Physiology of the Vas Deferens and the Process of Ejaculation

Ejaculation is the process of releasing or ejecting semen among males.

To recognize the importance of the vas deferens, let’s find out it’s role in male ejaculation:

The sperm cells are produced by the testes, which are then stored in the epididymis. During ejaculation, the sperms are released from the epididymis. Then, the smooth muscles surrounding the vas deferens produce a reflexive contraction known as peristalsis. As mentioned above, the vas deferens connects the both right and left epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. The peristaltic movement of the said smooth muscles will help propel the sperm from the vas deferens toward the ejaculatory ducts and then going to the urethra.

As the sperms move through the ducts, it passes through the male accessory sex organs: prostate gland, bulbourethral glands and seminal vesicles. It will then pick up secretions from each accessory organ, which results to the formation of semen, a combination of secretions/fluid from the glands and the sperm cells. Finally, the semen will reach the urethra, a tube-like structure that serves as passageway for both urine and semen, and then out from the human body.

Vasectomy as Method of Contraception

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure by which the vas deferens in men is either obstructed or completely cut off. This prevents the sperm  from reaching the ejaculatory ducts. Therefore, it won’t mix with the secretions produced by the male accessory sex organs (semen) and will not be ejaculated through the penis. The unreleased sperms are reabsorbed by the body. However, you can still ejaculate semen as the vas deferens is cut at the portion before the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.

 Bear in mind that a sperm cell is required to fertilize a matured egg cell. Without the sperm in the semen, it is not possible to impregnate a woman. Thus, vasectomy has been considered a permanent contraception.