Basic Steps to Expect During the Vasectomy Procedure

It is perfectly normal to be a bit anxious about having surgery, no matter how many people have previously gone through the same thing successfully. Becoming informed and knowing what to expect however can go a long way towards feeling less fearful. This is especially true if you are planning to get a vasectomy.

Generally Speaking

Basically, a vasectomy is a surgical procedure by which the vas deferens tubes are blocked permanently to prevent sperm from joining the semen which could potentially cause a pregnancy in a female partner. The tubes are quite thin and are found in the scrotum. They carry the sperm created in the testes to the area where the seminal fluid is created. When the vas deferens is cut and blocked, this renders a man sterile.

The vasectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed with ease in the office of your urologist. There are several methods in which to carry out the procedure and some doctors are well versed in all of them while others may specialize in only one of them.

There is the no-scalpel vasectomy in which the vas deferens is located and clamped first and then a puncture tool is used to create a small opening in the skin to pull the tube out for cutting. The traditional version uses a scalpel to make a small incision to accomplish the same thing. There is also a no-needle vasectomy which uses a jet spray anesthetic technique rather than a hypodermic needle which could be quite painful.

Before the Surgery

Your urologist will give you some pre-operative instructions before your vasectomy and you should follow them to the letter to avoid complications. For instance, anti-inflammatories and aspirin are no-no’s in the week to two weeks before the surgery as they can complicate bleeding. You also may have to shave your scrotal area before the surgery.

The doctor will ask you to shower thoroughly before your surgery and bring some supportive underwear which will come in handy after the surgery. In addition, you will want to set up transportation for home as you will likely be a bit distracted by the discomfort after the surgery. Of course, before the vasectomy, you will have plenty of forms to fill out and it will likely take longer to do that than the 20-30 minute surgery!

After the Surgery

It is important that you listen carefully and also read the instructions for post-operative care from your doctor. If you have your wife or companion with you, they can help too. Most of the post-operative pain can be alleviated by over the counter pain relievers and any bruising and swelling can be calmed by an ice pack along with wearing supportive underwear or even an athletic supporter.

Once home after the surgery, you should elevate your feet and take it easy for several days to take the pressure off your genital area. Be sure to follow doctor’s instructions and make several follow-up appointments. This is important as your semen will have to be tested several times for motile sperm. It could take up to two months of ejaculation before all the sperm is out of your reproductive system. Before then, it is still possible to make your female partner pregnant unless you have a back-up birth control plan.

Keep in mind that the vasectomy is permanent and while it is possible to go through a reversal process, it rarely is successful. Also, a vasectomy does not alter the hormone levels so you will still be the manly man you always were. Sexual desire and performance are also not affected. The only thing a vasectomy does not do is protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. However, it is the best form of permanent birth control for men.