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A vasectomy is a surgical procedure to sterilize a man by blocking the tubes through which sperm normally pass on their way from the testes to the penis. These tubes are called the left and right vas deferens.
A vasectomy is done as a means of permanent birth control. This option is only appropriate for men who are certain they will not want to father a child. Surgery to reverse the procedure is not always possible or successful.
- Local infections
- Bleeding disorders
Your doctor will likely do the following:
- Physical exam
- Medical history
- Review of medications
- Discussion of the effects of this procedure
In the days leading up to your procedure:
- Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, or nonsteroidal medications such as ibuprofen for one week before the procedure; discuss this with your doctor prior to your procedure.
- Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
- The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- Wear comfortable clothing and tight-fitting underwear.
- Take any medication as ordered by your doctor; a mild sedative before the procedure may be recommended.
- Shower before leaving home.
- You may be asked to clip your scrotal hair.
Local anesthesia is used.
There are three techniques for a vasectomy: the conventional approach, the no-scalpel vasectomy, and the Vas Clip vasectomy. In all three techniques, local anesthesia is administered into the scrotal skin before any incision is made.
- Conventional approach—The doctor makes one small cut in the skin on each side of the scrotum and brings the vas deferens through the opening. The tube is cut, a small piece may be removed, and the ends are sealed off with stitches, clips, or cauterization (using an electric needle to destroy the tissue). The vas deferens is placed back in the scrotum and the incision closed with stitches.
- No-scalpel vasectomy—The doctor locates the vas deferens under the scrotal skin and attaches a clamp to hold it in place. Using a special instrument, the doctor punches a small hole in the skin and stretches it open enough to pull the vas deferens through. The tubes are cut and sealed using the same methods as in the traditional approach. The holes heal without stitches.
- Vas clip vasectomy—The doctor locates the vas deferens in either of the two manners mentioned above, and then once the vas deferens are delivered through the skin, specially designed clips are placed around each vas deferens and cinched in place, thereby blocking the flow of sperm beyond the position of the clip. The defects in the skin are then managed as noted above.
You will rest at doctor's office for a short time.
Conventional vasectomy takes about 30 minutes, no-scalpel procedures take about 20 minutes.
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure, but you can expect some soreness for a few days after. Take pain medication as ordered by your doctor. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medications without the approval of your doctor.
- Infection
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Inflammation
- Anesthesia-related problems
- Chronic pain in and around the testes
- Sperm granuloma (development of lumps due to immune system response to sperm leaking from the reproductive organs)
- Swollen, painful testes occurring during the year following a vasectomy
- Continued fertility, or rejoining of the ends of the vas deferens resulting in renewed fertility, potentially resulting in pregnancy in a sexual partner
- Psychological issues related to lack of fertility
There is no hospital stay associated with this procedure.
- Apply ice packs, covered with a towel, on and off during the first eight hours.
- Rest in bed for at least one day and at home for a couple of days.
- You may shower the next day.
- Wear an athletic supporter, if recommended by your doctor.
- Keep the area clean and dry, and cover the incisions with clean gauze for three days or as directed by the doctor.
- A small amount of blood on the gauze pads is normal. Tell your doctor if you have excessive bleeding or need to change the gauze pads more that 2-3 times daily.
- Your doctor may administer antibiotics for several days following the procedure.
Most men feel up to returning to work in a few days and ready for sexual activity in about a week. Ejaculation may cause some discomfort in the groin and testicles until the tissues heal. Avoid lifting heavy objects or participating in sports for 2-3 weeks. For 2-4 months, use an alternate method of birth control until two tests, 4-6 weeks apart, show that no sperm are present.
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
- Difficulty urinating
Last reviewed March 2008 by
Ronald Nath, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
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