Post Date December, 03 2023
Male infertility caused by obstruction of the vas deferens is a common clinical phenomenon. This situation often manifests as azoospermia during examination. However, in diagnosis, it is necessary to clarify the cause, as developmental abnormalities such as chromosomal abnormalities can also result in such outcomes. There are significant differences in treatment, some can be treated, while others cannot.
Sperm excretion must pass through the testicular output ducts, epididymal ducts, vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and part of the urethra. Any obstruction in any of the above areas can affect the discharge of sperm. If the unilateral vas deferens duct is blocked, it has little impact on fertility. If both sides are blocked and sperm cannot be discharged normally, it will lead to infertility.
The common causes of obstruction of the vas deferens are as follows: infection of the urinary and reproductive system, such as epididymitis, prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, or epididymal vas deferens tuberculosis, which causes obstruction of the vas deferens, with the connection between the epididymis and the vas deferens being more common. Injury: such as hernia repair surgery, varicocele surgery, spermatic cord tumor surgery, etc. can damage the vas deferens; Surgery for epididymal seminal cysts and testicular hydrocele can damage the epididymis; Prostate surgery can cause obstruction of the ejaculatory duct opening; Although there is no direct injury, postoperative infection, adhesion, scar formation, etc. can cause compression and obstruction of the vas deferens pipeline. Tumors, such as epididymal tumors, seminal vesicle tumors, and prostate tumors, can all cause obstruction of the vas deferens. Congenital malformations: such as the absence of the head, body, and tail segments of the epididymis, partial or complete absence of the vas deferens, disconnection between the vas deferens and the epididymis, and underdeveloped epididymis, vas deferens, or seminal vesicles.
Obstruction of the vas deferens duct can cause obstructive azoospermia, also known as pseudoazoospermia in clinical practice. Its clinical manifestations and characteristics are: normal testicular size, azoospermia, normal serum follicle stimulating hormone (fsh) and testosterone levels, and normal testicular biopsy results. But to be diagnosed, a contrast examination must be performed.
Based on the above understanding of obstructive azoospermia caused by obstruction of the vas deferens, we hope it can be helpful to everyone. At the same time, we suggest that men pay attention to their own health and avoid male infertility.
