A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy by cutting or blocking the vas deferens. It’s important to consider the benefits and risks when deciding whether this surgery is right for you.
A vasectomy is a form of birth control. It prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation.
During the procedure, a surgeon cuts or blocks a tube called the vas deferens. The vas deferens is the duct that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
Although vasectomy is theoretically reversible, the reversal doesn’t always work. You may want to consider vasectomy only if you’re certain you don’t want to have any (or any more) children.
Read on to learn about vasectomies, how they’re done, what recovery is like, and more.
A vasectomy is a procedure that stops sperm from being present in semen so that it can’t cause pregnancy.
One factor for pregnancy to potentially occur is that sperm must be present in semen. This means it must travel from the testicles to the urethra. Sealing or cutting the vas deferens tube prevents sperm from reaching the urethra.
A vasectomy is one of the most effective methods of birth control. Pregnancy may occur in approximately 1 out of every 2,000 couples where the partner with a penis has had a vasectomy.
A vasectomy must be performed in a doctor’s office or a medical facility. It’s a minor surgery, but it’s still surgery.
Most vasectomies are performed by urologists. These are specialists who focus on conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive health.
Two common types of vasectomies exist: conventional and no-scalpel.
Both of these procedures typically involve a local anesthetic. In some cases, a doctor may advise a hospital visit and general anesthesia instead.
While most individuals who receive general anesthesia can go home right away, your doctor will advise you on the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
Read on to learn about what to expect with each type of vasectomy.
Conventional vasectomy
During this procedure, your surgeon or urologist makes small cuts in the scrotum to access the vas deferens.
They will remove a small piece of the tube, leaving a small space between the two ends. Then, they may tie the two ends of the tube together or add tissue in between them.
Your surgeon may then suture together the small cuts in the scrotum with dissolvable stitches. In other cases, the cuts may be allowed to heal on their own.
No-scalpel vasectomy
True to its name, this process involves no scalpel cuts.
Your urologist or surgeon feels for the vas deferens tube and then holds it in place with a clamp. They then make a tiny hole in the scrotum so they can take out the tube, then cut or tie it.
Afterward, the vas deferens tube is put back in place.
While a vasectomy is one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy, there’s still a small chance that pregnancy will occur.
Another important fact about vasectomy is that it isn’t immediately effective.
Existing sperm need time to clear out of your system, and you may want to wait before having sex without a barrier method. This can take up to 3 months, which is why it’s important to follow up with your urologist to check on sperm counts after the procedure.
It’s best not to assume the procedure has been effective until you get definitive results from your doctor.
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A vasectomy is an effective and permanent way to prevent pregnancy. It’s best for individuals who are certain they don’t want children in the future.
A vasectomy doesn’t typically have any lasting effects on sexual activity or orgasm.
A vasectomy is typically a permanent procedure. Reversal may be possible in some circumstances, but it’s not always an option. Additionally, reversal is more complicated than the initial procedure.
Potential short-term symptoms of vasectomy include:
- swelling
- bruising
- some discomfort
Most of these symptoms should go away on their own
But if you experience certain symptoms after your surgery, you should talk with your doctor as soon as possible.
A fever and redness or pain in the scrotum, for example, is a sign to see a doctor because it could signal an infection. A hematoma is another reason to seek medical advice. This is bleeding under the skin that looks like a dark bruise. It can also lead to swelling.
Vasectomies also have other risks, though they’re very rare. These risks include:
- Granuloma: This is a lump in the scrotum caused by sperm that leaks out of the vas deferens tube into tissue.
- Postvasectomy pain syndrome: This is a chronic issue that a small minority of individuals experience after a vasectomy. This pain condition
may be caused by consequences of the surgery, such as nerve compression. Treatment for postvasectomy pain syndrome includes pain reduction, medication, and surgery - Procedure failure: This can occasionally happen. If 1,000 vasectomies at performed, it’s estimated that
11 will likely fail over 2 years . - Regret over the procedure: This can occur
more commonly in individuals who get a vasectomy before age 30.
If you have any concerns about the risks of a vasectomy, make sure to speak to a medical professional who can give you advice based on your specific circumstances.
Even though a vasectomy is a relatively quick and simple procedure, you may experience some pain and discomfort for a few days.
Over-the-counter pain medication can help, but make sure to speak with your doctor before the procedure about what you should expect and during and after the surgery.
Here are a few factors to know:
- Most individuals can return to desk work 1 day after the surgery.
- Swelling and pain may occur for a few days after surgery. Holding an ice pack on the scrotum and wearing supportive underwear like a jockstrap may help ease these symptoms.
- It’s advised to avoid sexual intercourse, as well as strenuous activity, for 3 to 7 days after the procedure.
- A semen analysis is typically done
8 to 16 weeks following a vasectomy.
If you’re experiencing painful swelling, a fever, or any other symptoms that are disrupting your life after surgery, it’s important to contact your doctor right away, as these may be signs of serious complications.
A vasectomy is an effective method of birth control. But like most surgical procedures, it has risks.
It’s also important to understand that it isn’t always reversible.
If you’re sure that you don’t want to risk pregnancy in the future, this procedure may be a good option to discuss with your doctor.