Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a procedure wherein the vas deferens or “sperm duct” is cut and cauterized, or sutured closed, thus preventing sperm from leaving the body. A vasectomy is a safe, effective, and permanent method of birth control for men. After a successful vasectomy, you will not be able to get a partner pregnant.
A vasectomy typically takes about 30 minutes.
Risks
Severe pain in the scrotum
Bleeding in the scrotum
Infection of the skin around the incision
If you have any of these possible complications, let your doctor know.
What to expect
Prior to the procedure
Men who are considering a vasectomy usually have a consult visit before the procedure. At this visit, the doctor will explain the procedure and answer any questions. At the consult visit the doctor will discuss the procedure, risks, and potential complications. It is preferable, but not required, for a man to bring his partner to this visit.
During the procedure
Most vasectomies are performed in the office and take around 30 minutes. The doctor finds the vas deferens by feeling through the skin of the scrotum. A local anesthetic is injected under the skin using a very small needle. Only the area around the vas deferens becomes numb. The injection of the local anesthetic will sting briefly. Once the area is numb, some men will still feel a pulling and/or cramping sensation during the procedure. To expose the vas deferens, a small incision is made. A loop of vas is brought to the surface, and a small segment is removed. One or both of the cut surfaces of the vas are then either cauterized, tied off, or clipped. Once the procedure is complete on one vas deferens, the other side is treated. Often, the second vas can be treated through the same initial incision. Once the second vas has been cut, the skin edges are closed with dissolvable stiches.
After the procedure
You may go home a few minutes after the vasectomy is completed but should avoid driving if narcotics or benzodiazepines were used during the procedure. You should also avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about a week. Avoid submerging your incision for 2 weeks. Applying an ice pack intermittently on top of your underwear helps minimize discomfort and swelling. Sexual intercourse can be resumed after a week, but a backup method of birth control is necessary until testing is done to confirm that sperm are no longer present in the ejaculate (usually at three months after the procedure). Men need to ejaculate at least 20 times to clear the ducts of sperm before the three-month check.