Vasectomy is minor surgery to block sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. Semen still exists, but it has no sperm in it. After a vasectomy the testes still make sperm, but they are soaked up by the body. Each year, more than 500,000 men in the U.S. choose vasectomy for birth control. A vasectomy prevents pregnancy better than any other method of birth control, except abstinence. (Source: UrologyCareFoundation)
Already had a vasectomy and considering a reversal? All of the information you need to know is right here.
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What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor outpatient procedure where the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicle) is permanently divided on each side.
It is intended to be permanent.
What does a vasectomy entail?
It is typically a minor procedure that takes 10-15 minutes to perform. One or two small incisions are made in the scrotum. The vas deferens is then isolated, permanently divided, and lowered back into to the scrotum through the small incision.
Thankfully we offer Pro-Nox to help you relax! This is also know as laughing gas. It is extremely safe and has been used in dentist office for years. The gas is inhaled through a mouthpiece which is controlled by the patient. It works very quickly to alleviate any anxiety and wears off rapidly after the procedure.
You will be awake during the procedure but will be very comfortable. A numbing medication is injected into scrotal area around the vas deferens prior to any incision. You make feel slight pressure, but you should not feel an uncomfortable amount of pain.
A small absorbable stitch is typically then placed to close the skin incision.
After the vasectomy, it is very important to alternate ice packs to the scrotal area for 24-48hrs and take it easy. We request that you do not perform any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 48 hrs.
How long wll I need to be off work?
You can normally return to work within 48hrs as long as you are not required to do strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
When is it ok to have unprotected sex after a vasectomy?
We ask that men not have unprotected sex until they have 2 negative semen specimens. We will go over the collection instructions with you after your vasectomy in detail. Most men have completely cleared by 10 weeks after a vasectomy.
You need to clear all the sperm downstream from the vasectomy site.
If you have unprotected sex prior to verifying that your ejaculate does not contain sperm, it is possible to get you wife or partner pregnant. This is very important to understand.
Will everything work the same after a vasectomy?
Yes. Once you have healed you should not be able to tell that you have had a vasectomy. You will still orgasm and ejaculate, but the ejaculate will not contain sperm.
Vasectomy will also not affect your testosterone production, sex drive, or prostate health.
Is a vasectomy typically covered by my insurance?
Most insurance companies do cover vasectomy. We can help you verify insurance coverage and cost prior to proceeding with vasectomy. It is generally very affordable, but cost can vary for patients depending on plan specifics and deductible.
What are the risks of a vasectomy?
Generally speaking a vasectomy is a very low risk procedure. There is a very small risk of a blood collection in the scrotum (hematoma), infection, chronic pain, and failure.
The risk of the two ends growing back together is approximately 1 in 2000.
Long lastly pain is the testicles is extremely rare.
Can I just schedule a vasectomy procedure or do I need an appointment first?
We ask all men to schedule an appointment with a urologist prior to pursuing a vasectomy.
They will have a detailed discussion with you and then examine your scrotal anatomy. We want to be sure you understand everything prior to proceeding since it is intended to be permanent.
Ask us about Pro-Nox!
Ask your surgeon, nurse, or check-in employee about PRO-NOX for a medication-free way to actually ENJOY your vasectomy! Pro-nox is available for other procedures as well– just ask!