The No-Scalpel Vasectomy
A Vasectomy is a form of birth control in which the tubes which carry the sperm from the testicles are divided, in order to prevent fertility. The procedure is done in the office (under local anesthesia) and takes about twenty minutes to complete. Compared to "tubal ligation" for women, vasectomy is one of the safest and easiest forms of contraception, with over 500,000 procedures done annually. It is highly effective, though not perfect, with an extremely low failure rate.
The no-scalpel technique can be comfortably perfromed in the office setting. Rather than making an incision, a small puncture is made in the skin overlying the vas deferens. Local anesthesia is all that is necessary to keep patients comfortable.
Vasectomy does not alter a man's sexual desire or his ability to obtain an erection. Ejaculation will be normal following vasectomy (since most of the semen is produced in the prostate and other organs, not in the testicles). The sperm from the testis continue to be produced, although at a reduced amount. Sperm cells are absorbed by the body from the area that has been tied off. It is important to realize that there is still sperm in the tubing above the vasectomy site. For this reason, after vasectomy, it is important to continue to use protection or birth control until your doctor has performed at least two semen tests to be sure you are no longer fertile.
A concern regarding the long term risks of prostate cancer following vasectomy were addressed by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute in 1993. Both institutions reaffirmed that vasectomy is a safe and effective means of permanent birth control . These experts that all men, whether they have had a vasectomy or not, receive regular screening for prostate cancer and other illnesses.
The Procedure: A small one centimeter opening in the skin ( about as wide as a pencil ) is made below the penis, in the scrotal sac. The cord (vas) is then cut, on each side. The ends are cauterized and a small clip is placed. A stitch may occasionally be necessary. You will want to keep the area dry for two days, and avoid any activity during this time.
The vasectomy procedure can be reversed, but the success of reversal is not always predictable. Therefore, you should not have a vasectomy unless you intend it to be permanent.
Risks of the Procedure: Bleeding and infection are rare. You may
notice a bruise at the site. Serious bleeding however, with swelling or
fever should be reported immediately. Pain is usually the concern of
most men. Typically any ache lasts only a few days .Medication is
prescribed in case it is needed. We recommend bed rest for the first 24
hours followed by limited activities for the next day or two. Sexual
activity may be resumed 7 days after vasectomy. It is important to use
protection at this time!! Semen tests are done 2 months and three months
after the vasectomy.
Reminders:
- You and your partner should be aware of the risks and be comfortable with the decision for vasectomy. Make sure you sign the informed consent form.
- Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen or similar medication is to be avoided one week prior to and one week after the procedure. These medications may cause persistent bleeding. Tylenol is all right.
- Shave the scrotum under your penis before the procedure & bring a clean athletic supporter.
- Have someone available to drive you home after the vasectomy
- Rest for 24 hours after the procedure and limit activity for another 2 days. Don't exercise for a week or so.
- An ice pack applied intermittently may help avoid any discomfort.
- Do not resume unprotected sex until two semen tests results show no sperm whatsoever.
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