The ejaculatory duct obstruction is a pathological condition, which leads to low ejaculation with low or zero sperm count. 1 in 5 infertile men suffers from this disorder preventing them from conceiving a baby. Although an uncommon disorder, it can be treated with mild invasion. However, Ejaculatory Duct obstruction is different from the obstruction of the Vas Deferens.
Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction
EDO or Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction is the blockage of both the ducts, decreasing the volume of azoospermia. If the obstruction is partial, then the blockage only occurs in a single duct. This leads to low ejaculation and low sperm count in the semen. In several cases, the patient does not have any history of inflammation and the cause remains unknown.
Diagnosis
EDO can be divided into two categories, i.e. congenital and acquired disorders. Sometimes, EDO can be caused because of stones, cysts in the Mullerian duct or Wolffian duct, surgical or inflammatory scar tissue, calcification, and even congenital absence of the ducts. The basic symptoms of EDO are spotting of blood during ejaculation, pain during ejaculation, and infertility. Risks associated with this disorder include; urinary tract infection, epididymis, perineal injury, and pain in the testicles.
Test for Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction
Transrectal ultrasound is used to test for EDO. However, since dilated seminal vesicles are not the case in all patients, it becomes a little difficult.
• Seminal Vesicle Sperm Aspiration
This method raises the fluid inside the seminal vesicle after tapping it with a thin needle. It is important to perform this method 24 after sexual abstinence. However, this procedure does not point out as to where the blockage is present. But, it does confirm that sperms are being produced.
• TRUS Guided-seminovesiculograpy
Firstly, the dye is injected and an X-ray is performed after that. Here, the x-ray of the pelvis can tell if the person is suffering from EDO or not. The dye provides a visual picture of the blockage.
Surgery for Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction
When one experiences painful intercourse, blood while ejaculating, and infertility, the doctor’s test for EDO. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, it is time for the surgery. It is an outpatient setting which takes about an hour. The patient is first given local anesthesia before starting the procedure. The method used to treat EDO is known as Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED). It is a complicated, mildly invasive procedure, which, when completed can lead to natural pregnancy in their female partners. Statistics show that 20% of men suffering from EDO were able to conceive naturally. At Apollo Fertility, we offer expert care. Our qualified medical professionals will not only treat you impeccably, but they will also guide you in the right direction.
