What Is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a minor surgery to close off the vas deferens (the tubes that deliver sperm from the testes). Usually, a vasectomy procedure is performed as a means of contraception, or male sterilization.

Different Types of Vasectomies

There are two different types of vasectomies: the conventional vasectomy and no scalpel vasectomy. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which type is best for you.

Conventional vasectomy

In this procedure, small incisions are made on each side of the scrotum to reach the vas deferens and close it off.

No scalpel vasectomy

In this procedure, an instrument is used to make one or two small holes by gently stretching the skin so the vas deferens can be accessed and closed off. This procedure heals quickly and leaves little to no scarring.

Benefits of a Vasectomy

The benefits of having a vasectomy are numerous. The main reason people choose vasectomies is because of its higher efficacy rate, or rate of success. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control. Other benefits to having a vasectomy opposed to other surgeries or forms of birth control include:

• It is a simple procedure
• It is a one-time procedure
• It is highly effective
• Low risk procedure, with very few complications
• Outpatient procedure
• Less expensive

Risks of a Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a low-risk procedure. However, some people may experience minor complications such as inflammation around the incision sites, bleeding, pain, or infection. These complications are rare. The biggest risk of having a vasectomy is not knowing if you may change your mind later about wanting to have children. Vasectomies can be reversed, but the surgery does not always work.

Additional complications, although rare, may include:

• Mild pain, discomfort, or swelling
• Bleeding or a blood clot inside the scrotum
• Bruising of the scrotum
• Blood in the semen
• Infection of the surgery site

In some instances, some people may experience more delayed complications including:

• Chronic pain
• Fluid buildup in the testicle, which may cause a dull ache that worsens with ejaculation
• Inflammation caused by leaking sperm (granuloma)
• Pregnancy, if the vasectomy procedure fails (extremely rare)
• An abnormal cyst (spermatocele) that develops in the coiled tube located on the upper testicle, which collects and transports sperm (epididymis)
• Swelling in the scrotum caused by a fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) surrounding a testicle

Procedure and Recovery

The vasectomy procedure takes 15-30 minutes typically, causes little to no complications, and no change in sexual function. Over 500,000 vasectomies are performed in the United States each year and are very safe and effective.

Are There Any Prerequisites to Getting a Vasectomy?

Prior to your vasectomy, your doctor will discuss certain prerequisites or required preparations that are needed before surgery. In the consultation, your doctor will gather a thorough medical health history to confirm that you are a good candidate for the surgery. It will also be recommended that you stop taking all blood thinner medications. Additionally, your doctor will discuss washing and shaving prior to surgery. It is also recommended to bring an athletic supporter (jock strap) or tight compression shorts to help support the scrotum and reduce swelling after surgery.

Vasectomy Preparation for Surgery

Once you and your doctor have decided on getting a vasectomy, you will want to have arranged for someone to drive you home so there is no pressure placed on the area during driving. The procedure takes 15-30 and you will be able to leave the office after that time if there are no complications.

Vasectomy Recovery

Recovery time for a vasectomy can vary but it is recommended that you rest for 24 hours after the procedure and not lift anything heavy for a week or two. The pain from a vasectomy is minimal and can be controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your physician.

It is very important to note that sterilization does not happen immediately after a vasectomy. The next 12-15 ejaculations will still contain sperm, so a birth control method will need to be used during that time. About 12 weeks after the procedure, your sample will be collected and analyzed to be sure no sperm are in the semen. Only then is it confirmed that sterilization has taken place.

Vasectomy is less invasive than a tubal ligation (the female equivalent involving the uterus) and is easily reversed. Vasectomies have proven to be an effective way of maintaining permanent birth control.

What are the Side Effects of a Vasectomy?

Often, men have concerns about unwanted side effects after a vasectomy. There are several misconceptions around side effects from a vasectomy.

Typical questions that are asked include:

• Will I still want to have sex after a vasectomy?
• Will I produce less testosterone?
• Will my semen be different?
• Will I produce or ejaculate less semen?
• Will there be noticeable differences in sexual intercourse?

In short, none of these concerns are actual side effects from a vasectomy. Having a vasectomy will not change your sex drive, semen, testosterone production, or cause differences in sexual intercourse. The only difference or “side effect” of a vasectomy is that your semen will not contain sperm.

Learn More about the Vasectomy Procedure and Results

A vasectomy is a highly effective male form of birth control that carries low risk and minimal complications. The procedure cuts and seals the tubes that carry the sperm to the semen, effectively stopping the sperm from getting into the semen.

It is important to have conversations about whether you would want children in the future before having this surgery. Although it is possible to reverse a vasectomy, the reversals do not always work. Vasectomies should be considered a permanent form of birth control.

Additionally, vasectomies do not prevent you from getting sexually transmitted diseases. If you are thinking about having a vasectomy, schedule an appointment with your urologist today.

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