A vasectomy is the safest and most effective form of birth control for men. More than 500,000 men in the U.S. choose vasectomy for birth control annually.
How does a vasectomy work?
A vasectomy must be performed in your doctor’s office. It is important to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss if a vasectomy is the right method of birth control for you.
Your doctor will help make your vasectomy as comfortable as possible. You will get local anesthesia to numb the area, and you may also get medicine to help you relax during the procedure. There are two types of vasectomies: incision vasectomy and no-scalpel vasectomy.
Incision vasectomy
Your doctor will make one or two small incisions in the skin of your scrotum. Through these cuts, the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) are blocked off. The tubes may be tied or sealed, keeping sperm from entering the semen to prevent pregnancy. The entire procedure only takes roughly 20 minutes.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
Your doctor will start by feeling for the vas deferens under the skin. Once located, they will clamp it from the outside. A needle is used to make a small hole in the scrotum. The vas deferens are pulled out through the hole and are sealed. Your doctor will then place the vas deferens back into their normal position.
No-scalpel methods, also called no-cut or no-incision, reduce bleeding and lower the risk of infection, bruising, and other complications.
What are the benefits of vasectomy?
A vasectomy is an effective and permanent way to prevent pregnancy. It is best for men who are certain they don’t want to have any more children. Other benefits include:
- Lower cost than all other forms of birth control
- One-time cost
- Lower health risks than those associated with tubal ligation
- No need for general anesthesia
- Does not affect sexual pleasure
- It is a fast procedure and recovery
- The procedure is almost always reversible
Recovery
After the operation, your doctor will prescribe mild painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). You may feel some discomfort or pain after your vasectomy, but wearing snug underwear that doesn’t let your testicles move too much, taking painkillers, and icing your genitals can help ease any discomfort.
Avoid intercourse and ejaculation for about a week after the procedure. Refrain from hard physical work or exercise for at least a week. You may return to work and normal activities within 48 hours as cleared by your physician.
Vasectomy reversal
If you decide that you no longer want your vas deferens tied, vasectomy reversal is a surgery that can undo a vasectomy. It reconnects each tube that carries sperm from a testicle into the semen. After a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm are again present in the semen, and you may be able to get your partner pregnant.
Men may decide to have a vasectomy reversal for any number of personal reasons. Men who are interested in a vasectomy reversal should be examined beforehand for any fertility issues and to discuss options. At Progressive Urology, your doctor can walk you through all of your options to find what is best for you and your family.
