​What is the Vas Deferens?

​​What is the vas deferens?
The vas deferens is part of the male reproductive system. The vas deferens consists of two ducts whose purpose is to carry ejaculatory sperm out of the epididymis. The left and right vas deferens connect each side of the epididymis to a male body’s ejaculatory ducts. Each vas deferens is supplied by an artery, which branches out of the superior vesicle artery.

Each vas deferens is a tube that is approximately one foot (12 inches) in length and protected by smooth muscle mass. This muscle mass contracts reflexively during ejaculation in a process called peristalsis during orgasm. This is the process that allows sperm to flow through the vas deferens and reach the urethra. On its way, the sperm collects secretions from the prostate gland, bulbourethral glands, and seminal vesicles.

A permanent incision is made in each vas deferens during a vasectomy, a male contraception method. A modern method of male contraception and birth control in research development today involves the injection of material into the vas deferens to obstruct sperm flow. Researchers are working on ensuring that this new method of vasectomy is safe and reversible.

Read more about reversible vasectomies and other vas-occlusive male birth control devices here.

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