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bilateral absence of the vas deferens

The vas deferens connects the epididymis (where the sperms are stored), with the urethra through which the sperms are expelled. During ejaculation, the sperm flows out of the testicles through the vas deferens into the urethra, which leads out of the body via the penis.

Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens – CBAVD - is a condition present since birth, in which both vas deferens are missing. As a result, natural pregnancy will be impossible as the sperm is in fact blocked in the testicles and has no opportunity of reaching the woman through intercourse.

symptoms
cause
treatment

symptoms

A man who has this condition will not necessarily experience any symptoms. A semen analysis showing that there are no sperm cells in the semen (azoospermia) can be an indication of this condition.

cause

This condition is congenital, which means that it has been present since birth. Nearly two-thirds of 65% of men with CBAVD are also carriers of cystic fibrosis (a disease of the mucus lining of the lungs and gut); and 40% of affected men may in fact have a mild form of cystic fibrosis, which is not clinically apparent. If CBAVD is diagnosed, it is essential that the genetic material of both partners are examined for cystic fibrosis. If both partners carry the gene for cystic fibrosis there is a one in four chance that any child they have will have the full-blown disease. A heredity expert can provide further explanation and advice about this. If it seems that both partners are carriers, one option can be have to a genetic test carried out on embryos during the IVF with ICSI treatment before it is replaced in the womb (pre-implantation genetic diagnosis).

treatment

Given that the vas deferens are absent, there is nothing to restore or reconnect. If sperm is still produced within the testicles, surgical procedures are available for recovering sperm cells.

Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA) is a procedure for surgically collecting sperm from the epididymis. A biopsy or needle puncture of the testicles or epididymis can also be performed to try and collect sperm. An IVF with ICSI procedure can be performed using the sperm cells obtained in this way. If necessary, partners can opt for the use of donor sperm.

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