal vesicles and are then deposited in the urethra, which is the tube through which men urinate and ejaculate. The sperm must pass through the ejaculatory ducts to get from the seminal vesicles to the urethra. If these are blocked on both sides, no sperm will come through.
In some situations, the ducts may be repaired or unblocked to allow them to flow through the man's reproductive tract. If this is not possible, the sperm may be harvested to allow them to flow through the man's reproductive tract. Because they are obtained in lower numbers, this procedure must be used in conjunction with advanced reproductive techniques to attempt a pregnancy.
Sperm are stored in sacs called the seminal vesicles and are then deposited in the urethra, which is the tube through which men urinate and ejaculate. The sperm must pass through the ejaculatory ducts to get from the seminal vesicles to the urethra. If these are blocked on both sides, no sperm will come through.
In some situations, the ducts may be repaired or unblocked to allow them to flow through the man's reproductive tract. If this is not possible, the sperm may be harvested to allow them to flow through the man's reproductive tract. Because they are obtained in lower numbers, this procedure must be used in conjunction with advanced reproductive techniques to attempt a pregnancy.
Our Ductal System problems section is designed to help you in determining the best possible infertility treatment suited for you.
