Getting a Vasectomy | Everything a Dad Needs to Know About A Vasectomy Procedure

Are you getting a Vasectomy? Then you’ve came to the right place. We cover-everything about a vasectomy procedure, and more!

A Vasectomy is minor surgery for men that permanently prevents pregnancy. The procedure blocks sperm from entering into the semen during ejaculation by removing or blocking the small tubes in the scrotum that contain sperm. They are called vas deferens which is where the name “vasectomy” comes from.

Is getting a Vasectomy The Best Option For You?

Getting a Vasectomy can be a low-risk option for birth control. The surgery is typically permanent, though vasectomy reversals can be successful. It’s suggested to be absolutely sure about the decision to not have children in the future before committing to the procedure.

Vasectomy can be a mutually beneficial decision for a man and a woman. The procedure is simple and low-risk with a higher chance of successfully working. Some women have health concerns for birth control or tube litigation.

Additionally, birth control for women can have harmful side effects for their hormones and their overall health. If there are serious health concerns for a woman if she gets pregnant, a Vasectomy can be a permanent option with very few risks to prevent pregnancy.

A Vasectomy can be right for if you are certain that you desire no more or any children, if your partner should not get pregnant for the sake of her own health, or if either you or your partner are carriers for genetic disorders that you do not want your children to have.

On the other hand, a vasectomy may not be right for you if you and/or your partner are still unsure about whether you should have children or if you are only interested in temporary birth control.

How Effective Is Getting a Vasectomy?

A Vasectomy is an extremely effective form of birth control – almost 100%. There are scenarios where the vasectomy was ineffective and may result in pregnancy.

It’s important to note that pregnancy can still occur after a vasectomy, as it takes time for the sterilization to occur. A vasectomy can only be confirmed successful by a medical professional by following up after the procedure to confirm sterilization.

Although sperm can no longer enter the semen after the procedure, there are previous sperm present that take time to clear that can still cause pregnancy.

You will need to continue to use other birth control methods until your semen sample comes back completely sperm-free and you get the okay from your physician.

This usually takes about three months or the average of 20 ejaculations. If the results show there’s still sperm in your semen, the doctor will ask you to come back later to take the test again. That’s the only way to know if you’re in the clear.

There is a small chance that a vasectomy may fail. This occurs when sperm leaking from one end of the cut vas deferens finds a channel to the other cut end. In very rare cases, the tubes can rejoin. In those cases a pregnancy could happen.

Risks For Getting a Vasectomy

The procedure for a vasectomy is very safe. Complications aren’t common, but if they happen, they can include:

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Inflammation

• Infection

These are almost never serious, but tell your doctor if you have symptoms.

Right after surgery, there’s a small risk of bleeding into the scrotum. If you notice that your scrotum has gotten much bigger or you’re in pain, call your urologist at once.

If you have a fever, or your scrotum is red or sore, you should have your urologist check for infection. There is a small risk for post-vasectomy pain syndrome that can be treated with anti-swelling medication.

The procedure won’t affect your testosterone level, erections, climaxes, sex drive, or any other part of your sex life.

The most current studies show that a vasectomy does not raise a man’s risk for heart disease, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or other health problems.

What To Do To Prepare For Getting a Vasectomy

For at least 48 hours before the procedure, avoid aspirin and other non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDS, such as Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve).

Having these medications in your system during the procedure can increase your risk of bleeding complications. All medications you are currently taking should be consulted with your doctor before the procedure as there are others you may need to avoid as well.

Your doctor should give you a list of instructions for the days leading up to the procedure. You will need to have the consent forms signed, arrange a ride home after surgery, and shower and clean your scrotum the day of the surgery.

Any directions given from your doctor such as not eating or drinking before the vasectomy should be strictly adhered to.

What To Expect During Getting a Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a simple surgery done by a doctor in an office, hospital, or clinic. The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting, meaning you go home the same day.

Vasectomy can be done either under local anesthesia or conscious sedation, commonly referred to as “twilight anesthesia”.

If performed under local anesthesia, pain medicine will be administered directly to your scrotum to numb the area. You will be awake for the procedure. Generally, all vasectomy procedures can be safely performed with local anesthesia alone.

Vasectomies are seldom performed under general anesthesia, but on rare occasions, IV sedation may be necessary when local anesthesia alone is not enough. You and your doctor may decide you need to be fully sedated for the procedure.

If you need to be sedated, you may have your vasectomy at a surgery center or hospital. The need for sedation is based on your anatomy, how nervous you are, or if you might need other surgery at the same time.

There are two main methods for the surgery:

• Conventional Vasectomy: For this type, the doctor makes cuts in your scrotum to reach two tubes. Each tube is called a “vas deferens” and you have one for each testicle. Your doctor may remove a small piece of each tube and leave a short gap between the two ends.  They might sear each end, but they will tie each one off with a stitch. Your doctor may be able to do both with one cut, or they may have to make a second cut. You might get stitches that dissolve over time to help the cuts close. When each vas deferens has been cut, sperm can no longer reach your semen or leave your body.

• No-Scalpel Vasectomy: The doctor feels for each vas deferens under your scrotum and uses a clamp to hold it in place. They’ll make a tiny hole in your skin, stretch it open, and lift each vas deferens out. They’ll cut it, then seal it with searing, stitches, or both. You won’t need stitches after the procedure.

Recovering From Getting a Vasectomy

Your doctor typically prescribes pain medications such as Tylenol to help with recovering from a vasectomy.  Your doctor should also provide instructions on how to take care of the scrotum, to keep the area clean to prevent infection.

Once you’re home from the procedure, take it easy. Rest for at least 1 day after having a vasectomy done. Typically, most men have the procedure on a Friday and return to work on Monday since being sore or tender should last only for a few days.

You should recover completely in less than a week. You can treat any potential swelling or pain with an ice pack and the bruising and swelling should subside within two weeks.

Jockstraps or other athletic supporters can be worn for support during recovery from the vasectomy.

Normal exercise can be typically resumed in seven days in addition to having intercourse and ejaculation. Again, it’s important to note that you are not sterile directly after having the procedure and pregnancy can still happen up to three months after a vasectomy.

Can You Reverse The Processes of Getting a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy reversal can sometimes be successful. But reversing a vasectomy isn’t easy and doesn’t always work. After a successful vasectomy reversal, sperm are again present in the semen, and you may be able to get your partner pregnant.

Pregnancy rates after vasectomy reversal will range from about 30 percent to over 90 percent, depending on the type of procedure.

Many factors affect whether a reversal is successful in achieving pregnancy, including time since a vasectomy, partner age, surgeon experience and training, and whether or not you had fertility issues before your vasectomy.

A Vasectomy reversal has a higher chance of working within the first three years after the procedure.

Men decide to have a vasectomy reversal for a number of reasons, including loss of a child, a change of heart or remarriage. A small number of men have a vasectomy reversal to treat testicular pain that may be linked to a vasectomy. Almost all vasectomies can be reversed. However, this doesn’t guarantee success in conceiving a child.

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