Vasectomy Services
Specialties
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is one of the safest and most effective methods of permanent birth control. It is much safer and less expensive than the other most common contraceptive surgery, tubal ligation. For these reasons, some 500,000 men in North America choose vasectomy each year.
Our expert urologists perform minimally invasive vasectomy as an outpatient procedure. To find out how a vasectomy can help you leave birth control worries behind, give us a call!
What to Expect?
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking vitamin supplements, aspirin or ibuprofen several days to one week before your vasectomy. Anti-inflammatory medications thin the blood and could cause excessive bleeding. Notify your urologist if you are taking any blood thinners. You may eat a light meal before your procedure.
During the procedure:
- Your procedure is performed in our office using local anesthesia
- Your urologist will make a small incision (less than 1 centimeter) in the scrotum or perform a “no-scalpel” vasectomy in which a special instrument makes a small puncture in the scrotum instead of two small incisions.
- Various techniques are then used to block the passage of sperm through the vas deferens.
After the vasectomy:
- Most patients can drive home afterward.
- To minimize discomfort, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, an ice pack and/or an athletic supporter.
- Contact your doctor if you experience fever, chills, increasing pain or significant swelling and bruising.
- Your doctor will give you instructions for resuming work and sexual activity.
- You must use other forms of birth control until your doctor assures you that your vasectomy is completely effective. This may take several months until all of the sperm left in the upper part of the vas deferens is ejaculated.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Expect After a Vasectomy?
After surgery, the scrotal compartment may be sore for a few days. Pain medications will be provided. Icing to the scrotum (above the fabric of underwear) will be performed for a minimum of 24 hours. The first shower will occur 48 hours after the vasectomy. Generally, two or three day’s rest is enough recovery before men return to work. No-strenuous physical activity for the first week. Sex can be resumed 7 days after the procedure and will begin to eliminate the residual sperm. After 20 ejaculates a semen specimen will be checked by a laboratory to ensure zero(0) sperm count has been achieved. This is the desired endpoint called sterility.
Can I stop other birth control methods right away?
Are there any long term health risks?
No. Many studies have looked at the long-term health effects of a vasectomy. The evidence is reassuring, suggesting that no significant risks exist. Men who have a vasectomy are no more likely than other men to develop cancer, heart disease, or other health problems.
How will I be affected by a vasectomy?
Your penis and testes are not altered. All hormonal and sexual functions are completely unaffected, so your voice, body hair, and interest in sex remain the same. Your body still produces semen, and erections and ejaculations occur normally. The only difference is that your semen will no longer contain sperm. As before, the body naturally absorbs unused sperm.
Is a Vasectomy Painful?
No. You may feel mild discomfort when the local anesthetic is given. After it takes effect, you should feel no pain, though some men feel a slight “tugging” sensation as the vasa are manipulated. After surgery, you may be a little sore for a few days. Generally, two or three day’s rest is recovery enough before men return to work and most normal, no-strenuous physical activity. Sex can usually be resumed 7 days after the procedure.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
In many cases, the cut ends of the vas deferens can be surgically reattached. However, this operation, a vasovasostomy, is expensive and, for a variety of reasons, does not guarantee a return to fertility. A vasectomy should therefore be considered a permanent procedure.
Before you choose to have a vasectomy, make sure that you and your partner do no want any more children.