What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a simple, safe operation that involves blocking the
tubes through which sperm pass into the semen. The procedure is
designed to make a man permanently sterile, or unable to father a
child. A total of about 50 million men have had a vasectomy--a
number that corresponds to roughly 5 percent of all married couples
of reproductive age. The percutaneous no-scalpel vasectomy is an
improvement on a traditional vasectomy. An advanced technique to
anesthetize the scrotum is used, and patients experience less
discomfort, fewer complications and a quicker recovery.
What's more, no skin stitches or sutures are needed.
What are the benefits of a vasectomy?
Vasectomy offers many advantages as a method of birth control. Like
female sterilization, it is a highly effective, one-time procedure
that provides permanent contraception. Compared to female
sterilization, vasectomy is simpler, more effective, can be
performed on an outpatient basis, has fewer complications and is
much less expensive.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient
surgery center or doctor's office. The surgeon feels for the
sperm-carrying tubes, or vas deferens, under the skin of the
scrotum and holds it in place. Then a special instrument is used to
make a tiny puncture in the skin and stretch the opening so the vas
deferens can be cut and tied. There is little discomfort, though
some men feel a slight "tugging" sensation. This
approach produces very little bleeding, and no stitches are needed
to close the incision. Generally, the procedure takes less than 20
minutes.
What happens to sperm after a vasectomy?
After vasectomy, the testes continue to make sperm. When the sperm
cells die, they disintegrate and are absorbed by the body. This is
the same way the body handles other types of cells that die and are
replaced on a daily basis.
Can I discontinue other birth control methods right
away?
No. Sperm can remain in the vas deferens above the operative site
for weeks or even months after vasectomy. You will not be
considered sterile until two post-surgical semen tests, usually
performed between eight to 12 weeks post-vasectomy, show that no
sperm remain. Until then, you must continue to use other birth
control to prevent pregnancy.
What are the risks?
Although complications such as inflammation, bleeding or infection
may occur, they are relatively uncommon and not serious. A major
benefit to the percutaneous no-scalpel vasectomy is that the
opening in the scrotum is so small the blood vessels responsible
for bleeding are less likely to be affected. Minor risks
include:
- Sperm granuloma. A hard, sometimes painful lump about
the size of a pea may form as a result of sperm leaking from the
cut vas deferens. The lump is not dangerous and is almost always
resolved by the body. Typically, scrotal support and mild pain
relievers help relieve symptoms.
- Congestion. A sense of pressure caused by sperm in the
testes, epididymis, and lower vas deferens, may cause discomfort
for two to 12 weeks after vasectomy. Like granuloma, congestion
usually resolves itself over time.