Anatomy & Terms

Here are some basic terms to explain the anatomy and functions related to no scalpel vasectomy, vasectomies and vasectomy reversal.

Terms

Testicle

A testicle is one of two male reproductive glands that produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone. It is also known as the testis. Both testicles (plural testes) are held in the scrotum.

Epididymis

The epididymis is a structure where sperm is stored and matures. One epididymis is attached to the back side of each testicle, from where it also transports sperm to the vas deferens.

Vas Deferens

The vas deferens is one of two small muscular tubes that connects to the urethra and out the penis. Also referred to as the vas (plural vasa), each tube is approximately 14 inches long by 0.1 inch wide. Its function is to act as a conduit to carry sperm from the testes out through the penis via the urethra (see diagram).

Scrotum

The external sac of skin which encloses the testes.

Semen

Semen is a mixture of sperm cells and seminal secretions - less than 1% sperm to 99% secretions by volume. The volume of each ejaculate of semen is approximately 2 to 6 cc. Each cc of semen normally contains approximately 100 million sperm cells.

Seminal Vesicle

One of two glands (plural seminal vesicles) that produce a component of seminal secretions.

Prostate

A small gland at the base of the male bladder that also contributes to seminal secretions.

Urethra

A tube that carries semen and urine through the penis outside the body.

Patency

Allowing free passage; unblocked.

NSV

No-scalpel vasectomy. See the no-scalpel vasectomy section.

Vasectomy

Refers to vas deferens and -ectomy, the action of cutting and blocking off. Other examples of -ectomy include appendectomy and tonsillectomy.

Vasectomy Reversal

A procedure of re-opening the vas deferens to re-introduce sperm to semen. See the vasectomy reversal section.

Vasovasostomy

A surgical procedure for vasectomy reversal. In its simplest case, it reconnects the two cut and blocked vas deferens.

Vasoepididymostomy

A surgical procedure for vasectomy reversal which entails connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis.

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