Vasectomy

What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a safe, effective form of permanent contraception. Approximately 500,000 men annually elect to undergo a vasectomy.  A vasectomy involves the severing of the vas deferentia, which are the tubes that lead from the testicles and epididymides, where sperm is created and stored, to the prostate.  It is from the prostate that semen is expelled upon ejaculation.  By cutting the vas deferentia, sperm are unable to travel to the prostate and be expelled, rendering the man sterile.

Will I be asleep?

Yes, general anesthesia is used.

How do I prepare for the surgery?

You should not take anything containing aspirin 1 week prior to your surgery.  Do not ejaculate 2-4 days prior to the surgery.  You will be contacted 48 hours prior to the procedure with the exact date and time of the procedure.  You will need to arrive on the 9th floor of 635 Madison Ave at the specified time.  Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time - - this includes water.  If there are medications you must take, you may do so with minimal water.

Should I store some sperm before the procedure?

If you like, you may produce a semen sample and have it frozen and stored at a long-term storage facility, such as www.parkavenuefertility.com.

Is it permanent?

Almost always. Less than two out of 1000 men who undergo a vasectomy report persistent sperm in the ejaculate. When this occurs, it indicates that the sperm ducts have spontaneously rejoined. This is extremely uncommon. The procedure is generally permanent unless surgically corrected.  If you have had a vasectomy and decide that you would like to have a child, you may undergo a vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal).

When can I return to work?

We suggest that you allow at least 24 hours for recovery. You should avoid strenuous exercise and avoid lifting heavy objects for 72 hours.

How long must I wait before I can return to normal sexual activity?

You should wait about 72 hours before resuming sexual activity, or until you feel comfortable.

Will this affect my Masculinity?

It is important to know that a vasectomy is not the same as castration, and being sterile is not equivalent to being impotent. Since your testicles are not removed, you will still produce normal male hormones. There should be in change in your masculinity or sex drive.

How long before I am definitely sterile?

In order to assure sterility, you should wait a minimum of 3 months and 20 ejaculations before the first semen analysis. Once a second analysis confirms sterility, your doctor will okay engaging in unprotected sex. Sperm can survive for 6 months or more in the sperm ducts, hence the precaution.

What does the post-surgical care entail?

After the procedure, you will be groggy.  You must arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home directly.  It is recommended that you rest for at least the remainder of the day.  Some tenderness is normal.  You should call to schedule a post-operative appointment 1-2 weeks after the procedure.

Common side effects include slight bleeding and mild swelling, which should dissipate within 72 hours. Mild testicular discomfort is fairly common and usually improves with warm soaks, scrotal elevation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In rare cases, the base of the penis and the skin of the scrotum may turn black and blue for a few days. This is not painful, is not permanent, and does not require treatment.

Be sure to notify the doctor immediately if there is discharge from the wound or you develop a fever.

It is possible that you may experience pain in the testicles 15-20 years after the vasectomy. This is generally due to inflammation and can be treated with heat and anti-inflammatory agents.