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What Types of Problems Affect the Spermatic Cord?

Donna Johnson
Donna Johnson

In human males, the spermatic cord contains the vas deferens, nerves and blood vessels. Men have two of these structures, one extending from the lower abdomen to each testicle. Problems that may affect the spermatic cord include testicular torsion and indirect inguinal hernia.

The spermatic cord is vital to the function of the testes, as the blood vessels within the cord are the only ones that carry blood to and from the organs. Rarely, the testicle may turn freely within the scrotum. If this occurs, there is a possibility that the cord may also become twisted and cut off blood flow to the testicle, causing cells to die. Testicular torsion requires immediate medical care, as permanent damage and even loss of the testicle may occur in a matter of hours.

Medical attention should be sought immediately if a man experiences testicular torsion.
Medical attention should be sought immediately if a man experiences testicular torsion.

Symptoms of testicular torsion include swelling and redness of the affected testicle, pain, and vomiting. These symptoms may occur very suddenly rather than gradually increasing over time. A man with any of these signs, particularly if there is no known cause, should seek emergency medical attention.

Testicular torsion can be treated with surgery only. During the operation, surgeons attach the testicle to the scrotum to restrict its movement. Often, both testes will be surgically fixed in place at the same time. This is because if a man develops torsion in one testicle, he is likely to experience the condition in the other at some point in his life.

Surgeons attach the testicle to the scrotum during surgery to treat testicular torsion.
Surgeons attach the testicle to the scrotum during surgery to treat testicular torsion.

Another possible problem with the spermatic cord is indirect inguinal hernia. Before birth, the abdomen and scrotum are connected by a passage known as the inguinal canal. It is through this passage that the testicles descend. During infancy, this passage typically closes. If it does not, part of the intestine or abdominal fat may pass through it, causing an indirect inguinal hernia. This condition also requires immediate medical care, due to the risk of bowel obstruction and tissue death from compromised blood flow.

The vas deferens is part of a man's spermatic cord.
The vas deferens is part of a man's spermatic cord.

Indirect inguinal hernias may cause pain, a bulge in the groin and pelvic pressure. More severe symptoms, such as fever, intense pain and reddening of the area, may indicate that the tissue trapped in the inguinal canal is already experiencing a loss of blood supply. Any symptoms of indirect inguinal hernia should be confirmed by a doctor, but the more severe symptoms of this spermatic cord problem indicate an urgent need for medical attention.

Symptoms of a twisted testicle may include nausea and stomach pain.
Symptoms of a twisted testicle may include nausea and stomach pain.

Surgery to repair an indirect inguinal hernia is very simple. The surgeon repositions the affected section of intestine or fat in its proper location in the abdomen. The opening in the inguinal canal is then sewn closed to prevent future hernias. Patches may also be affixed over the inguinal canal to strengthen the repaired area further.

Discussion Comments

anon993520

I've had this problem since I was 14 years age. I am now 65 years of age, I was kicked in the testicles at a very young age, and I feel the left hand side testicle might have been damage.

I went to hospital when I was in serious pain, and being sick, after a while I was okay. I was 15 years old at the time.

In my early twenties, I got married, and used to wear tight jeans. I sometimes used to have time off work, because the pain was unbearable. In 1979 I was rushed to the hospital, and some doctor stuck his finger up my rectum. Why I don't know. Then they gave me a dye test, and in all that time, they couldn't figure it out, until the next morning, a doctor came round and checked my left testicle. It seemed abnormal and lumpy. He seemed surprised, and said, This isn't right."

After all the investigations I was getting nowhere. I noticed every time I was wearing tight shorts or jeans and trousers, the pain would come back.

My solution is whenever it happens, I lie down on the floor, face down, and I will pull my penis to the left side, just above the testicle, and will lie on it, and after 2 to 5 minutes, the pain goes, to my relief.

So don't wear anything tight. Easier said than done.

Some jeans I have got are still tight, and recently I had this problem again, so I'll lie on the floor, and do my business, then, I'll put on track bottoms, then I have no further problems.

I hope this is informative to all you young guys who are experiencing this problem.

Ruggercat68

I've experienced both of the problems mentioned in the article, but fortunately I didn't have to have medical treatment. One time I sat down too quickly and my scrotum became twisted. I could feel cords being pulled, and the pain was indescribably bad. I managed to get back to my feet and release the tension in my groin, but it still hurt for a day or so.

Another time I had to jump from the back of a bus when the driver saw fire, and I landed hard on my feet. I wasn't fully braced for the landing, and I felt an immediate pain in my groin. I think it was an inguinal hernia. Again, I felt the cords get stretched out when I landed. They didn't stay painful for long, but I did notice a swollen testicle later.

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    • Medical attention should be sought immediately if a man experiences testicular torsion.
      By: takasu
      Medical attention should be sought immediately if a man experiences testicular torsion.
    • Surgeons attach the testicle to the scrotum during surgery to treat testicular torsion.
      By: llhedgehogll
      Surgeons attach the testicle to the scrotum during surgery to treat testicular torsion.
    • The vas deferens is part of a man's spermatic cord.
      By: peterjunaidy
      The vas deferens is part of a man's spermatic cord.
    • Symptoms of a twisted testicle may include nausea and stomach pain.
      By: jinga80
      Symptoms of a twisted testicle may include nausea and stomach pain.
    • Surgery is sometimes needed to correct a twisted testicle cord.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Surgery is sometimes needed to correct a twisted testicle cord.