Vasectomy
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is surgery a man may choose to have if he does not want to father any more
children. It is lasting (permanent) male birth control.
During the surgery, 2 tubes called the vas deferens are cut and sealed. The vas
deferens carry sperm from testicles to the urethra. The urethra is the tube inside the
penis. Once they are cut, sperm can’t get into the semen or out of the body. The testes
still make sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body.
A
man who has had a vasectomy still makes semen and is able to ejaculate. But the semen
doesn’t contain sperm. The testosterone level and all other male sex traits stays the
same. For most men, the ability to have an erection is unchanged.
The
procedure to reverse a vasectomy doesn’t always work.
Types of vasectomy
-
Conventional vasectomy. Small cuts are made on each side of the scrotum
to reach the vas deferens.
-
No
scalpel vasectomy. This method is done through 1 tiny hole in the skin. A
tool is used to gently stretch the skin opening so that the vas deferens can be
reached. Because no cuts are made, there is little bleeding and no stitches. It
heals quickly with little or no scarring.
Why might I need a vasectomy?
Choosing a vasectomy as a form of birth control may be a good choice if:
- You are an adult male.
- You are in a stable relationship and both partners agree to permanent birth control.
- Pregnancy would be a health risk for your partner.
- You or your partner has a genetic disorder that you don’t want to pass on to a child.
Vasectomy may not be the best choice for you if:
- You are
not sure if you want to have children in the future.
- You may have other partners in the future.
- You plan to have children by reversing your vasectomy.
What are the risks of a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is very safe, but all surgeries carry some risks. Some possible risks of
vasectomy include:
- An inflammatory reaction to sperm that spill during surgery called sperm granuloma which can cause a tender lump under the skin
- Epididymitis or orchitis (painful, swollen, and tender epididymis, or testis) may occur after vasectomy. This most often occurs during the first year after surgery.
- Infection
- In rare
cases, the vas deferens may grow back together. This could cause an unwanted
pregnancy.
- Pain that lasts long after surgery
- Short-term bleeding, swelling, and bruising
A
man can often start having sex again soon after vasectomy. But another birth control
method should be used. This is because some sperm may stay in the vas deferens for some
time after surgery. Other birth control should be used until the surgeon tests the semen
to be sure there are no sperm left. This is often about 3 months after surgery.
There
may be other risks, depending on your specific health condition. Talk with your
healthcare provider about any concerns you have.
How do I get ready for a vasectomy?
- Your
healthcare provider will explain the procedure and you can ask questions.
- You
will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Read the form carefully and ask
questions if anything is not clear.
- Tell
your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines,
latex, tape, or anesthesia.
- Check
that your healthcare provider has a list of all medicines (prescribed and
over-the-counter), herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking.
- Talk
with your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you
are taking any blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other
medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop these medicines before the
surgery.
- If you
smoke, stop as soon as possible. This will improve your recovery from surgery and
your overall health status.
- Your
healthcare provider will tell you about any other specific things you need to do to
get ready for surgery. Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking
before the procedure. You may also be given instructions for cleaning your scrotal
area before surgery. You may be asked to bring a jockstrap to wear after
surgery.
- Ask your
healthcare provider if you will need someone to drive you home.
Based on your health condition, your healthcare provider may ask for other specific
preparation.
What happens during a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is almost always done under local anesthesia. That means the area is numbed,
but you are awake. It takes about 30 minutes and is done as an outpatient. This means
you go home the same day.
Generally, vasectomy follows this process:
- You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that might get in the way during procedure.
- You will remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown.
- You will be asked to empty your bladder.
- You will lie on your back on an exam table.
- Your scrotum may be shaved and cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- The
surgeon will inject a numbing medicine into your scrotal area. You will likely be
awake for the procedure.
- The surgeon will make a small cut in your upper scrotal area to find the vas deferens.
- You may feel a tugging feeling as the surgeon pulls the vas deferens into the opening.
- Your vas deferens will be cut and small clamps or ties may be used on both ends.
- The surgeon will then do the same procedure on the other side of your scrotum. In some cases, both vas deferens can be reached through the same hole.
- In many cases, the cuts are so small that stitches are not needed. In some cases, small stitches or skin glue may be used to close the cuts.
What happens after a vasectomy?
You
will likely be able to go home right after surgery. Ask your surgeon what type of
medicine you may use for pain. You may be told to use an ice pack for the first day to
reduce pain and swelling. Here is what you may expect during recovery:
- Rest at
home the day after surgery. Don't do any strenuous activity.
- Depending on the type of work you do, you may be able to go back in 1 to 3
days.
- You
should be able to return to most activities in a week.
- You may need to wear a jock strap for a few days.
- You may
be able to return to sexual activity in about a week. But you still need to use birth
control.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
- A lump
in your scrotum
- Any
drainage, bleeding, redness, or swelling
- Fever
- Chills
- Increasing pain or pain that is not eased by medicine
- Trouble
passing urine
Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your situation.
Next steps
Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
- The name of the test or procedure
- The reason you are having the test or procedure
- What results to expect and what they mean
- The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
- What the possible side effects or complications are
- When and where you are to have the test or procedure
- Who will do the test or procedure and what that person’s qualifications are
- What would happen if you did not have the test or procedure
- Any alternative tests or procedures to think about
- When and how will you get the results
- Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems
- How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure