Vasectomy: Top 10 Questions & Answers!
What men - and their wives - want to know. Here is a checklist
of some of the most frequently asked questions (in no specific order), and the
answers that doctors provide.
A man and his spouse should carefully consider what they
want to know before deciding about a vasectomy. It's important that every couple
to be fully informed and aware.
The more time a couple spends in becoming educated about
a vasectomy…or any procedure, for that matter…the greater confidence they will
have in making a decision that is right for them and their situation.
The following Questions and Answers may be helpful as a
checklist to what is commonly asked by others. Compare this list with your concerns,
and explore the other pages of this Web site for additional information, topics
and considerations.
Always discuss your issues with the doctor of your choice.
Basically, what is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure used by urologic
surgeons to make a man sterile. It is one of the most popular forms of contraception
in the United States and worldwide, and is regarded as safe, simple and highly
effective. A vasectomy is performed by cutting the vas deferens, the small tube
that carries sperm from the man's testicles to become part of his semen. Although
the man continues to have sexual intercourse and climax as before, his semen
does not contain sperm and he cannot father a child following a vasectomy.
What is a "No-Scalpel" Vasectomy (NSV)?
The No-Scalpel technique is one of two main methods surgeons
use to perform a vasectomy. Many doctors favor the No-Scalpel method because
- unlike the traditional vasectomy approach - a scalpel is not required and
there are no incisions (only one or two small punctures in the skin). In addition,
the NSV often results in less discomfort after the procedure with a reduced
risk of bleeding or infection. Also, there is no perceptible scaring.
How long does the No-Scalpel procedure and recovery take?
The procedure itself usually takes about 15 minutes, sometimes
less. However, including the office routine, paperwork and preparation, the
total time in a doctor's office may be about an hour. The procedure is likely
to produce tenderness, discomfort and slight swelling in the first two or three
days afterwards, with a return to nearly all usual activities typically within
a week. (Follow your doctor's instructions carefully, take your time and use
the schedule that is right for you.)
How effective is a No-Scalpel vasectomy?
A vasectomy of any type ranks among the most effective
means of protection from pregnancy. Although no procedure is totally safe or
effective, the failure rate for a vasectomy is less than one percent. (By comparison,
the failure rate for latex condoms is 12 percent or more; for diaphragms, it's
18 percent.) Couples who want a highly reliable and permanent form of contraception
often opt for a vasectomy where the success rate is over 99 percent.
Does it work immediately?
No, any vasectomy does not make you sterile right away,
and you'll want to continue using some other means to guard against pregnancy
until your doctor tells you otherwise. Immediately after a vasectomy, active
sperm remain in the semen for a period of time. It may take 15 to 20 ejaculations
and several weeks before your semen is free of sperm. Your doctor will test
the semen, perhaps several times over several weeks, and let you know when you
can safely consider the vasectomy to be complete. This may be as long as two
months.
What happens to the sperm?
This is a mystery to some people, but the answer is both
normal and natural. The body absorbs unused sperm cells normally - whether or
nor you've had a vasectomy. After the procedure, the testicles will continue
to produce sperm, but they will not leave the body in the semen. They dissolve
and are simply and naturally absorbed by the body.
Will my sex life be affected?
A vasectomy only blocks sperm and does not affect your
sexual drive, your ability to have an erection, orgasm or ejaculation or your
ability to have and enjoy sex. Sperm is only a small fraction of the total liquid
in your semen. The amount of fluid, intensity - even color and texture - does
not appear to change when sperm is absent. Male hormones continue in the bloodstream,
and secondary characteristics (such as beard or voice) do not change. Some couples
say their relationship is improved by not having to worry about contraceptive
techniques or unplanned pregnancy.
What is the cost of a No-Scalpel vasectomy?
The actual cost of the procedure ranges from $400 to $1,200
but this cost is covered under many health insurance programs. You will want
to ask your insurance company or HMO if any or all of this cost is provided
under the benefits of your coverage. (As a point of reference, this cost is
significantly lower than the sterilization operation for women - tubal ligation.)
Are there risks or complications?
Yes, as with any surgical procedure, there could be complications
and you should ask your doctor to go over these carefully with you. However,
any type of vasectomy ranks among the safest procedures and the majority of
complications, if any, are usually minor and easily treated. These include a
chance of infection, bleeding or transient bruising, temporary swelling or fluid
accumulation.
Following the procedure, some men experience pain, often
as a dull ache, caused by a pressure on the miniature tubes of the epididymis.
This is usually treated successfully with medication, but the removal of the
epididymis is sometimes recommended.
Some studies have found that some men, who had a vasectomy
20 years earlier, have a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer than others
who did not have a vasectomy. Most other studies did not support those results.
The American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society recommend
that men over the age of 50 should have a regular prostatic examination and
a PSA blood test to help detect early prostate changes. This recommendation
is the same for all men in this age range (50 to 70), including those who have
had a vasectomy and those who have not had the procedure.
For a more recent study looking at a group of nearly 2000 men and concluding
that there is no increased risk of prostate cancer after a vasectomy,
you can see the abstract at The
Journal of the American Medical Association.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
You should consider any vasectomy to be permanent. There
are delicate microsurgery operations that may be able to reverse the effects
of a vasectomy, but there is no assurance that the flow of sperm can be restored
or pregnancy will result in every case. The likelihood of success can vary greatly
depending on individual circumstances, including how much time has passed since
the vasectomy. If you are seriously considering a vasectomy, it's best to assume
that it will be a permanent change.
In Summary:
- Be prepared to ask a lot of questions; informed decisions are best.
- Always discuss your issues with the doctor of your choice.
- A vasectomy is a simple, safe and highly effective procedure.
- The No-Scalpel method is often favored over the traditional vasectomy.
- Results are not immediate; it may be weeks before sterility is complete.
- Vasectomy does not change your ability to have an erection or enjoy
sex.
- The procedure is safe, risks are low and complications are rare.
- A vasectomy should be considered permanent and may not be able to
be reversed later.
Check out related pages from vasectomy.com…
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