Vas Deferens

The vas deferens is a part of the male genital anatomy. They act as tubes to carry sperm from the epididymis through to ejaculation. There are two tubes allowing for collection of sperm from each epididymis. Each tube is about 30cm long. The length of the tubes allow for a vasectomy and the possibility of a reversal vasectomy. The vas deferens is also a place where the sperm they are carrying can mature and become strong swimmers. The vas deferens is surrounded by muscle allowing for contractions during ejaculation. These contractions push the sperm forward towards the urethra. Along the way the other fluids comprising semen are collected and travel through the urethra also.

During a vasectomy, the vas deferens is cut permanently or some other method is employed to ensure that sperm does not get through to the urethra. Future development of vasectomy looks at putting an obstruction in place instead of cutting permanently. This could then act as a plug and would be easily reversible, unlike the current technique, which should be considered a way to make a man sterile rather than a short-term contraceptive.

The vas deferens lies within very close proximity to the supporting artery. This means that although a vasectomy is considered a simple and quick procedure, the accidental nick or scratch of this artery can result in excessive bleeding, thus great care must be taken to ensure this does not happen.

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