[The seminal vesicle dynamic emptying test as an interventional echographic control of the spermogram in the examination of male sterility].

Ultrasound imaging to verify effective emptying of seminal vesicles is proposed, during spermograms included in investigation of couple sterility. The aim is to detect distal obstructive seminopathies, often unilateral and inaccessible to enzymatic analysis of sperm. A review of recently drafted case reports of 41 sterile men showed that in half of them an insufficient ejaculate volume always corresponded to poor emptying of seminal vesicles as seen on ultrasound images. If an obstruction is present it is usually in the ejaculatory canal zones. Two patients with azoospermia were treated by endoscopic resection of terminal part of ejaculatory canals with only one good result in the spermogram. With respect to counting of spermatozoa, it is not possible in patients with decreased emptying of seminal vesicles, a part from those with azoospermia, to establish any correlation between type of obstructive seminopathy and its effect on the spermogram. Of the 41 men in this series, a half had problems with their partner and the other half another known sterility factor.