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What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure to cut, clamp or seal the vas deferens. The vas deferens is the tube through which sperm passes from the scrotum to the urethra. The urethra is the tube through which sperm and urine pass out of the penis.
Vasectomy causes sperm to be blocked inside the testes, and therefore sperm is not released during ejaculation. It is a permanent birth control method.
However, sperm decrease may be gradual after a vasectomy. Couples may be required to continue using birth control measures to avoid pregnancy until the semen sample detects no sperms.
How is Vasectomy Performed?
Vasectomy may be performed in three ways:
- No-Scalpel Vasectomy, also called Key-Hole Vasectomy
- The surgeon locates the vas deferens by sensing the scrotum.
- A numbing medication is given to the patient.
- The surgeon makes a tiny hole in the scrotum using a sharp hemostat instead of a scalpel.
- The surgeon may pull the vas deferens through the small hole to tie it or cut it.
- Stitches are not required, and the incision heals quickly.
- Open-Ended Vasectomy
- The patient’s scrotum is shaved and cleaned.
- A numbing medication is given into the area.
- A small surgical cut is made in the upper part of the scrotum.
- The vas deferens is tied and cut.
- The testicular end of the vas deferens is not sealed. This allows sperm to stream continuously into the scrotum.
- The incision is closed using stitches or skin glue.
- Open-ended vasectomy may prevent pressure in the epididymis and testicular pain caused by back pressure.
- Vas-Clip Vasectomy
- The patient’s scrotum is shaved and cleaned.
- A numbing medication is given into the area.
- A small surgical cut is made in the upper part of the scrotum.
- The vas deferens is squeezed shut with a clip to stop the flow of sperm.
- The incision is closed using stitches or skin glue.
How to Prepare for Vasectomy?
- Certain medication that the patient is taking may be stopped two weeks before the surgery.
- The doctor should be informed about any medication that the patient is taking with or without a prescription. These may include supplements or herbs or drugs.
- The doctor should be informed if the patient has any ailments or medical conditions.
- On the day of the surgery, the patient should wear loose and comfortable clothing.
- A scrotal support may be required after the surgery.
Duration of procedure/surgery:20 to 30 minutes
Days admitted:Vasectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
Anesthesia:Local anesthesia
Recovery:- Patients can go home on the same day after the procedure.
- Patients can resume work in two to three days.
- Patients can resume normal physical activities in three to seven days.
- Scrotum swelling and bruising remains for about two weeks
- Patients need to wear scrotal support for three to four days
Risks:- Swelling
- Infection
- Prolonged pain
- Bleeding
- Sperm granuloma, which is a lump caused by sperm leakage into the surrounding tissue
- Congestive epididymitis, which is inflammation of the vas deferens
- Recanalization, which is a condition in which the vas deferens may grow back (rare)
After care:- Patients can use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Pain medication may be used to ease the pain.
- Patients should wear comfortable underwear after vasectomy.
- Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects for a week after vasectomy.
- Patients may experience mild aching during sexual arousal for a few months after vasectomy.
- Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a week after vasectomy.
Learn more about Vasectomy