Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a form of permanent male sterilization. The procedure involves dividing the vas deferens in order to interrupt the flow of sperm out of the testicles. It is the most common form of male sterilization, with over 500,000 procedures performed per year in this country. The testicles also make the male hormone testosterone which will not be affected by this procedure. Also, since the testicles produce only 5-10% of the ejaculate volume, the semen volume will appear the same.
There are two techniques used to perform a vasectomy. The conventional method utilizes a scalpel and 1-2 small incisions to divide the vas, while the "no-scalpel" technique utilizes a small "puncture" to perform the same task. Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia in the office. The procedure is detailed below:
We ask that you shave your scrotum the night before the procedure. Prior to the procedure we will cleanse the scrotum with an antiseptic solution. The scrotal skin and each vas are then anesthetized with local anesthetic. The vas is then grasped using either a small incision or a "no-scalpel clamp". The vas is then isolated from the surrounding structures and then occluded by several small clips. A segment of the vas is also removed. The opposite side can usually be clipped and divided through the same small opening in the scrotum. A small absorbable suture may be necessary to close the scrotal opening. Typically with the "no scalpel" technique a suture is not required.
After the procedure we recommend that the patient rest comfortably at home with intermittent icing of the scrotum. Most men will have minimal discomfort that is readily treated with Tylenol or Advil. It is common to have some mild "aching" of the testicles for a few days along with some "black and blue" areas of the scrotal skin. Normal activity can usually be resumed within 24 hours.
Sexual relations can be resumed in about 1 week. Other forms of birth control must be utilized until a semen sample shows no evidence of sperm. Because it takes at least 4 months for all the sperm to "clear the system", we ask that you not bring a specimen to the lab for at least that length of time. It may require several semen analyses before a man is cleared.
It must be emphasized that unprotected intercourse is not allowed until a semen analysis shows no sperm. There must be no sperm present in the ejaculate analyzed in 2 separate samples at least two weeks apart.
Our office offers both the conventional and the "no-scalpel" technique depending on the patient's preference. For more information on the no-scalpel technique, visit the frequently asked questions page.
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