General Information
What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a simple and effective surgical procedure for permanent contraception (birth control) in men.
It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
This prevents sperm from reaching the semen ejaculated during intercourse.
Why Choose Vasectomy?
Permanent birth control: Vasectomy is a long-lasting and permanent method of contraception.
Safe and effective: It is a safe and highly effective procedure with a very low risk of complications.
No hormones: Unlike many other forms of birth control, vasectomy does not involve hormones, so it won't affect your libido or hormone levels.
Quick and minimally invasive: The procedure is typically completed in under 30 minutes as an outpatient surgery with minimal discomfort.
Description of the Procedure
Local anesthesia is administered with a needle to numb the scrotal area.
Two small incisions are made, one on each side of the scrotum. The vas deferens are accessed via these incisions.
The vas deferens are cut and a segment is removed to prevent the passage of sperm. The ends of the vas are cauterized or tied off and tissue is interposed between the cut ends with a stitch.
The incision is closed with stitches that will dissolve.
There are some centers that offer a “no scalpel vasectomy” - this technique has no difference in terms of surgical success or recovery.
The surgical technique used should be whichever one your surgeon is most comfortable with.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Pain: Mild pain or discomfort in the scrotal area is common but temporary. A very small percentage of patients (1-2%) experience long-lasting testicular pain that may require additional surgery to improve. This is called post-vasectomy pain syndrome and is thought to be due to nerve damage.
Swelling and bruising are typical after the procedure but should resolve within a week.
In very rare cases (<1%), the procedure can fail, leading to a continued fertility.
This is why it is very important to follow up with your post-vasectomy semen analysis to ensure that the procedure was a success.
Is Vasectomy Reversible?
While vasectomy is considered permanent, it is possible to attempt a vasectomy reversal. However, success rates are low, and reversal is not guaranteed. In addition, insurance usually does not cover the procedure to reverse a vasectomy.
Post-Operative Instructions
***DISCLAIMER***
The below instructions are provided to Dr Alford’s patients. If you are undergoing a procedure with a different surgeon, please follow the discharge instructions that were given to you at discharge.
Wound Care
You may shower the day after your procedure.
After that time, you may shower normally, but try not to scrub near the incision areas until they are completely healed.
No baths or submerging in water for 2 weeks after surgery.
There may be some bleeding from the incisions. Apply gentle pressure until it stops.
You may use a scrotal supporter for comfort. You may stop using it whenever you feel comfortable to do so. Supportive underwear is encouraged.
Some swelling is to be expected. If the swelling appears to be excessive (i.e. the scrotum is the size of a grapefruit), then call the office for further instructions.
Using a cold pack can help alleviate swelling.
Medications
You may take tylenol or ibuprofen for pain.
You will not be prescribed any narcotics or opioids after this procedure.
Activity
No heavy lifting or strenuous activity/exercise for 2 weeks after surgery.
You may resume sexual activity whenever you feel comfortable to.
As soon as you feel well enough, you may go back to work. This is typically about 48 hours after surgery (ie: if you have surgery on Monday, you can return to work on Wednesday).
Post-Operative Follow-up
No in-person post-op appointments with your urologist are necessary.
Please remember that you are NOT considered sterile until your semen is checked for sperm and you are told it is safe to stop contraception.
This semen analysis is done 10 to 12 weeks after your vasectomy.
If your initial post-vasectomy semen analysis is positive for live sperm, you will be asked to make another appointment to bring in another specimen two weeks after the first.
Once we have confirmed the absence of sperm in your semen, you will be able to stop alternative forms of birth control.