Urology · Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens

Your Guide to Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD)

At a Glance

Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD) causes infertility because a man is born without the tubes that carry sperm. However, since the testicles typically still produce healthy sperm, biological fatherhood is highly possible through surgical sperm retrieval combined with IVF.

A diagnosis of Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD) can be unexpected and overwhelming. Many men only discover they have this condition when they begin investigating reasons for infertility. But knowing what it is provides a clear, highly successful path forward.

CBAVD is a condition where a man is born without the vas deferens, the small tubes that carry sperm. It causes a condition known as obstructive azoospermia. Because the testes themselves are typically functioning perfectly and sperm production is completely normal, biological fatherhood is absolutely possible.

This resource guide is designed to help you navigate your diagnosis, understand the biology and genetics behind it, prepare for partner screening, and map out your medical treatment strategy.

Navigating This Guide

Understanding Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD)

Understand Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD). Learn about the CFTR gene link, normal sperm production, and fertility treatment options.

Diagnostics and Semen Analysis in CBAVD

Learn how CBAVD is diagnosed through semen analysis, physical exams, and ultrasound. Understand what low volume, acidic pH, and absent fructose mean for you.

Genetics and the Cystic Fibrosis Connection

Learn about the genetic causes of CBAVD, including the CFTR gene connection and ADGRG2. Understand how mild mutations differ from classic Cystic Fibrosis.

The Kidney Connection: Renal Agenesis and CBAVD

Learn why 11-12% of men with Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD) are born with one kidney (renal agenesis) and what it means for you.

Genetic Counseling and Partner Screening

Learn why genetic counseling and partner CFTR screening are critical before IVF for CBAVD. Understand mutation risks, PGT-M options, and protecting your child.

Treatment Strategy: Sperm Retrieval and IVF/ICSI

Explore CBAVD treatment options. Learn how surgical sperm retrieval methods like PESA or TESE combined with IVF and ICSI can help you build a family.

Our goal is to equip you with evidence-based knowledge so you can confidently advocate for yourself and have productive, informed discussions with your urologist, reproductive endocrinologist, and genetic counselor.

Common questions in this guide

Can I still have biological children if I am diagnosed with CBAVD?

Yes, biological fatherhood is absolutely possible. Because your testicles typically still produce healthy sperm, fertility specialists can use surgical sperm retrieval techniques combined with IVF to help you build a family.

Why do my partner and I need genetic screening for CBAVD?

CBAVD is strongly linked to mutations in the CFTR gene, which is the same gene associated with cystic fibrosis. Partner screening is a critical step before fertility treatment to protect the health of your future children.

Why do I need a kidney ultrasound if I have CBAVD?

Some men with CBAVD also have a condition called renal agenesis, meaning a kidney may be missing or improperly formed. A kidney ultrasound is a standard and crucial diagnostic step to check for this anatomical connection.

What specialists should be part of my CBAVD care team?

Your core care team will typically include a urologist who performs the male surgical sperm retrieval, a reproductive endocrinologist who manages the female IVF process, and a genetic counselor who guides you through partner screening.

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

1.What specialists should be part of my core care team for treating CBAVD?
2.Can you provide a roadmap or typical timeline for moving from diagnosis to embryo transfer?
3.Does our clinic handle both the male surgical sperm retrieval and the female IVF processes in-house, or will we need to coordinate between different centers?
4.What steps can I take right now to prepare for upcoming consultations with a genetic counselor or reproductive endocrinologist?

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your urologist, reproductive endocrinologist, or genetic counselor about your specific fertility situation.

Get notified when new evidence is published on Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens.

We monitor PubMed for new peer-reviewed studies on this topic and email a short summary when something meaningful changes.

Guide Contents