Vasectomy
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a permanent sterilization (making the patient unable to father a child) surgical procedure that essentially separates the vas deferens (spermatic cord).
The vas deferens are muscular tubes that travel from the epididymis into the pelvic cavity. The vas deferens transports mature sperm to the urethra in preparation for ejaculation.
The intent of undergoing this procedure would be to achieve permanent sterility meaning that you may not be capable of fathering a child.
You will have had the procedure explained in depth by the physician, along with the associated benefits, foreseeable risks/complications, and alternatives to this sterilization procedure.
Procedure details.
When a vasectomy is performed, the two vas deferens are interrupted to prevent sperm from traveling to the penis. This is the only change that takes place.
The testes continue to produce sperm, but since they are prevented from traveling outside, they are simply reabsorbed by the body.
The contribution of the testes to the ejaculate is only 5%, so the volume, feel, and look of the semen is not significantly affected by the procedure.
It will not affect the male hormone system or the ability to have normal erections or sexual intercourse.
What to know about this procedure.
Since a vasectomy should be considered irreversible, it is a serious step to take. You and your partner must be sure that both of you desire no more children.
It is also important to understand that there are alternative methods of birth control including abstinence, rhythm and natural methods, condoms, female barriers, oral contraceptives, and depo-provera. The only perfect form of contraception is abstinence.
Although very rare, the vas deferens can grow back together spontaneously. This rate in large studies is approximately 1 in 800 to 1 in 2000 cases, making vasectomy a very effective permanent solution.
What is the recovery process?
The local anesthetic will begin to wear off within two to four hours. It is imperative that you go straight home following the procedure. An ice pack should be used on the scrotum for the first 24 hours. You are required to limit activities for two to three days and use athletic support or tight cotton briefs at all times for the first week. You may return to work in two to three days, provided this does not involve very strenuous activity, which should be limited during the first week. Sexual activity can be resumed in one week, keeping in mind that you must use some other form of birth control until you are told that two semen samples obtained after the vasectomy are sterile.
For about a week, the scrotum may look bruised and slightly swollen. There may be a small amount of bloody discharge from the incision site. There may also be some pain, which can be controlled with Tylenol™. These symptoms are normal.