The “scalpel-less” slogan is really created as a marketing gimmick. Surgeons who perform a “scalpel-less” vasectomy use scissors to puncture through the scrotum instead of a scalpel. Both result in an incision that is required to locate and sever the vas deferens. Both techniques are utilized by our facility, after examining the patient, we will elect the option that will result in the smallest incision.
What Is a Vasectomy?
To put it simply, a vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts or blocks the vas deferens (a small tube within the scrotum). Severing this tube will not allow sperm to enter your semen. The semen’s sensation, pleasure, and appearance all remain the same… there are just no more swimmers (sperm)!
A More Detailed Description
Testicles produce sperm. The sperm is stored until an ejaculation occurs. At this time, the sperm move into the vas deferens. The vas deferens is a tube that caries the sperm from the scrotum to the urethra. Severing the vas deferens does not allow the sperm to join the semen (ejaculate). In order to sever the vas deferens, an small puncture or incision is made into the scrotum. The vas deferens is then located within the scrotum and small segment is removed. Usually, the ends are cauterized or tiny “rice sized” clips are used to prevent reconnection.
Why Should I Get a Vasectomy?
- With us the experience is easy and recovery is very quick (often minimal to no work time missed)
- Oral birth control has a 7-9% failure rate (per CDC.gov)
- Overall, most couples report improved sexual experience after a vasectomy. Worry of pregnancy will no longer enter the mind during intercourse. This can lead to a more relaxed and positive sexual experience.
- For couples, if the use of contraceptive was only for pregnancy, then you may be able to forgo contraceptives (ex: birth control hormones and condoms). This also can eliminate that “interruption” during the moment of excitement just to find a condom (always be sure to continue practicing safe sex).
- A vasectomy does not have a potential for user error similar to condoms or birth control.
- Women on contraceptive pills or shots often report a decrease in sex drive. With their partner having a confirmed successful vasectomy, they may be able to discontinue their contraceptives, thus increasing the female partners sex drive.
- In the long term a vasectomy can save couples both time and money. Women on birth control spend many hours every year at doctors’ appointments, taking pills, renewing and obtaining prescriptions or IUDs. In addition, the average cost of a condom is over $2 per use. Lastly, the biggest savings of all…. NO MORE CHILDREN
Who Will Be Performing My Vasectomy?
The only physicians you should want working in that area! You will be treated by a specialist called a urologic surgeon.
- A urologic surgeon specialist is a doctor who surgically treats medical issues including cancers, infections, kidney stones, and urinary tract. Their area of expertise is the bladder, kidneys, testicles, penis, prostate, ureters and more. In order to be a urologic specialist, they complete over 9 years of medical training (4 years of medical school, 1 year general surgery residency, 4 years of urologic surgery residency). Urologic specialists are the highest trained level of physician you can have working in your “sensitive” area.
How Long Is the Recovery and How Much Pain Should I Expect Shortly Afterwards?
Most men return to work the next day if their job is more sedentary such as office work.
- See the normal course explained below:
- Day of Vasectomy: Ensure you spend a quiet evening at home, either lying in bed or reclining on the couch. Minimize activity as much as possible the day of your procedure.
- 2nd Day: Continue to rest. But, you may walk or drive as much as you like. If your job is sedentary (ex: office work), you may return to work.
- 3rd Day: You may return to more active work (not workouts) and regular daily activities wearing the supportive underwear we provide.
- A full recovery is usually completed 7-10 days after the procedure.
- It is important to refrain from any strenuous activities for 7-10 days. Strenuous activities would be working out, running, laborious work, heavy lifting, or hard yard work. The timing for resuming ejaculations or sexual intercourse is answered in the next question below.
- After a vasectomy… about 50% of men use no pain meds… 40% use 1-3 doses of ibuprofen or Tylenol…. 10% use 4-8 doses of ibuprofen or Tylenol… less than 1% use anything stronger than ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Will My Sex Drive, Performance, Masculinity, Testosterone, Ejaculate, or Sexual Sensation Change?
Short answer is NO!
- Masculinity does not change in anyway with a vasectomy. Your body even still produces the same sperm. The only difference is the sperm is not added to the semen during an ejaculation. Therefore, your ejaculate essentially remains the same with volume, color, texture, and even taste. To put it simply, your body doesn’t know you had a vasectomy.
