Congenital absence of the vas deferens

Congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD) is a condition in which the two vas deferens, male reproductive organs, fail to form properly prior to birth. The vas deferens helps connect the sperm-producing testicles to the penis. Therefore, men who are missing both vas deferens are typically able to create sperm but are unable to transport them appropriately. Their semen does not contain sperm, a condition known as azoospermia. CAVD is associated with cystic fibrosis and occurs because of a mutation in the CFTR gene. Individuals with CAVD can reproduce with the assistance of modern technology in a procedure known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection.