A vasectomy is a voluntary procedure for men who wish to no longer have children. It doesn’t affect a man’s ability to perform sexually or achieve orgasm.
What is a Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a procedure that creates permanent sterility (the inability to have children) in a man. During the procedure, the two vas deferens (tubes) are blocked in order to obstruct the flow of sperm out of the testicles. About 500,000 U.S. men a year get a vasectomy. It does not affect a man’s ability to perform sexually or achieve orgasms and doesn’t visibly change semen.
Vasectomy Patient Evaluation
The urologist will often ask about your social situation (i.e., single vs long-term relationship vs married) to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. While none of these alone preclude undergoing a vasectomy, it is important to have a more informed discussion about the procedure.
The urologist will also perform a physical examination to confirm the presence of the vas deferens (some men are born with only one) and document that the testes are normal. There will also be discussion regarding the benefits and risks of the procedure.
How a Vasectomy is Performed
Two techniques are available to perform a vasectomy. The traditional method uses a scalpel; the modern method is called the “no scalpel vasectomy.” Both methods are safe and effective when performed by an experienced physician.
Regardless of the method used, the procedure is typically performed under local anesthetic (numbing medicine) in a doctor’s office or procedure clinic. The procedure typically takes 15 – 30 minutes. Full recovery takes a few days, but slightly longer for the return to more strenuous activity and exercise.
Some Advanced Urology Institute physicians can provide nitrous oxide also known as N2O or “laughing gas” to help you relax before the procedure begins. Other physicians offer a medication such as valium to help you relax.
During the procedure, the vas deferens are cut and the ends are sealed. Typically, a piece of each vas deferens is also removed. As a minimum, the ends of the vas deferens are sealed with cautery and the ends are normally physically separated. Some surgeons also use a combination of clips and/or sutures during the procedure.
Following a vasectomy, the sperm, with nowhere to go, are absorbed by the body.
Scalpel vs. No Scalpel Method
The end result of the procedure is the same regardless of the method used, however the instruments used are slightly different.
Most physicians at Advanced Urology Institute utilize the “no scalpel vasectomy” approach since this minimally invasive procedure allows for a quick recovery and minimal discomfort..
With the no-scalpel method, the physician will use special instruments (instead of a scalpel) to create a small puncture in the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. These instruments allow the procedure to be done with less manipulation of the body’s tissues.
After you’ve had a vasectomy, your prostate and seminal vesicle glands (which produce components of semen) will continue to make fluids, so the semen looks the same. Also unaffected are hormone levels, hair distribution, erection function, voice pitch, and sexual drive and sensations.
Healing from Vasectomy
We recommend lying down for six to eight hours after the procedure and placing an ice pack on the incision. Even though you may feel fine after your procedure, it’s important that you remain inactive and use an ice pack as instructed by your physician. You may experience swollen, achy testicles for a week or so after the procedure, as well as bruising in the scrotum.
You should avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and sexual intercourse for at least one week after the procedure, or longer as directed by your physician. A small amount of bloody discharge from the incision site is normal.
The following complications might occur in the first few days after surgery:
- Hematoma: Though rare, a small blood vessel may leak in the scrotum, forming a clot. A small clot typically dissolves with time, but a larger one may require reopening and draining the scrotum.
- Infection: Signs of infection include fever, chills, redness and swelling around the incision site.
Once healed your ability to perform sexually or achieve orgasm should not be affected.
It usually takes a few months before sterility is achieved, and typically 25 to 35 ejaculations are required to clear viable sperm from the reproductive system. Your physician will confirm sterility with a semen sample two to three months after the vasectomy. Partners should continue to use birth control until a physician determines complete sterility with a semen analysis. A vasectomy does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.