Surgery for Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction

Symptoms of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction (EDO)

Patients are often not aware of underlying EDO until they are investigated for infertility where they often have a low volume ejaculate with no sperm. Some patients have a history of ejaculatory pain or scrotal pain.

Investigations for EDO

The diagnosis is often obvious by performing a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. In certain individuals additional imaging using MRI or a dynamic test using seminal vesiculography can be performed.

Treatment for EDO

Ejaculatory duct obstruction is one of the few surgically reversible causes of male infertility. By using endoscopic techniques to resect the tissue over the ejaculatory ducts, the obstruction can be relived. The majority of patients will notice an increase in the semen volume and also the presence of sperm in the ejaculate.

What to expect after surgery

As the procedure is performed endoscopically a catheter is left in the bladder overnight. Following the procedure there may be blood in the urine and ejaculate and patients also notice that the ejaculation is more watery.