What is a Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy. It blocks sperm from getting to your semen during ejaculation. It is often known as male sterilization.

After vasectomy, your testes still make sperms, but the body absorbs them.

This procedure is done in your doctor’s office and may take about 30 minutes. This means you can go home the same day. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy, better than any other control method. The chances of pregnancy after a vasectomy is less than 2 out of 1000.

What Does Vasectomy Involve?

Vasectomy is a permanent contraception method for males. It involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, tubes that carry sperms from the epididymis and supply them to the ejaculatory fluids.

It is the best choice of contraception for men who are certain that they don’t want to father a child in the future. Vasectomy is a relatively painless procedure with a low risk of complications.

There are two types of vasectomies; Your doctor will determine the best procedure for you.

• A conventional vasectomy
• A no-scalpel vasectomy

A Conventional Vasectomy

A conventional vasectomy is an intrusive method that involves a scalpel. Your doctor will numb your scrotum with a local anesthetic. Other times, they may use general anesthesia to deal with anxiety.

The physician will use a scalpel to make two small cuts on the sides of the scrotum to access the vas deferens and bring them to the surface. Then, they cut the tubes, and a small section is removed, then either seal them with heat or tie them.

They are usually stitched using dissolvable stitches that go away on their own within seven days.

No-Scalpel Vasectomy

Just like the conventional method, your doctor first numbs the scrotum with a local anesthetic. Then, make a tiny hole in the skin of your scrotum and stretch it to reach the vas deferens and lift them out.  The tubes are then cut and either tied or sealed.

This method is less invasive; thus, it is relatively safe from infections. Also, it heals pretty fast and does not need suturing up.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Vasectomy is quite safe. You may experience mild pain and some swelling, but these are rare and not serious effects.

Possible serious complications are rare, but if they occur, they include hard lumps caused by sperm leaking from tubes, a collection of blood inside the scrotum, chronic pain, or an infection that may require further surgery.

Things to Know About Vasectomy

Several misconceptions surrounding vasectomy should be disregarded. Below are some of the things to know about it.

• It would be best if you talked it out with your partner

Vasectomy is permanent; hence, you should consult your partner before having it. You should both agree that you do not need more children. Take your time to understand what you are getting into.

• A counseling session

Vasectomy is almost irreversible, and you need counseling to see if it is the right move. If you are young and do not have kids yet, the physician might advise you to opt for another family planning method.

Your partner must be present during the counseling sessions to see which choices you have on the table.

• How long does the procedure last

A major concern for most people who are considering getting sealed is how long the procedure will last. It is a simple process and, in most cases, will take up to half an hour. After running the necessary tests on your body for safety, your doctor will perform the procedure.

Reversing Vasectomy

You may change your mind after getting a vasectomy and want kids.

In the past, reversing vasectomy was quite difficult, but microsurgery advancements have made it possible. There are two ways to go about reversals; vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy.

For the former, the physician restores the sealed vas deferens. They try to rejoin them. The latter method refers to connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis.

Reversal is quite technical and expensive. There is a chance that you may fail to get the desired results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to heal?

Once you are through with the physician, you can get back to normal duties in 2-3 days. Within a week, you can get back to normal exercising and have sex in the same period. Be keen on the first days to clean up the wound and use prescribed meds to hasten healing.

However, you may experience swelling and bruising of your scrotum and mild discomfort for a few days after the vasectomy. You might feel some pain for a few days, but painkillers can handle it. Scarring and swelling will be completely down in two weeks.

Also, it is common to have blood in semen in the first few ejaculations after the procedure. It is perfectly normal and not harmful.

Is reversal possible?

It is possible to reverse a vasectomy; however, the procedure is not always successful. Even if the doctor joins up the vas deferens tubes again, pregnancy may fail to occur.

The success rate is 55 percent if it is carried out within 10 years of your vasectomy and 25 percent if it is carried out more than 10 years after.

Is there any risk of vasectomy causing cancer?

Prostrate and testicular cancer can still occur in men who have had a vasectomy; however, research shows that it does not increase cancer risk.

Can I still get my partner pregnant after a vasectomy?

Vasectomies are 100% effective as birth control methods. With no sperm coming out during ejaculation, there is no risk of unexpected pregnancies.

Are vasectomies costly?

It would help if you considered the cost factor when getting a vasectomy. Typically, it will cost you at least $400 out of pocket, including the procedure, anesthesia, post-operative care, and seminal analysis.

The cost varies depending on the physician you visit and the area. Reversals may cost more.

We are Penrith Vasectomy specialists, contact us today to find our more!