Anatomical problems in male fertility
There are a number of anatomical problems, such as ejaculation problems or testicular failure, that can affect a man's fertility.
Anatomical problems
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| Ejaculation problems | About one per cent of men find that they appear not to ejaculate at orgasm. This is because of retrograde ejaculation (a “dry run”), when the semen is ejaculated backwards into the bladder instead of forwards into the urethra. |
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| Scrotum | A hydrocoele (a condition that occurs when there is an excess of normal lubricating fluid around the testis) or a varicocoele (which occurs when the veins of the scrotum and testes become enlarged) may be present. Both of these conditions raise the temperature of the testes, which in turn may inhibit sperm production. |
| Tubal blockage | Either or both of the vas deferens (the tubes that connect the testicles to the seminal vesicles where sperm are stored) may be obstructed. If this occurs it may be difficult or even impossible for the sperm to move out of the testis. A blockage of the vas deferens may exist from birth, or be the result of an infection, such as gonorrhoea. |
| Testicular failure | Sperm production may be non-existent, or may be inhibited. There is a very rare condition, testicular failure, in which the semen contains no sperm at all. Unfortunately, complete testicular failure, like complete ovarian failure, tends to be untreatable. This condition does not, however, always affect both testes. |
Conception Pregnancy and Birth Copyright © 2008 Dorling Kindersley Text copyright © 2008 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 16.11.2010
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