Vasectomy is a surgical procedure performed on males as a permanent form of contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the seminal vesicle. By interrupting the flow of sperm, a vasectomy prevents pregnancy.
Here's an overview of the typical vasectomy procedure:
1. Preparation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with an urologist, Andrologist or a specialist who performs vasectomies. They will explain the procedure, discuss any potential risks or complications, and answer your questions. You may be advised to stop taking any blood-thinning medications prior to the surgery.
2. Anesthesia: On the day of the procedure, you'll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area of scrotum where the incision has to be made. In some cases, a mild sedative may also be provided to help you relax.
3. Accessing the vas deferens: Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the urologist will make one or two small incisions in the scrotum. The vas deferens will be located and brought to the surface through these incisions.
4. Disrupting the vas deferens: The urologist will then cut, remove a small section of the vas deferens, or block it by sealing the ends with clips, sutures, or cauterization. This step effectively prevents sperm from reaching the semen. Vasectomy to be done on both sides of scrotum
5. Closing the incisions: After the vas deferens is interrupted, the urologist will close the incisions with dissolvable stitches or adhesive strips. No suture removal is typically needed.
The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no complications. You may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the scrotal area, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.
It's important to note that a vasectomy is not immediately effective as a form of contraception. You'll need to use an alternative birth control method until your semen is tested and confirmed to be free of sperm, usually after several weeks or a certain number of ejaculations. Usually, semen is tested after 3 months to detect any sperm in semen. You can have sexual intercourse without a condom when the semen is negative for sperm.
While vasectomy is considered a permanent form of contraception, reversing the procedure through a more complex surgery called a vasectomy reversal may be possible. However, vasectomy reversal is not always successful, and the chances of achieving pregnancy after reversal vary depending on various factors, including the length of time since the vasectomy.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the procedure in detail, understand the risks and benefits, and determine if a vasectomy is the right choice for you.
After 1 week to 10 days of vasectomy, it is advisable to discharge semen frequently by masturbation or sexual intercourse, using a condom so that the stored sperm prior to vasectomy can be emptied.