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What is the Spermatic Cord?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The spermatic cord is a collection of layered tissues and bundled fibers which pass through the abdomen and into the testes in males. As a general rule, men have two of these cords, one for each testicle. These cords play a number of roles in the male body, including acting as a conduit for semen. Issues with the spermatic cord can lead to pelvic pain and infertility, making it important to receive treatment if a problem with the spermatic cord is identified or suspected.

Anatomical drawings often simplify the spermatic cord, labeling it as the vas deferens. While the vas deferens does indeed run through this anatomical structure, this cord also carries blood vessels and nerves which supply the testes. It is surrounded by several tough layers of connective tissue which protect the contents from trauma, impingement, and other potential threats.

As a general rule, men have two spermatic cords, one for each testicle.
As a general rule, men have two spermatic cords, one for each testicle.

One concern with the spermatic cord is that it is vulnerable to testicular torsion, in which the testicle twists and cuts off the blood supply. If torsion is not treated promptly, it can lead to tissue death because the flow of blood to the testicle is interruption. Torsion is usually painful, which makes it easy to identify, and it can be treated with a surgical procedure in which the offending testicle is repositioned and fixed in place.

The spermatic cord is often referred to as the vas deferens.
The spermatic cord is often referred to as the vas deferens.

Another tissue is indirect inguinal hernia, in which the contents of the abdomen push past the inguinal ring. The spermatic cord can be involved in such herniations, with the herniation impinging upon the cord and impeding its function. Surgery can also be used to treat this medical issue and help a man retain his fertility.

In a vasectomy procedure, the spermatic cord is not actually severed. Instead, the vas deferens is severed so that semen cannot travel along it. Because the cord and surrounding structures are left intact, the testes are still fully supported, so changes should not be observed in their position after the procedure. Since sperm can linger in the cord, it is advisable to use a backup method of birth control until a test confirms that a man's ejaculate does not contain sperm.

Since sperm can linger in the spermatic cord, it is important to use a backup method of birth control until it can be confirmed that a man's ejaculate does not contain sperm.
Since sperm can linger in the spermatic cord, it is important to use a backup method of birth control until it can be confirmed that a man's ejaculate does not contain sperm.

Men who experience testicular pain or pain in their abdomens should make an appointment to see a doctor. If the pain is caused by torsion, permanent damage can happen in a matter of hours. A hernia is a less serious emergent condition, but one which still needs to be identified and addressed in a timely fashion to reduce the risk of complications.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

geekish

@amysamp - Turns out swollen testes can be testicular torsion which is considered a serious condition.

With such being said, calling 911 is in order for swollen testes! Though I am sure you would be hard up to find a guy that would fight you on that one.

amysamp

If you have a swollen testicle, might you have testicular torsion? Or is it only when you are having spermatic cord pain that you have testicular torsion.

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    • As a general rule, men have two spermatic cords, one for each testicle.
      By: peterjunaidy
      As a general rule, men have two spermatic cords, one for each testicle.
    • The spermatic cord is often referred to as the vas deferens.
      By: joshya
      The spermatic cord is often referred to as the vas deferens.
    • Since sperm can linger in the spermatic cord, it is important to use a backup method of birth control until it can be confirmed that a man's ejaculate does not contain sperm.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Since sperm can linger in the spermatic cord, it is important to use a backup method of birth control until it can be confirmed that a man's ejaculate does not contain sperm.
    • Men who experience testicular pain should make an appointment to see a doctor.
      By: Burlingham
      Men who experience testicular pain should make an appointment to see a doctor.
    • An inguinal hernia may require surgery.
      By: araraadt
      An inguinal hernia may require surgery.
    • A man who experiences pain in his testicles should be examined by a doctor.
      By: GordonGrand
      A man who experiences pain in his testicles should be examined by a doctor.
    • The cause of testicular pain may be detected during an ultrasound screening.
      By: jovannig
      The cause of testicular pain may be detected during an ultrasound screening.
    • Men with testicular pain may also experience pain in their abdomen.
      By: Grafvision
      Men with testicular pain may also experience pain in their abdomen.
    • Abdominal pain caused by torsion may cause permanent damage in a matter of hours.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Abdominal pain caused by torsion may cause permanent damage in a matter of hours.