Vas deferens

Of the Vas deferens is the connection between the urethra and the epididymis. It is used to forward sperm and is extremely sensitive. A variety of complaints can occur in connection with the vas deferens.

What is the spermatic duct?

The spermatic duct (ductus deferens) is the part of the human body that connects the epididymis and urethra. It is located in the buttocks and is part of the spermatic cord. As such, it passes through the inguinal canal coming from the epididymis, then runs along the urinary bladder, leads through the vesicle gland and opens into the urethra in the area of ​​the seminal mound.

The spermatic duct is an important part of reproduction, but not necessary for the organism itself. So some men decide to stop it. However, this vasectomy can lead to diseases of the vas deferens as well as unprotected circulation.

Anatomy & structure

The spermatic duct is an internal hollow organ. It resembles a tube and has a thin mucous membrane, a muscle layer and a smooth lining, which is also known as the tunica serosa. The mucous membrane in the vas deferens has longitudinal folds, but it does not have its own layer of tissue.

In addition, the walls contain what is known as an epithelium. This is glandular tissue, which consists of several layers and serves to protect the vas deferens. It is also essential for secretion. The most important glands are located in the epithelium, but are mainly in the area of ​​the spermatic duct ampoule, i.e. on the urethra.

The most important part of the vas deferens is the vas deferens ampoule. This is located at the end of the vas deferens and contains packages of glands, which are also referred to as glandulae ampullae in medical terminology. These bundles of glands are externally visible in humans. The ampoule belongs to the accessory sex glands and is therefore part of the seminal fluid. Because it is close to the urethra, it has direct contact with the important glands.

Function & tasks

Basically, the vas deferens only has the task of transporting the sperm threads from the epididymis into the urethra. However, this only happens after the corresponding contraction of the thick muscle layer. If this is irritated, the seminal threads are literally sucked in from the epididymis.

They are then pressed into the urethra, where they are excreted. A complex process is going on. The position of the sperm duct allows various secretions to be absorbed, which enter the sperm during contraction. They are responsible for nourishing the sperm cells and guaranteeing their mobility.

So it can be said that the sperm duct is responsible for getting the sperm into the urethra, where it is then excreted. It is therefore an important part of reproduction in humans and animals.

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Illnesses & ailments

The spermatic duct itself can become ill in different ways. For example, he can be affected by a chlamydial infection. This is a sexually transmitted disease that is transmitted through unprotected intercourse.

The symptoms appear about 7 to 14 days later and affect both the vas deferens and the adjacent body regions such as the testes and urethra. This leads to painful urination and purulent discharge. If the spermatic duct is affected, in the worst case scenario it can lead to the inability to conceive. If the disease becomes chronic, the vas deferens can also narrow. This can lead to further inflammation, abscesses, and cysts.

In addition, so-called funiculitis can develop. This is an inflammation of the spermatic cords and thus also the spermatic duct. Similar to the spermatic duct inflammation itself, it can lead to severe pain and, if the course is chronic, damage to the spermatic duct. This often leads to infertility. In addition, the disease triggers fever and complex adhesions in the area of ​​the spermatic cords.

Furthermore, the spermatic cords can of course also be affected by cancer. The consequence here is also infertility. Benign or malignant tumors can also occur and impede the flow of sperm. Inflammation of the epididymis can also be transferred to the vas deferens. Since the epididymis is an extremely sensitive region, the pain generally radiates into the area of ​​the vas deferens when there is inflammation.

Similar to an infection, inflammation is mainly triggered by sexually transmitted germs. In addition to the chlamydia mentioned, these are also the pathogens causing gonorrhea (gonorrhea). Older people in particular suffer from the fact that sperm residues remain in the seminal duct, which can also lead to inflammation.

Finally, problems can arise from a vasectomy. Wound infections, adhesions, or swelling of the operated area are common complaints of people who have had a vasectomy.