Where is vas deferens located

Click here to learn about congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. The paired ejaculatory ducts are formed from the union of the duct of the seminal vesicle with the ampulla of the vas deferens.

The ducts diminish in size and converge towards their ends. Ejaculatory duct obstruction, though rare, can lead to oligospermia or azoospermia. In contrast to the walls of the vas deferens, the walls of the ejaculatory ducts are thin.

They consist of an outer fibrous layer, which decreases in thickness on their entry into the prostate; a thin layer of smooth muscle fibres; and a mucosa lined by columnar epithelium. Normal luminal and wall dimensions of the ejaculatory duct are remarkably uniform among men; a luminal diameter of greater than 2.

Click here to learn about ejaculatory duct obstruction. The sac-like glands that lie behind the bladder and release a fluid that forms part of semen. Prostate gland. It is about the size of a walnut, and surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder. It is partly muscular and partly glandular with ducts opening into the prostatic portion of the urethra.

It is made up of 3 lobes: a center lobe with 1 lobe on each side. The prostate gland secretes a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, a fluid that carries sperm. This is a tube that allows urine to flow outside the body. It is also the channel for semen to pass during ejaculation. The brain signals the bladder muscles to tighten. This squeezes urine out of the bladder. At the same time, the brain signals the sphincter muscles to relax to let urine exit the bladder through the urethra.

While a vasectomy does not prevent the testes from producing new sperm, it prevents the sperm from mixing with seminal fluid and exiting the body. Instead, the sperm is reabsorbed. Following a vasectomy, semen must be tested periodically to make sure that no sperm is present or if there is sperm in the semen it is not motile. Until a positive confirmation of sterility comes back from the laboratory back up contraception must be used.

This usually takes at least three months. Risks of a vasectomy include a negative reaction to the anesthetic medication used, bleeding, infection at the site of the incision or puncture , recanalization, hematoma and sperm granuloma. It is also possible to develop chronic pain, a condition called post-vasectomy pain syndrome.

It is normal to have some pain for a few days following a vasectomy and ice packs are recommended to help with any pain or swelling. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly following the procedure to minimize your risks for any post-operative complications. Semen analysis may be done to check for male fertility and blockages of the vas deferens. This test will include the volume, number of sperm per milliliter, percentage of motile sperm, the shape of the sperm, and the presence of white blood cells.

Imaging may be done to look for conditions affecting the vas deferens, including ultrasound, computerized tomography CT , or magnetic resonance imaging MRI. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Richard E. Jones PhD, Kristin H. Lopez PhD. The Male Reproductive System. Human Reproductive Biology 4th edition , Vas deferens. Genetic Home Reference. Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens.

Updated June 9, Sperm release pathway. Updated September 23, Stanford Health Care. What is azoospermia. Vasitis: clinical and ultrasound confusion with inguinal hernia clarified by computed tomography. Canadian Urological Association Journal.

Amory JK. Male contraception. Fertil Steril. Viera AJ. Updated September 17, American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Diagnostic testing for male factor infertility. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Semen analysis. Updated April 7, Your Privacy Rights.