What are the sequelae of epididymis removal?

The main function of the epididymis is to absorb, secrete, concentrate, regulate, etc. Therefore, after epididymis removal, the sperm survival rate will become very low and the amount of sperm ejaculated will also become less. Although epididymis removal will reduce a man's fertility rate, it will not affect his sexual desire and life, so there is no need to worry too much.

Role and function of the epididymis

1. Absorption function (absorbs testicular fluid secreted by testicular supporting cells to facilitate the normal transport of sperm)

2. Secretory function (the epididymal epithelium can secrete a variety of acidic substances, including glycerophosphocholine, various glycoproteins, carnitine, acid phosphatase, phosphoribonucleosidease, galactosidase, etc., all of which have the effect of promoting sperm maturation, increasing fertilization ability, and promoting sperm motility.)

3. Concentration function (the main substance concentrated is carnitine. In fact, fatty acids and enzymes in the sperm maturation process and important auxiliary factors in metabolism can produce ATP to supply the energy required for sperm movement. In addition, the epididymal epithelium is also involved in the exchange of zinc.)

4. Regulation of the epididymis environment (concentrating androgens from the blood and epididymal fluid in the epididymis, and the epididymal epithelium itself also has the function of synthesizing trace amounts of androgens to ensure sperm maturation, and can transport sperm to the vas deferens through rhythmic contraction.)

5. Blood-epididymal barrier (the blood-epididymal barrier limits the molecular movement between the blood and the epididymal cavity fluid, and substances such as glycerophosphocholine and carnitine are kept in the epididymal cavity to facilitate sperm storage.)

Effects of orchiectomy for epididymitis

Epididymitis requires testicular removal. Epididymectomy may affect the further maturation of sperm, turning sperm into semi-finished products without vitality. This is because the epididymis provides a favorable environment for sperm storage before ejaculation. Prostatic fluid, seminal vesicle fluid and other accessory gland secretions participate in the ejaculation process. Sperm is stored and moved in the epididymis for about eleven to sixteen days, where it further matures and has stronger mobility.

Since the epididymis is the subsequent processing plant of sperm, it only affects the production of sperm. The testicles also have difficulty in producing male hormones, and have no effect on male sexual desire, secondary sexual characteristics, male behavior, and daily life and sexual life. It just reduces the amount of semen during ejaculation.

Impact Introduction

Spermatogenic cells are most sensitive to changes in the body's internal and external environmental conditions, and have a narrow range of flexibility in adapting to environmental factors. Physical and chemical biological factors such as temperature, ultrasound, microwaves, ionizing radiation, magnetic fields, drugs, systemic diseases, endocrine, vitamins, trace elements, smoke, alcohol, etc., will interfere with sperm production to varying degrees. Support cells and interstitial cells have a higher tolerance to these factors and are less affected.