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Non-specific prostate infections may sometimes cause blockages along the reproductive tract. How do prostate infections cause infertility?Since the ejaculatory duct passes through the prostate gland, infections of the prostate can cause swelling and block off part of the reproductive tract that passes through the prostate. This can also stop sperm from being ejaculated. Because the prostate and seminal vesicles contribute most of the fluid to the ejaculate, blockage near the prostate can sometimes reduce the volume of ejaculate. Infections of the prostate and seminal vesicles can also cause inflammatory cells to pass into the ejaculate, which may damage the sperm.
Very rarely, a man may have a congenital abnormality (a problem they have been born with) in which lumpy growths or ‘cysts’ in the prostate gland have formed. These cysts can also cause blockage of sperm at this level.  Back to top
Can blockages in the prostate be treated?Treatment of the infection in the prostate gland may remove the blockage and allow the flow of sperm again.
Sometimes surgery to remove cysts in the prostate is performed by inserting an operating telescope through the penis. Removal of the cyst by surgery can remove the blockage to sperm transport so that the man is able to achieve a pregnancy naturally following the surgery. Back to top
What are the risks with surgery?All surgery, particularly where there is a general anaesthetic, has some risks that need to be discussed with the doctor.
The risks with these operations are small, however, sometimes bleeding and infection can develop at the site of the operation. Back to top
Are there other ways to treat sperm blockages?In vitro fertilisation (IVF) or other forms of assisted reproduction may be performed if men wish to have a family and do not wish to have treatment, or treatment was unsuccessful, to remove the blockage. A biopsy, or sample of the testis, is taken to find sperm that can be used for ICSI/IVF procedures.
 More information: Assisted Reproductive Technologies
 Download: Male Infertility fact sheet PDF (61kb)
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