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Posted 4/14/2017 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
I have been thinking, after removing the prostate, why are men infertile ? The prostate does not produce sperm. Pretty simple question, but I don't know the answer.
Posted 4/14/2017 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
I'm guessing because the sperm doesn't have the means of transport (semen) to make the trip and do its business with the egg, in a foreign land. Just a guess.

So then the question is, do we still produce sperm and where does it go.
Posted 4/14/2017 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
The tubes that connect sperm to the outside world are cut and as Prat notes the prostate is the primary transport agency. Produced sperm is just absorbed by the body.

There is a little known procedure where doctors can extra sperm from man without a prostate and this can be used in artificial insemination.

but most men who under go RP, are well beyond normal child bearing years.

Andrew
Posted 4/14/2017 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
It gets reabsorbed like all other dead cells in the body.
Posted 4/14/2017 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Geez! I think most guys would consider infertility one of the benefits of a prostatectomy. smile
Posted 4/14/2017 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
There's no pathway anymore for the sperm to reach the urethra. That used to happen in the prostate.
Posted 4/14/2017 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
thanks for the explanation. Never thought to ask and always wondered why, and now I know.
Posted 4/14/2017 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
They're not infertile. They can use a hypodermic needle into the testicles to extract sperm. Ouch!! Much better to bank your semen before treatment if you want to have more kids.
Posted 4/14/2017 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
When Randy began clinical trials, we were required to sign a document indicating what method of birth control we were using. I was a little perplexed. I pointed out that Randy had no prostate. The doc told us that pregnancy was still possible .....highly unlikely, but possible.
Posted 4/14/2017 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
My gastroenterologist is in his 40's. He was told he would need another vasectomy after his RP. While laughing...he said, "Go figure." shocked
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