- There is no change in testosterone or any male hormone production.
- More importantly, there should be no change to your sex drive (libido), sensation of your ejaculation, erection, sex, or orgasm. In fact, most men and women report improved sexual experience knowing the risk of pregnancy is removed.
Is a Vasectomy Permanent?
Yes! A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control. There is a possibility a vasectomy can be surgically reversed. But overall, a vasectomy is considered permanent.
- Do not have a vasectomy if you might want to produce children in the future.
How Soon Is It Safe to Have an Ejaculation, Sex, or Stop Birth Control?
- Do not have any ejaculations for 7 days following the vasectomy
- If your recovery is going as expected, you can resume sex after 10-12 days. Contraception protection MUST be utilized until…
1) 20 ejaculations as well as 3 months have passed since the vasectomy
2) confirmation of “no sperm within your semen” can be verified by a lab test - NOTE: It is important to understand that BOTH OF THE ABOVE STATEMENTS must be met before you can assume there is no risk of pregnancy.
- A vasectomy is an effective method of birth control, but it does not offer any protection from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Where Does that Sperm Go After a Vasectomy?
Even prior to a vasectomy, the body is constantly resorbing sperm within the scrotum. Therefore, after a vasectomy, that same process continues. A similar scenario would be someone who remains abstinent.
What Are the Risks?
The complication rate with vasectomies is usually very minimal. Most common issues would be bleeding or swelling. You will always have the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have with the surgeon. Most complications occur within the first week after the vasectomy.
How Soon Can I Pick up My Kids?
You should not do any lifting of more than 30 pounds for the first week.
When Can I Start Exercising?
TRUST US. Do not resume exercising for 7-10 days. If you are not having any pain or discomfort after 7-10 days, you can ease back into normal activity. Just listen to your body.
How Soon Can I Travel?
- You should not do any lifting of more than 30 pounds for the first week. This includes luggage.
- In the rare instances a problem should arise, you want to be able to come in to be seen. Therefore, it is best to avoid traveling for 7-10 days after your procedure.
- It is common that we use small “rice size” metal clips to clamp the tube during a vasectomy. You usually will not be able to feel them, but also rest assured they will not set up metal detectors at the airport.
If You Cut the Tube, how Would the Testicles Stay in Place?
The testicles are attached with many structures within the scrotum. The vas deferens is just one tube. These other tubes or vessels keep the testicles supported just as they were before a vasectomy.
Are There Any Sutures or Stitches that Need to Be Removed?
- There are no stitches or sutures that need to be removed after your vasectomy. If any are placed, they will dissolve on their own.
- Sometimes we use small “rice size” metal clips to clamp the tube during a vasectomy. You usually will not be able to feel them unless you really are trying to search for them.
What Are Other Upsides to A Vasectomy?
- Overall, most couples report improved sexual experience after a vasectomy. Worry of pregnancy will no longer enter the mind during intercourse. This can lead to a more relaxed and positive sexual experience.
- For couples, if the use of contraceptive was only for pregnancy, then you may be able to forgo contraceptives (ex: birth control hormones and condoms). This also can eliminate that “interruption” during the moment of excitement just to find a condom (always be sure to continue practicing safe sex).
- A vasectomy does not have a potential for user error similar to condoms or birth control.
- Women on contraceptive pills or shots often report a decrease in sex drive. With their partner having a confirmed successful vasectomy, they may be able to discontinue their contraceptives, thus increasing the female partners sex drive.
- In the long term a vasectomy can save couples both time and money. Women on birth control spend many hours every year at doctors’ appointments, taking pills, renewing prescriptions or IUDs. In addition, the average cost of a condom is over $2 per use. Lastly, the biggest savings of all…. NO MORE CHILDREN.
Vasectomy vs Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation in general is considered a major surgery requiring general anesthesia along with an overnight stay at a hospital. While a vasectomy is a 30 minute outpatient procedure. These factors tend to mean a tubal ligation is 5 times as expensive, has more serious complication risks, and a more painful recovery when compared to a vasectomy. Finally, although vasectomies are considered permanent, the success rate of a reversal is around 30% higher when compared to reversing a tubal ligation.
What Are Other Options Besides a Vasectomy for Birth Control?
CDC’s information regarding the effectiveness of various birth control methods.
