Sterility caused by functional absence of ejaculatory ducts

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Urology
• Andrology

Background:

• Functional absence of genital excretory ducts is a rare condition affecting male fertility.
• Limited physical and complementary data often characterize these cases.
• Spermatogenesis may show surprisingly low impairment despite ductal absence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present cases of functional absence of genital excretory ducts.
• To emphasize the diagnostic importance of seminal fluid analysis, including spermograms and fructose levels.
• To discuss the role of this condition in male infertility and azoospermia.

Main Methods:

• Case series presentation of five patients.
• Analysis of physical examination findings and complementary data.
• Seminal analysis, including spermogram and qualitative fructose determination.

Main Results:

• Low impairment of spermatogenesis observed in affected individuals.
• Spermogram data proved crucial for diagnosis.
• Qualitative fructose determination is important for diagnosing this syndrome.
• Unilateral congenital absence of ejaculatory ducts was demonstrated in one case.

Conclusions:

• Functional absence of genital excretory ducts can lead to azoospermia and sterility.
• Spermogram and fructose analysis are vital diagnostic tools.
• Diagnosis may be missed without a contralateral acquired lesion in unilateral cases.