How Vasectomy Procedure Is Done
It is natural to be apprehensive about a medical
procedure. One way to reduce fear is to increase your awareness of what
to expect and how a vasectomy is performed.
Here is what to expect.
A vasectomy surgically blocks the vas deferens, preventing
sperm from becoming part of the seminal fluid that leaves the body at
sexual climax. Vas deferens are the thin tubes in the scrotum that would
normally carry sperm from the testicles to become part of the ejaculate.
When the sperm channel is interrupted, the man becomes sterile and can
no longer father a child.
A typical vasectomy is done in the doctor’s
office. Although your experience may vary somewhat, the following describes
what you can expect…
The two most common vasectomy techniques are the
traditional vasectomy, and the No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV). Both methods
accomplish the same result, but the No-Scalpel Vasectomy has become more
popular with both doctors and patients.
Because the No-Scalpel Vasectomy is widely accepted
as simpler and safer, the information presented in this site favors NSV.
(For more details about the differences between NSV and traditional vasectomy,
see article: SCALPEL vs. NO- SCALPEL VASECTOMY.)
GENERALLY: Some expectations
and considerations.
What a vasectomy is:
- It is a safe and simple male sterilization procedure.
- It is highly effective (over 99 percent), but it is not guaranteed.
- It is considered a permanent procedure. (If you want a reversible birth
control method, see ALTERNATIVES
for additional information.)
What vasectomy isn't:
-
It usually isn't painful - a local anesthetic takes care of that.
-
It isn't as invasive or as expensive as the sterilizaton procedure
for women (tubal ligation).
-
It shouldn't be considered uniformly reversible.
-
It isn’t immediately effective because sperm in the vas deferens
may be viable for many weeks.
What vasectomy doesn't do:
-
It doesn't affect male hormone levels, since testosterone is released
into the bloodstream, not through the vas.
-
It doesn't affect sexual function. Vasectomy doesn't reduce sex drive
or sensation. The semen appears the same, although the sperm is missing.
-
It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
-
A vasectomy will not affect your manliness. The amount and appearance
of semen will not change noticeably and sex will feel the same.
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BEFORE: Preparing
for your vasectomy.
There are some simple things that you can do to get
ready for your office visit in advance of your appointment.
-
Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication (e.g.
Nuprin®, Advil®, Motrin®) for 10 days before the procedure.
Such medication can increase the risk of bleeding.
-
Your doctor may ask you to shave the front portion of the scrotum. Shower
thoroughly and wear or bring clean, snug underwear or an athletic supporter
on the day of your appointment.
-
Arrange in advance for someone to drive you home following the procedure.
While you might feel able to drive, post operative discomfort could become
distracting. For your comfort and safety, it is advisable to arrange for
a ride home.
-
Prepare questions that you may have for your doctor. You will be
asked to sign a consent form stating that you understand the risks
involved and that sterility cannot be guaranteed.
-
Your total appointment may last as much as an hour, but the vasectomy
procedure itself only requires about 20 minutes in most cases.
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DURING: The usual steps in a No-Scalpel
Vasectomy.
Your doctor may describe the routine to expect in
his office, and your experience may differ from these steps. Generally…
-
You will be asked to change into a gown and lie on the exam table.
-
The procedure site will be washed and shaved (if you weren’t
instructed earlier to shave).
-
Sterile drapes will be placed over you to guard against infection.
-
After a local anesthetic is administered, a small puncture is made
in the scrotum. (The punctures in the skin do not require a scalpel.)
-
Either the right or left vas deferens is lifted through this opening.
The vas is cut, and a section may or may not be removed. You may feel
a pulling sensation during this process. The two ends of the vas are
heat sealed (cauterized), tied or clipped, before being returned to
the scrotum.
-
The opposite vas deferens is then lifted through the opening for
the same procedure. The remaining opening can heal with closure by
stitches or naturally without stitches.
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AFTER: Care following the
vasectomy.
Follow your doctor’s instructions. It’s
a good idea to read written instructions in advance, review them with
your spouse and make preparations, if needed.
Any discomfort is usually mild and pain relievers
should be used if necessary. The local anesthetic begins to wear off after
an hour or so. Recovery time after a No-Scalpel Vasectomy is usually less
than after a traditional vasectomy.
To ensure a speedy recovery, look to your own physician
for specific instructions. Here are a few general guidelines following
an uneventful vasectomy:
-
Go directly home and rest; elevate your feet. Plan to stay off your
feet as much as possible for a couple of days.
-
Your physician will likely prescribe an analgesic (pain pill) to
control the pain after the local anesthetic wears off.
-
Apply an ice pack to the scrotum periodically during the first 24
hours after the procedure to ease swelling.
-
Wear snug cotton briefs or an athletic supporter to help apply pressure
against the procedure area and for support of the scrotum for the
first week or two.
-
Your semen will be collected (usually at home) and examined under
a microscope at approximately four to six weeks and possibly later
after surgery to assure that no sperm remain.
-
Contact your doctor if you experience fever and chills, increasing
pain, drainage (sign of infection), a growing mass (sign of internal
bleeding or infection), or other concerns.
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In Summary:
- A vasectomy is safe, simple, effective and permanent, but sterility is
not immediate.
- It is normally done in a doctor’s office and requires about 20 minutes.
- It does not affect sexual function.
- Your doctor may instruct you to not take aspirin or other medication in
advance of the procedure.
- Prepare any questions to review with your doctor in order to make an informed
decision.
- The No-Scalpel Vasectomy does not require a scalpel; there are no incisions
(only two small punctures), and frequently, no stitches.
- Pain or discomfort following the procedure usually is mild and controlled
with medication. Return to work is typical in a week or less.
- Carefully review and follow the instructions and information from your doctor.
Check out related pages from vasectomy.com…
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