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How can a blockage in the male reproductive tract affect fertility?

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Diagram showing the female reproductive system with labeled ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, alongside hormone pathways and the process from ovulation to fertilization and early embryo development. — infertility Major structures and hormones involved in the initiation of pregnancy. Also seen, at right, is the development of an egg cell (ovum) from follicle to embryo.

A blockage in the male reproductive tract prevents the normal transport of sperm, which is a significant cause of male infertility. When these pathways—such as the genital ducts—are obstructed, sperm cannot move from the testes, where they are produced, to the exterior during ejaculation.123

These obstructions can be caused by various factors, including the presence of obstructive growths like cysts or adhesions that close the tubal pathways.2

Medical interventions can address these issues in several ways:
* Surgery: In many cases, surgeons can remove obstructive growths or eliminate adhesions to restore the natural pathways.2
* Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): If an obstruction prevents sperm from moving through the genital ducts, doctors can retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis using a needle.2
* Assisted Reproductive Technology: Once retrieved, the sperm can be used in procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to fertilize an egg.2