- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
Vasectomy is the most effective birth control option for men. Vasectomy involves disconnecting the tube called the vas deferens, that connects the testicle to the prostate. Disconnecting this tube effectively prevents sperm from reaching the outside world from the testicles.
Vasectomy can be performed either in the office using local anesthesia to numb the skin or in the operating room under sedation.
Vasectomy begins by making typically one very small incision in the scrotal skin. The vas deferens is then isolated and ligated and a portion of the vas deferens is removed on both sides to create a separation between the two ends. Commonly, the lumen of the two ends of the vas deferens is also burned or cauterized to prevent them from growing back together. The skin is then closed with an absorbable suture.
It is recommended to take it easy for at least one week. This includes no strenuous activities, heavy lifting more than 10 pounds and sexual activity.
You may apply ice to the scrotum for 10-15 minutes at a time every 2-3 hours for a few days. This may help with swelling and pain. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as this may result in a skin burn.
Keep scrotum elevated during the recovery period with either a tight pair of boxer brief underwear or a jock strap. This helps minimize scrotal swelling and discomfort.
You may take over the counter Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and/or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for pain. Please follow the instructions in the medication package insert and do not exceed the recommended dose and frequency.
It is very important to understand that you are NOT sterile immediately after the vasectomy. It may take at least 3 months or about 25 ejaculations to be entirely sperm free after a vasectomy. You will need to provide a semen specimen in 3 months following the vasectomy to check for sperm presence.
During this time please be very careful and use protection of your choice during sexual activity. Failure to do so, may result in an unwanted pregnancy.
If sperm is still present, you will be asked to ejaculate more frequently using protection and repeat another semen analysis in a few months.
Generally, you will only need to rest for one day following your procedure. You should avoid heavy lifting and sexual activity for the first week following your vasectomy. If you have a physically demanding job, please talk to your surgeon for advice on work related restrictions.
Typically you can resume sexual activity in one week after the vasectomy. If your scrotum is still swollen and/or painful at the end of that first week, please wait another week before resuming sexual activity.
Please remember, that you are NOT yet sterile after your vasectomy. Use protection of your choice until semen analysis demonstrates NO sperm is present.
Vasectomies are considered a very effective form of birth control. Late failure rate is less than 0.2%.
No, you will not be sterile immediately after the procedure. This is because sperm can remain in the seminal fluid and in the ejaculate. It can take 3 months or longer to become sterile. Frequent ejaculation after vasectomy will increase likelihood that the first semen analysis will be sperm free.
You should not feel any sharp pain throughout the vasectomy procedure after the numbing medication has been injected into the scrotal skin. However, you may still feel tugging, pulling and pressure during the procedure.
Vasectomies should generally be considered a permanent form of sterilization. Reversal of the vasectomy may or may not be successful. You should be 100% certain you don’t want to father any more children before you proceed with a vasectomy.
Vasectomies have no effect on sexual performance. A vasectomy simply cuts off the supply of sperm reaching the semen. Men are still able to achieve an erection and ejaculate as they did prior to their vasectomy. Testosterone level also will not be affected after undergoing a vasectomy.
Vasectomy does NOT protect you from getting or spreading STDs. Your body still produces seminal fluid and you are still coming into contact with your partner. Vasectomy is designed to prevent pregnancies. Condoms should be used to prevent STDs, even after a vasectomy.
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Urologic Surgery of NWI is your source of reliable information and excellent urologic care in the region. We are here to answer all of your questions and take care of you like family. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
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