Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a popular form of birth control. Sperm are produced in the testes and travel through tubes called the vas deferens. Each testicle has its own single vas deferens. A vasectomy involves severing and sealing the vas deferens so that the passage of sperm is interrupted and their release from the body is prevented.

After the procedure, sperm are still made but are reabsorbed by the body. After a vasectomy, ejaculation, orgasm and sensation are unchanged, but the fluid released does not contain sperm, once the old sperm are cleared.

A vasectomy has no effect on your body other than preventing sperm release. It does not affect your sex drive, your ability to have an erection or urination. The only change produced by a vasectomy is your ability to father a child.

Because it is considered a permanent procedure, a vasectomy should be given serious consideration.

The vasectomy is a relatively simple procedure lasting 15-30 minutes. You should plan on being at Eastside Urology for an hour. You will be given a local anesthetic, but you may request a sedative as well. Our goal is to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

Before the Procedure

One week prior to the procedure, stop taking aspirin, Vitamin E or products containing aspirin. Ask your doctor about any prescription blood thinning medications you may need to discontinue.

Please do your own shaving of the scrotum before arrival. Begin 1 inch above base of penis and shave the entire scrotum with a disposable razor. Shaving in a downward stroke can minimize nicks.

Please wear close fitting underwear or an athletic supporter for your comfort following the procedure.

You may bring your own music for relaxation.

Possible Risks of Vasectomy:

Infection

A single dose of an antibiotic is occasionally given by mouth to minimize this risk. Please let your doctor know if you have any allergies or drug intolerances, or if you have any artificial implants or heart valve disease. Please let your doctor know if you get any symptoms of infection after the vasectomy such as fever, persistent discomfort, swelling or redness to the scrotum. These symptoms are unusual.

Bleeding

Typically, a small amount of blood may be seen on the dressings for 24 hours after the vasectomy. Please clarify with your doctor if you use aspirin, Vitamin E, or any prescription blood thinners before your vasectomy to minimize the risk of bleeding. Typically, you will be asked to hold them for 7 days prior to your procedure.

Discomfort

An anesthetic cream may be placed on the scrotum before vasectomy to minimize discomfort. An anesthetic will be injected into the skin of the scrotum. You may also ask for a mild sedative for the procedure if desired. If a sedative is given, you will need to arrange for a ride home and will have activity restrictions for 12 hours. If a sedative is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink for 4 hours before the vasectomy. A small amount of discomfort is common for 48 hours after vasectomy.

Injury to the Scrotum or Testis

Injury is extremely rare. If the vas deferens is difficult to feel or isolate, your doctor may decide to stop the vasectomy before its completion for your safety and comfort. You may need to return on a later date, or may require a more general anesthetic, for the safe completion of your vasectomy.

Prostate or Testis Cancer

There is no known higher risk of cancer to the testis or prostate after vasectomy.

Pregnancy

Contraception precautions are absolutely essential until two semen analyses in a row demonstrate that no sperm are present. Your doctor will clarify with you when to bring in your semen samples after your procedure. You should consider yourself to be fertile until two samples in a row are clear of all sperm.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

Care of the Incisions

The dressing may be removed after 24 hours. Keep the area dry for 24 hours, then it is okay to shower. Avoid rubbing with towels. Avoid submerging the scrotum in tub baths, hot tubs or swimming pools for one week. The skin sutures will fall off in about 3-7 days. Minimal redness may develop around the sutures and is of no concern.

Swelling

A small amount of redness and swelling may be present around the sutures but this should be of no concern. If rapid swelling occurs, call our office.

Bleeding

If a small amount of bleeding is noticeable from the suture sites, apply local pressure for 10 minutes and call if there is no improvement.

Pain

The amount of pain is variable with each person. Ice packs or a bag of frozen peas may be used, or a jock strap may help. For mild pain, use plain Tylenol (acetaminophen) 650mg every 4 hours. For more severe pain, use Advil (ibuprofen) 400-600mg three times a day. Please avoid aspirin products because of their anticoagulation properties.

Bruising

Black/blue discoloration is common and is due to a small amount of blood under the skin. This is not harmful and will usually fade in 1-2 weeks.

Physical Activity

When you return home, stay off your feet for the first 36 hours. Any discomfort you feel should be mild. Avoid heavy lifting, sex and exercise for seven days.

Sexual Activity

Sexual activity may be resumed in 7 days when the scrotal swelling and pain subside. The first few ejaculations may cause some dull ache in the testicles. This will usually ease in a few days.

Sperm Check

It may take 3-6 months after the vasectomy to clear the ducts of all sperm. Clarify with your doctor when to start bringing in your samples after the procedure.

Please use the containers provided or a container with a tight fitting lid.

Please call the office on the day you would like to bring in your specimen for analysis to ensure that someone is present who can check the sample.

The semen analyses are provided at no-charge.

If sperm are found, you will need to repeat the semen analysis in 2-3 weeks.

You must continue to use some form of birth control until the doctor has confirmed that sperm are no longer present in two consecutive semen analyses.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Many insurance companies will pay for a vasectomy. Please check with your individual insurance plan. If you do not have coverage, we require payment at the time of service. We accept MasterCard, Visa, personal check or cash.