Symptoms
Typical symptoms of an inflammation of the vas deferens are a burning sensation during urination, a burning sensation after urination, pain and burning sensation during sexual intercourse, an increased urge to urinate and a whitish discharge, which occurs particularly in the morning. In addition, depending on the areas also affected, pain can occur in the testicles, in the area of the prostate, in the pelvic floor and in the groin. In general, however, the symptoms usually appear relatively late in men.
In the case of an isolated inflammation of the vas deferens, the main symptom is a sensation of pain in the groin, which can also be associated with swelling. If a swelling occurs in the groin area, this can lead to confusion with an inguinal hernia. If the inflammation has existed for a longer period of time, it is often accompanied by a general feeling of discomfort and illness.
An inflammation of the sperm duct is usually painful and very unpleasant for the person affected. The pain is not limited to a specific region, but often extends over the entire groin and genital region. The extent of the pain depends on the cause of the spermatic duct inflammation.
Depending on whether the prostate, the testicles or the epididymis are also involved in an inflammation, there is sometimes severe pain at these structures. The fact that the vas deferens opens into the urethra means that the urethra is often also affected due to its spatial and functional proximity. The pain is mainly triggered by touching the affected structures.
In this case, ejaculation is painful, as it places a great functional strain on the vas deferens. Since the urethra is also frequently affected, the pain is also expressed during and after urination.To relieve the pain, a hot water bottle or a hot shower is recommended after ejaculation or, if necessary, after urination. If the inflammation only affects the vas deferens, it usually causes diffuse pain in the groin region.
This should not be mistaken for a groin problem, for example a hernia. The diagnosis of inflammation of the vas deferens includes above all a thorough physical examination. In this way an inflamed and thus swollen spermatic cord can be palpated well, especially in its initial course in the testicles.
Above all, however, it is very easy to distinguish the spermatic cord from other causes and to filter out accompanying problems, such as inflammation of the testicles or prostate. A further clarification is then carried out, e.g. using ultrasound. A CT can also be used to exclude an inguinal hernia.
In addition, urine, blood, smears and prostate secretion can be examined for bacterial infestation in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most suitable antibiotic. In severe cases, the inflammation parameters in the blood can also provide an indication. In urine, microscopic diagnostics, i.e. the question of whether defence cells are found in the urine, plays a role. In addition, microbiological cultivation should be carried out for precise pathogen detection.
