Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a permanent, surgical sterilization procedure in which a portion of each vas deferens (sperm tube) is removed. This prevents the release of sperm cells into the ejaculate.
It is intended for couples who are certain that they do not want any more children.

A local anesthetic (lidocaine, xylocaine) is injected into the skin of the scrotum and then along the vas deferens (vas).
A small incision is made through the skin, exposing the vas.
A small segment of the vas is tied off with suture or a metal clip, cut, and removed.
Your doctor may then cauterize (burn) the ends of the vas with an electrical current.
The ends of the vas are then returned to the scrotum.
Your doctor may either place absorbable sutures or briefly use a clamp to bring the skin edges together.
The procedure is then repeated on the opposite side.

Any surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, but the risk tends to be small with a vasectomy.
Pain: generally minor. It tends to be worst when the local anesthetic is injected.
Bleeding: tends to be minimal. Although, there is a small risk of a large collection of blood in the scrotum (scrotal hematoma). Rarely, a scrotal hematoma will need to be drained. Bleeding can be minimized by avoiding anti-inflammatory medicines (aspirin, Motrin, Naprosyn) for 7-10 days prior to the procedure.
Infection: vasectomy-related infections are rare. Although, your incisions may drain a small amount of straw colored fluid for a couple days.
Swelling and Brusing: A small amount of swelling and skin discoloration is to be expected. Swelling can be minimized by closely following your doctor's post-op instructions concerning using ice and limiting your activity after your vasectomy.
Failure of the Procedure: Even when performed correctly, a vasectomy will fail in between 1 in 200 and 1 in 1500 cases. This is a lower failure rate than other commonly used contraceptives.
Removal of the Wrong Tissue: Very rarely, a portion of something other than the vas is removed. This could result in permanent damage to or loss of the testicle.

Generally, no.
Having a vasectomy will NOT affect a man's sex drive or his ability to perform sexually. A vasectomy is not castration.
Ejaculation will not change other than sperm cells not being present. There is no change to the quantity, color, or consistency of the ejaculate.
There is no increased risk of prostate cancer.
Urination is not affected as a vasectomy is performed far away from the urethra and bladder

Yes. Most reliable methods either alter a woman's reproductive hormones or block the meeting of the egg and sperm.
Highly effective birth control methods are abstinence, oral contraceptive pills ("the pill"), the intrauterine device (IUD), Depo-Provera injections ("the shot"), Norplant, and tubal ligation.
All of these methods except the tubal ligation are intended to be reversible.
Less effective methods include withdrawal (pulling out), the rhythm method (natural family planning), condoms, and a diaphragm.
Please ask your doctor about the advantages, drawbacks, and failure rates of these methods if you have a question.

Obtain permission from your work to miss 2 days and have a week of light duty before scheduling the procedure.
Have someone to drive you to and from the clinic.
Your doctor may ask you to shave the scrotal area. Use electric clippers/beard trimmer the night before the procedure. Do NOT use a blade razor (Ouch!!). Only shave the scrotum, there is no need to shave the rest of the pubic hair. Only shave if asked to do so by your doctor.
Shower with warm, soapy water before the procedure.
Wear workout clothes to the clinic and bring either a jock strap or tight briefs to wear home (No Boxers!!).
Bring your health record to the clinic on the day of your procedure.

Your doctor may give you a mild sedative (Ativan or Valium) before the procedure to help you relax.
Tylenol or Motrin is generally all that is needed to control pain after a vasectomy. Occasionally, your doctor may prescribe a narcotic pain reliever.
Please inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications.

For the first 2 days, limited activity is recommended.
An ice pack wrapped in a dish towel should be applied to the scrotum 3-4 times per day for the first couple days after the vasectomy to minimize swelling.
Two days off work is generally recommended, followed by 7-10 days of light duty.
Please inform your work prior to scheduling a vasectomy.
It is recommended that you wait at least 4-5 days before resuming sexual activity.

NO!!
It takes approximately 6 weeks or 15-20 ejaculations for sperm cells in the "plumbing" system north of the vasectomy site to be flushed out.
You and your partner must use another form of birth control until a semen analysis shows no sperm.
Contact your doctor 6 weeks after your vasectomy to arrange for a semen analysis to ensure you are sterile.
If sperm are still present on the first semen analysis, you will need to repeat the semen analysis periodically until it shows no sperm. You are still fertile until the seman analysis shows no sperm.

A vasectomy is a permanent sterilization procedure.
It is NOT for couples who are uncertain about having more children.
Your partner is encouraged to come to your pre-op appointment or to call if she has any questions.
Call us as soon as possible if you change your mind about having a vasectomy or if you need to reschedule your procedure.