A vasectomy is an operation which cuts and seals off the tubes (called the vas deferens) that carry sperm from each of the testes to the penis. Although the man can have sexual intercourse and climax as before, his semen does not contain sperm and he therefore is unable to father a child following a vasectomy.

What Is The Indication for Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is indicated in situations where men and their partners wish to achieve contraception without the use of condoms, birth-control pills, hormone implants, IUDs, or other typical birth-control methods. It provides a permanent method of contraception for the male.

Am I A Candidate for Vasectomy?

You may be a good candidate for vasectomy if:

• You are a male who wishes not to have children.
• You want to take on the responsibility of contraception.
• Other forms of contraception are not safe alternatives for yourself or your partner.
• You may be concerned about passing on a genetic disease or hereditary disability.
• You want to enjoy sex without the fear of unwanted pregnancy.
• You prefer a permanent method of contraception other than tubal ligation in your female partner.

What Does The Vasectomy Surgery Involve?

Vasectomy is routinely performed with a local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. A general anesthetic may be given, but this is uncommon.) There is no need to go without food and drink if a local anesthetic is used.

Before coming into hospital, men are asked to:

• Have a bath or shower at home on the day of admission.
• Bring tight-fitting underpants to wear after surgery - these support the testicles and reduce swelling.
• Before the operation, part of the scrotum may need to be shaved to prevent hairs getting caught in the wound. Some men prefer to do this at home themselves before coming into hospital.

In the operating theater, lying comfortably on the operating table, the local anesthetic injections are given into the skin on both sides of the scrotum. This may sting but the area will quickly go numb.

The surgeon will feel the testes to find the vas deferens and then make tiny cuts in both sides of the scrotum. In some cases, it is also possible for the surgeon to work through one central incision. Some surgeons use a "no scalpel" technique where a small hole rather than an incision is made.

A section of the vas deferens is carefully pulled out through the incision. Each tube is cut, a small section is removed and the ends of the tubes are sealed off. The vas deferens are then gently placed back into the scrotum and the cuts closed using dissolvable stitches or adhesive strips (e.g. Steristrips). Often a dressing is not required.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

With this simple procedure, the worry about contraception is eliminated for the male, and it is permanent, although sometimes, the surgery can be reversed if desired.

How Long Does It Take?

The operation can be performed in 15-30 minutes.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Only one treatment is required.

When Will I See Results from My Vasectomy?

You will have to wait until no residual spermatozoa remain in the vas deferens to ensure the desired results (complete contraception). This may take several months, and requires a semen analysis to confirm absence of sperm. Therefore, until such time, another contraceptive method should continue to be used.

What Are My Alternatives to Vasectomy?

There are many alternative forms of contraception. These include:

• Oral contraceptives (birth-control pills)
• Implantable contraceptives, e.g. Depo-Provera
• Injectable contraceptives
• Diaphragms
• Spermicides
• IUDs (intrauterine devices)
• Male Condoms
• Female Condoms
• Tubal Ligation

Before deciding on vasectomy, it is worth discussing the options with your physician. Couples also have the option of female sterilization (tubal ligation), although this surgical procedure is not as simple to perform, has more risks than vasectomy and requires a general anesthetic.

Will I Have Pain?

Anesthetic is used during the procedure, so pain should be not be a major issue. As the anesthetic wears off, sometimes the scrotum may be sore and bruising may develop.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You may return to work or school the day after the procedure; however, refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a week.

Who Will Perform My Vasectomy?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained urologists.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for further information.

Will My Insurance Cover Vasectomy?

Most insurance companies cover vasectomies. However, you should check with your insurance company to determine whether or not this procedure is covered.