Lack of Vas Deferens

The vas deferens is a small tube that connects the testicles with the urethra. The sperm travel down this tube in order to ejaculate with the semen. Congenial bilateral absence (CBA) of the vans deferens id usually due to a failure of proper development or genetic mutations. CBA is responsible for 1-2% of male infertility.[1]

Vas Deferens and Treatment

Unfortunately, this condition is non-reversible. However, this does not mean having children is impossible.[2]

In vitro fertilization (IVF) using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is still an option. In IVF, a woman’s eggs are extracted and fertilized. After 3 or 5 days of incubation, the surviving embryos are placed back inside the woman in hopes of conception. With ICSI, an embryologist will pick one sperm to inject into the woman’s egg for fertilization. IVF and ICSI are usually needed for the majority of patients with CBA.[3]

Sperm can be found using a process called the microTESE. During microTESE (microscope-assisted testicular sperm extraction), a doctor will use a small microscope to retrieve tissue from the testicles that may contain sperm. This is the best chance to find usable sperm without damaging the testicles or testicular tissue. For more information on IVF or ICSI, please visit the respective pages in the menu above.

If IVF is not possible or doesn’t work, donor sperm is available for use. This decision may be difficult for some. It is important to weigh all options and make sure to be emotionally okay with it. For more information on donor sperm, please visit the Donor page in the menu above.

[1] “Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens.” n.d. Genetics Home Reference. Accessed April 30, 2018. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/congenital-bilateral-absence-of-the-vas-deferens#resources.

[2] Grzegorczyk, V., N. Rives, L. Sibert, S. Dominique, and B. Macé. 2012. “Management of Male Infertility Due to Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens Should Not Ignore the Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis.” Andrologia 44 (5): 358–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2012.01288.x.

[3] Seo, Ju Tae. 2014. “AB61. Advances of Surgical Treatment in Male Infertility.” Translational Andrology and Urology 3 (Suppl 1). AME Publications. https://doi.org/10.3978/J.ISSN.2223-4683.2014.S061.