VASECTOMY

Typically considered safer than a tubal ligation, vasectomy offers a permanent option to prevent future pregnancy. A vasectomy is most commonly performed in the office and involves blocking sperm from entering the ejaculation fluid. This should be considered a permanent form of birth control for men. Vasectomies can sometimes be reversible; however, vasectomy reversals are not always effective or covered by insurance providers.

We offer private consultations as well as flexible scheduling options for the actual procedure to allow you to miss the fewest number of days from work or play. The procedure should not affect sexual drive, testosterone levels, ejaculation volume, sexual pleasure, or quality of erections. Postoperative pain and discomfort is typically mild and most men can resume all normal activities within 7 days.

HOW IT WORKS

Our surgeons offer oral medication to take prior to arrival to help reduce anxiety and provide a more comfortable procedure. The skin and vas deferens (sperm ducts) are injected with numbing medication during the procedure as well. This allows for a quicker procedure typically with minimal discomfort. The vas deferens are clipped so future sperm produced by the testicles will not be able to reach the ejaculation fluid. After a vasectomy, your body will continue to produce sperm, but those sperm will simply be reabsorbed back into the body.

PREPARATION

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain blood thinning vitamins, supplements, aspirin or ibuprofen products (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, BC powders, etc) for one week prior to your vasectomy. Anti-inflammatory medications thin the blood and could cause excessive bleeding. Notify your urologist if you are taking any blood thinners. You may eat a light meal before your procedure and take all other usual medications. You will need to have a driver bring you to the office since the relaxation medications will impair driving abilities.

AFTER YOUR VASECTOMY

  • To minimize discomfort, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, an ice pack and/or an athletic supporter.
  • Contact the office or visit a local ER if you experience fever, chills, increasing pain or significant swelling and bruising.
  • Your doctor will give you instructions for resuming work and sexual activity, typically after 7 days. Try to remain off your feet for at least 6-12 hours.
  • You MUST use other forms of birth control until your doctor assures you that your vasectomy is completely effective. We typically recommend 15-20 ejaculations, or 3 months before bringing a semen sample to the office for testing.
  • We will provide a sample tube at the time of your visit to collect the semen sample at a future date.