Definition – What is a swollen spermatic duct?
The vas deferens represents a connection between the epididymis and the prostate, through which the sperm are transported. A swollen vas deferens duct is therefore certainly a thickened and/or hardened tissue, which can be constricted as a result. This can be caused by infections or a sperm accumulation. The vas deferens should not be confused with the accompanying vessels, which can also be swollen.
Causes of a swollen vas deferens
A swollen vas deferens is often caused by an infection. The inflammation usually spreads from the prostate or epididymis. This is often caused by various bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas, which can also cause urinary tract infections, or the sexually transmitted bacteria Chlamydia or Gonococcus.
Other possible causes of a swollen spermatic duct are inguinal hernias, cystic fibrosis, surgical transection or a genetic disease that leads to a blockage of the spermatic duct. All of these diseases cause sperm accumulation because the sperm formed in the testicles cannot flow through the spermatic duct and the duct becomes swollen. In inguinal hernia surgery, sections of the intestine are moved back into the abdominal cavity and then the hernial orifice is closed by means of sutures and nets.
During inguinal hernia surgery, the intestine often presses on the spermatic duct, which also runs through this opening in the abdominal wall. During the operation, there is a risk that the spermatic duct will be injured or, in the worst case, severed. All these factors favour an irritation of the spermatic duct, which is why it often swells.
If there is no serious injury to the vas deferens, it can be assumed that the vas deferens will heal completely and the swelling will subside. A vasectomy is the intentional cutting of the vas deferens. In most cases this is performed to prevent pregnancy in the partner.
The severed ends of the vas deferens scar over. As a result, the sperm can no longer be conducted from the testicles to the urethra and accumulate in the vas deferens and are eventually broken down. This congestion leads to a swollen sperm duct, which is not painful in most cases. However, if the ends of the vas deferens become inflamed during the operation, a bacterial infection can also be partly responsible for the swelling of the vas deferens.
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