The male reproductive system consists of several glands and organs, and the vas deferens is one of these organs, which works with some other organs of the reproductive system to produce children. In this article, we will learn about what is the vas deferens? Where is it located? And what is its benefit to the body?

What is the vas deferens?

The vas deferens, also called the seminal duct, is a pair of small muscular tubes called Ductus deferens or Vas deferens. The vas deferens is about 18 inches (approximately 45 cm) long, begins at the epididymis and extends through the pelvic region to the bladder, all the way passing through the scrotum, spermatic cord, inguinal canal, and pelvic body cavity.

Upon reaching the bladder, the two tubes branch out at the end into two ampoules that stick to the right and left walls of the bladder. These ampoules are considered storage rooms for semen. Each ampulla eventually joins the ejaculatory ducts which connect it to the urethra.

The actual structure of the vas deferens consists of three layers, they are:

• outer layer: It is made up of connective tissue and is called the adventitia (the outermost layer of the vessel wall).
• Integumentary layer: Which is found under the outer layer, and consists of different layers of muscle fibers.
• mucous layer: It is the innermost layer, which is lined with columnar epithelial cells.

vas deferens function

The main function of the vas deferens is to carry and store sperm during its maturation. Sperm are produced in the testicles and then transported to the epididymis through the vas deferens. When the penis is filled with blood and becomes erect, this pushes the sperm cells out of the epididymis into the vas deferens.

The sperm is pushed through the vas deferens forward by muscular contractions, and when the sperm reaches the ampulla, it is joined by secretions from the seminal vesicle, then the semen is pushed through the ejaculatory ducts, passing through the prostate gland where a milky liquid is added to the mixture, and finally the mixture passes through the urethra urine; to get out of the body.

Diseases of the vas deferens

Several conditions can affect the health of the vas deferens, including the following:

Obstructive azoospermia

It is a condition in which the vas deferens, epididymis, or ejaculatory ducts become blocked, preventing the proper flow of sperm from the body.

Causes of vas deferens blockage may include the following:

• Congenital anomalies (congenital absence of the vas deferens).
• Trauma and injuries.
• Complications resulting from surgeries, such as hernia repair.

Sometimes these causes can be treated surgically. To restore proper sperm flow and fertility.

Inflammation of the vas deferens

Inflammation of the vas deferens, a rare condition sometimes referred to as vasitis, is most often caused by:

• Perform a vasectomy In this case, there may be no symptoms except for a palpable mass in the vas deferens, and most often this mass does not require any kind of treatment, but the doctor may need to take a biopsy to ensure that it is benign.
• having an infectionAlthough the occurrence of an infection that causes inflammation of the vas deferens is a rare cause, it may be caused by the same types of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, and once diagnosed, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy (vasectomy) is a common surgical procedure that involves cutting or closing the vas deferens as a way to render a man sterile, and is one of the most commonly used methods of contraception for men.

Mostly this procedure is done under local anesthesia, and it is performed by a urologist, and this process leads to infertility in more than 99% of men who undergo it.

The vasectomy procedure does not prevent the testicles from producing new sperms, but rather prevents the sperms from mixing with the semen and leaving the body, as a result of which the sperms are absorbed.

After a vasectomy, the semen should be tested periodically to make sure there are no sperms in the semen, and until positive confirmation of sterility comes from the laboratory, contraceptives should be used as a back-up.

Risks of a vasectomy include:

• An adverse reaction to the anesthesia medication used.
• Bleeding
• Infection at the site of the incision (or hole).
• hematoma;
• Having chronic pain, a condition called post-vasectomy pain syndrome.

It is normal for the patient to feel some pain for a few days after a vasectomy, and ice packs are recommended;65 to help relieve any pain or swelling; Therefore, you must follow your doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of any complications after surgery.

Tests for the vas deferens

A semen analysis can be done; To check male fertility and vas deferens obstruction, this test includes finding out:

• Volume and number of sperm per milliliter.
• The percentage of motile sperm.
• The shape of the sperm.
• The presence of white blood cells.

A semen culture can also be done. to check for infection or inflammation, in addition to the possibility of ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); To search for conditions affecting the vas deferens. If malignancy is suspected, a biopsy may be performed.