Vasectomy

FAQ

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure intended to produce permanent sterilization of the male. This means that he will no longer be capable of fathering children, though his sex life will be unchanged. The vas deferens is a small tube which carries sperm from the testicles to the ejaculatory area, where it is released during sexual intercourse. There is one vas on each side of the scrotum. The operation consists of making a one half inch incision on each side of the scrotum and blocking the vas deferens, thus stopping sperm from leaving the testicles and reaching the ejaculatory area.

A vasectomy is generally a safe and reliable permanent means of sterilization. Operations to reconnect the vas after vasectomy are available and have been improved in recent years. However, the results of these reconnections are still unpredictable and certainly not guaranteed to restore fertility. One should not have a vasectomy if the couple has any desire to have more children, or if they have any reservations about permanent sterility.

Am I guaranteed to be sterile after a vasectomy

Absolutely Not! There is no method of medical or surgical sterilization which is 100% effective and vasectomy is no exception. In unusual circumstances, the cut ends of the vas may find each other and re-grow together (recanalize). This is very rare, but you should be aware of these possibilities.

How Will I Know when I am Sterile

Sterility does not begin immediately after vasectomy. The sperm, which are stored in the ejaculatory area, will be released during sexual intercourse over the weeks or months after vasectomy, Until those sperm have been completely eliminated, you will remain fertile and capable of fathering children. Having a vasectomy for sterility includes and requires subsequent semen analyses for confirmation of sterility. Intercourse 10 or 12 times following vasectomy, it is reasonable to expect that all the sperm in the ejaculatory tubes will be gone. Semen testing is then begun to confirm that no sperm remains in the ejaculate. Semen analysis studies are not included in the procedure fee; therefore, it may be the patient's responsibility to pay for this service, depending upon your insurance plan. You may even need to contact your insurance company to find out where this testing can be performed and covered. Managed care patients must obtain a referral form from your Primary Care Physician with code 89321 (Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis) for each of the two tests. To be diagnosed sterile, you m;ust first have two consecutive sperm-free semen analyses performed. Until this is done, do not assume you are sterile. You must continue to use some method of birth control until specimens confirm sterility.

What are the complications of Vasectomy?

In any operative procedure, complications do arise in a small percentage of cases, regardless of the method or care used at the time of surgery. Wound infections occasionally occur after surgical procedures are performed and are usually easily recognized. Small amounts of bleeding into the scrotum following vasectomy are relatively common and are manifested by swelling and often a „black and blue appearance. This is nothing to be unduly alarmed about, and will resolve fairly promptly. Larger amounts of bleeding (if they occur) are almost always seen within the first day after the procedure and should be reported promptly.

Will vasectomy have any long-term side effects or risks?

Presently there is not established evidence to suggest that the vasectomy procedure would in any way be harmful to your health or well being. Although many studies have been conducted to research this subject, there is no proven evidence that this procedure increases the risk of any serious disease.

Instructions

  1. You must have someone drive you home. If you do not have a driver with you on the day of your procedure, the vasectomy will be rescheduled.
  2. Rest as much as possible today and tonight with feet elevated.
  3. Apply ice intermittently to the operative area on the scrotum. This is best done by using a towel or washcloth over the bandages. Then apply ice in a plastic bag or other cold application. This should be done as often as is comfortable today and tonight.
  4. Take Tylenol or Motrin per label instructions as needed for mild pain.
  5. Small amounts of blood from the incisions and some swelling are common. Contact this office promptly, even after office hours, should a large amount of bleeding or swelling occur.
  6. Vigorous activities should be limited for 2-3 days after the procedure, depending on the amount of discomfort.
  7. No sexual relations for one week.
  8. You may shower the day following the vasectomy.
  9. Remember, you are not sterile until this can be confirmed by means of two consecutive negative semen analysis.
  10. Some black and blue discoloration of the scrotum, which may last one to two weeks, is very common after the vasectomy and should not be cause for any concern.