Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
What is Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction?
The ejaculatory duct is a thin tube located in the male reproductive system. It carries sperm and certain fluids necessary for ejaculation. Seminal fluid, which helps sperm move, passes through these ducts to the urine tube (urethra). This fluid is released by a gland called the seminal vesicle.
The ejaculatory ducts pass through the prostate and mix with prostatic fluid. This fluid nourishes sperm and is released by the prostate gland. When the ducts get blocked, semen cannot flow out, and fertility may be affected. This condition is called ejaculatory duct obstruction.
What are the Types of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction?
There are two types of ejaculatory duct obstruction. They could be categorised as either congenital or acquired.
- Congenital obstructions are present in an individual from birth. It is often because of some anatomical abnormalities.
- Acquired ejaculatory duct obstruction results from some medical conditions. These could be infections, cysts, or even trauma.
They can both stop the flow of important fluids needed for ejaculation and reproduction.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction?
Men with this condition may experience different ejaculatory duct obstruction symptoms. These may experience the following:
- They may notice that their semen volume is low, even when they are normally aroused.
- Ejaculation might be painful for them.
- They could see blood in their semen.
- Despite having regular unprotected intercourse, they might struggle with infertility.
- They might feel discomfort or pelvic pain during (or after) ejaculation.
- Diagnostic tests may indicate a decreased sperm count.
- Even with normal hormone levels, there might be no sperm in their semen.
What are the Causes of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction?
The causes of ejaculatory duct obstruction can be present from birth or develop later in life. Some common causes include:
- Sometimes, the ejaculatory ducts are not formed correctly from birth.
- Seminal vesicles are the glands that add fluid to semen. Sometimes, cysts (small sacs filled with fluid) may form in these glands. This results in the blockage of the ejaculatory duct.
- The infections that affect the urinary tract can also lead to blockages.
- The sperm duct can become inflamed or develop scar tissue. This makes them narrow.
- Past surgeries in the pelvic area or on the prostate can sometimes cause a blockage.
- The buildup of hard minerals is also one of the ejaculatory duct obstruction causes. These calcium-based deposits can harden into small stones.
- Sometimes, an injury or trauma to the pelvic region can damage the ducts.
- The sexually transmitted infections that are not treated can add to complications that cause blockages.
- There might be problems with the structure of the vas deferens (also called the ductus deferens). These are tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the ejaculatory duct.
What is an Ideal Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction Treatment?
If you have a blocked ejaculatory duct, the treatment depends on the reason behind it. It also depends on the severity of the condition. However, doctors commonly recommend the following treatment options:
- Transurethral Resection of the Ejaculatory Ducts TURED: This is a minimally invasive procedure. It is quite common. In this, doctors inserted a small tool through your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), to clear any duct obstruction.
- Antibiotics: You might be prescribed a course of antibiotics. This is done if the problem is caused by an infection or inflammation.
- Draining Cysts: If cysts form in your seminal vesicle, doctors may remove the fluid by draining them.
- Fertility Treatments: If the block cannot be cleared for some reason, you can still achieve pregnancy. For that, your doctor might suggest assisted reproductive techniques like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). Here, your fertility expert transports sperm directly to the egg outside the body for fertilization.
- Follow Up: After treatment, you will usually have follow-up tests like semen analysis and imaging scans. These help doctors determine if the blockage has cleared and if sperm flow has improved.
Tests such as transrectal ultrasound are often used to detect this condition. It is a scan that helps view your ejaculatory ducts and prostate gland.
Conclusion
Ejaculatory duct obstruction can affect your ability to have children. But in many cases, it can be treated. If you notice any symptoms of ejaculatory duct obstruction, it is best to see a doctor. If the blockage cannot be cleared, your doctor may suggest IVF.
At Archish IVF, we offer tests and IVF treatment to help you become a parent. Book a consultation today to find the right solution for you.
FAQs
It is not very common, but it can be a cause of male infertility.
You may have low semen volume. Some people experience pain during ejaculation. In certain cases, couples experience difficulty conceiving children.
Try avoiding pelvic injuries. Once you see any symptoms, consult a doctor. It is essential to treat infections promptly to minimise your risk.
It is a small tube that carries sperm and fluids to the urethra (the urine tube) during ejaculation.