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Vasectomy Information
How Should I Prepare for a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is usually performed in your doctor’s office, surgery center, or hospital on an outpatient basis. In preparation for the procedure, you should refrain from anything that causes anti-coagulation or “thins the blood” such as anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin, Aleve, Advil or aspirin. You should also shave the area, the same day as the procedure. You should also shower the morning of the procedure with an antibacterial soap such as Lever 2000 or Dial.
If the procedure is done in the office under local anesthetic only, you are permitted to eat prior to the procedure and will be able to drive yourself home afterwards. If done under sedation or general anesthesia, you should not eat after Midnight prior to the procedure and, afterwards, someone will need to drive you home.
You should also bring supportive underwear with you.
How Long Does It Take?
A vasectomy usually takes about 15-30 minutes.
How is a vasectomy accomplished?
First, a local anesthetic will be administered. Then usually one or two small openings(s) is/are made in the scrotum. After making the small opening, the doctor will divide the tubes (also known as the vasa) that carry the sperm , removing about 1 cm from each tube. This is done to reduce the possibility of the vasa rejoining. If sutures (stiches) are used, they will dissolve by themselves.
What Is a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
This refers to the fact that instead of using a scalpel, an opening in the skin is made using a sharp clamp.
How Will I Feel After the Procedure?
Soreness typically lasts a few days but can go on for up to 2 weeks. Some minor bleeding (enough to stain a bandage), some discomfort, and mild swelling in the area of the opening are common. Bruising of the skin of the scrotum and the base of the penis can occur. Rarely, there may be blood in the ejaculate the first or second ejaculation after vasectomy.
If a patient has discomfort for more than 2 weeks, they should come in for treatment to prevent PVPS (post vasectomy pain syndrome) from developing.
Rarely, bleeding after vasectomy can form a blood clot or “hematoma”. A small clot will probably dissolve by itself in time. A very large hematoma may need a procedure for drainage in a hospital setting.
Will I Miss Any Days at Work?
Most men return to work after 2 or 3 days. Some men choose to recuperate over a weekend so they don’t miss any work. Your doctor will tell you to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for up to 2 weeks after your vasectomy.
Is the Procedure Always Successful?
Semen is sperm-free in almost all men following a vasectomy. Failure, defined as persistent sperm in the ejaculate, occurs in two out of every 1000 vasectomies. In the event of a vasectomy failure, a second or redo vasectomy can be considered.
What should I do after the vasectomy is over?
Ice or something cold should be applied (off and on) to the testicles over the next 24 to 36 hours; Tylenol extra strength is recommended for discomfort for the first 24 hours. An anti-inflammatory medication should (ideally) be started the day after the procedure for at least a few days. Examples of anti-inflammatories included Motrin, Aleve and Advil. You can shower the same or the next day but avoid pools or baths for a week.
When Will I Be Able to Resume Normal Sexual Activity?
You should postpone sexual activity for 1 week. Birth control should be continued until your doctor states that you are able to have unprotected relations. You will be asked to bring one or more specimens of ejaculate for examination under a microscope to your follow-up visit. Most doctors suggest a minimum of 3-4 months with a minimum of 20 ejaculations before the first semen analysis. We only require one normal volume specimen, negative for the presence of sperm.
Will My Masculinity Be Affected?
No. The testicles continue normal testosterone production after vasectomy and the desire for sex as well as the ability to have an erection are not affected.
Can a Vasectomy be Reversed?
Vasectomy should be considered as a permanent procedure. It is not appropriate for men who plan to have children in the future. However, with the death of a child or spouse, or in a case of divorce, it may be possible to reverse this procedure. Surgical sperm retrieval in coordination with in vitro fertilization is another option to achieve pregnancy after vasectomy. However, neither vasectomy reversal nor surgical sperm retrieval with IVF are 100% successful. Therefore, you should approach a vasectomy as if you are making an irreversible decision.
Some men choose to place one or several sperm samples in a sperm bank prior to their vasectomy. This can be viewed as a type of insurance in case a man changes his mind. Sperm banking, however, only saves a limited supply of sperm and does not guarantee fertility.
Are there any other options for birth control?
If you are unsure about your plans to have a child or additional children, there are several nonsurgical alternatives for you and your partner to consider. Many are highly effective when used correctly.
You should also remember that there is no form of birth control that is free from potential complications, except abstinence. If you decide against having a vasectomy but are certain you and your partner do not want to have children or any more children, other forms of birth control include, but are not limited to Condoms, IUDs (intrauterine device) and oral contraceptives, and salpingectomy (ovarian tube removal).
