Vasectomy (male sterilisation)
What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a very effective and impressive procedure of male sterilization. It involves the removal of a small part of the vas deferens from both sides with the insertion of tissue between the divided ends to stop them from re-connecting.
Indications
Vasectomy is indicated for men who don’t want to be the father of any child or any additional child, including if pregnancy may be dangerous or life-threatening for a partner. It may also be indicated for those who avoid passing on a genetic disorder, hereditary disease, or disability to the next generation.
Most of the modern contraceptive methods are for women. Generally, men have only two options of contraceptives.
i)Condom
ii)Vasectomy
Vasectomy is more effective than condom use. Vasectomies are considered the most effective procedure for birth control. Because it has a long-term success rate of over 99%.
Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. In male sterilization, the procedure is called a Vasectomy. Vasectomy is a safe procedure with some complications.
Sterilization is a very effective way to prevent pregnancy. Traditional methods of birth control for males are periodic abstinence, non-vaginal ejaculation, Condoms, and vasectomy.
There are two main types of vasectomy. Which are given below:
- Conventional Vasectomy:
Conventional vasectomy performed by using scalpel to make incisions in the scrotum. One or more incision made in the scrotum can be used. Size of incision usually 1-3 cm long. In this procedure no special instrument is used. These incisions closed by sutures. Complication rate of this procedure might higher than the other vasectomy procedures.
- No-Scalpel Vasectomy:
No-scalpel is minimally invasive procedure. In this procedure special instrument used to make smaller incisions in the scrotal skin.
No scalpel vasectomy incision is usually smaller than 10 mm. There is no need of suture to close these smaller incisions.
The most use full and convenient procedure is no-scalpel vasectomy. A doctor performed this procedure by making small 1 or 2 incisions in the scrotal skin. After making incisions doctor can do the procedure to close or remove the segement of semen carrying tube called “Vas Deferens”.
For week before surgery
Patient should avoid aspirin for one week and products like (Ibuprofen, Naproxen - Advil, Aleve etc) for minimum of 48 hours before the procedure.
Make sure that you should talk to your doctor about any other medications you may be taking. The medicines that may you asked to stop at least 1 week prior to procedure like blood thinners such as Clopidogrel and Warfarin.
If you wish you can take a prescription for oral anti-anxiety medication before the procedure.
On the day of surgery you should wear comfortable clothes.
If you have a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication, you should take this medication 30 minutes before to your arrival at the clinic. It is required that you have someone to drop you to the clinic if you have taken the medication for anti-anxiety.
You may shave your scrotal hair before the procedure
The vasectomy will be done by using a local anesthetic. You will be given a prescription for pain medication. In most of cases, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) is sufficient to relieve discomfort two to three days after your vasectomy.
Apply ice packs to the scrotum at the night of your vasectomy.
Remove all the dressing after 24 hours of surgery except 1 gauze pad inside the athletic supporter.
Use a men athletic supporter for at least one week after the procedure.
Use clean 1-2 gauze pads for 3 days after surgery.
A small amount of blood is normal. If you have excessive bleeding than you may contact with your surgeon. And than change gauze pads 2-3 times daily.
You can take shower after your vasectomy. After shower clean and dry the incision site.
Avoid intercourse or ejaculation for one week after the procedure . Ejaculation may cause discomfort in groin area.
You can resume your normal routine after 48 hours of surgery. Avoid jogging and weight lifting for 7-10 days after vasectomy.
Absorbable sutures used to close the incisions . No need to remove the sutures after procedure.
- Fever and chill
- Swelling, redness, bleeding or discharge from incision sites.
- Pain while urinating
- Unbearable discomfort
- Pain can’t reliving with medication
Benefits of Vasectomy
Vasectomy is more effective than other procedures .
It is reliable birth control preventing unwanted pregnancy .
There is no need of general anesthesia for doing the procedure of Vasectomy.
The risk associated with this procedure are lower than the other tubal ligation procedures.
The cost of the procedure is lower than the other birth control forms.
It is just one time cost for birth control
No effect on sexual pleasure.
It is very fast procedure resulting very fast recovery. Patient can resume hi routine work after 48 hours.
The procedure is almost always reversible. If patient change his mind he can reverse the procedure at any time.
Recovery after a vasectomy is very fast. You will to need rest after 24 hours of surgery. Then you can resume your daily light activities. But you can not do jogging or weight lifting at least one week after procedure. Avoid sexual activities like intercourse and ejaculation at least one week after surgery.
The risks of Vasectomy are usually minor and can be treated with medication like bruising, swelling, bleeding, pain and infection after the procedure.
Questions about Vasectomy
- How effective is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is more effective than other procedures of birth control. It is 99.9 % effective.
- How safe is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is safe procedure with minor risk and complications which can be treated symptomatically.
- What can I expect if I have a vasectomy?
If you had vasectomy, you may have pain , bruising, swelling in the area of incision .
You should follow the instructions of you doctor.
Wear athletic supporter for one week.
Take plenty of rest.
Use ice pack to reduce the pain and swelling.
Do only light activities until you heal.
- How do I get a vasectomy?
If you want to get vasectomy. You can visit our website for booking or you can call our clinic office number
- What are the benefits of vasectomy?
Vasectomy is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
It doesn’t effect you hormones.
It does not effect your sex drive.
It is very safer and easier method than other female sterilization procedures.
- What happens to a man when he gets a vasectomy?
Nothing happens to a man after getting a vasectomy only some complications which can be treated symptomatically with medication.
- What are the disadvantages of male vasectomy?
Vasectomy is safe procedure.
Vasectomy reversal may not bring your fertility back.
It can’t prevent from sexually transmitted disease.
. Can I get pregnant if my husband had a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is most effective procedure of birth control due to its long-term success rat of over 99%. Only 1-2 women’s out of 1000 end up pregnant with in a year of their partner receiving a vasectomy.
- How painful is a vasectomy?
The procedure of Vasectomy shouldn’t be painful itself. But pain remains 1 week after procedure.
- Does a vasectomy change a man's behavior?
No vasectomy never change the man’s behavior nor it may change sexual activity or any other activities.
- How do I prepare for a vasectomy?
Avoid Aspirin for one week and aspirin-like products ibuprofen, naproxen-Advil, Aleve, etc. for a minimum of 48 hours prior to your procedure. Take anti- anxiety medication on the prescription of your doctor.
- Why wait 10 days after vasectomy?
It is advise to wait for 7-10 days after vasectomy before having sex or masterbating.It may help the person avoiding irritated tissues that are already swollen and sensitive.
Vasectomy and Male Contraception in the Future
New techniques are being investigated as male contraceptive research develops. One of them is Vasalgel, which differs significantly from vasectomy in that it is intended to be reversible. Vasalgel is a long-acting, non-hormonal contraceptive.
In the same tubes that are severed during a vasectomy, the vas deferens, vasalgel is injected. The gel prevents sperm from passing through while allowing other fluids to do so, so minimizing any possible back-pressure on the sperm-producing organs. The gel may be flushed out with another injection if a guy decides he wants to resume sperm production.
Although promising, Vasalgel and other innovative methods of male contraception are still in the experimental stages. The most dependable and efficient method of long-term male contraception is still a vasectomy.
In conclusion, getting a vasectomy is a big decision that has to be well thought through and discussed with a doctor. We at Urologic Specialists of Northwest Indiana are dedicated to giving you the knowledge and encouragement you need to choose the treatment that is best for you and your family.
