Vasectomy: Planning For Your Future

Vasectomy is a surgery that a man may choose if he no longer wants the ability to father children. It’s the safest, most effective, permanent male birth control option. This is considered an effective, permanent birth control method with virtually 100 percent prevention. We perform a vasectomy in our office and the outpatient procedure generally takes about 30 minutes.

A vasectomy does not affect a man’s sexual performance or pleasure. He can still have intercourse and climax as before. The only difference is that his semen does not contain sperm, and he no longer has the ability to father a child.

A vasectomy does not change your hormones, sex organs, sexuality or sexual pleasure. Your semen will look just like it always has and be about the same amount.

What Happens During a Vasectomy Procedure?

A vasectomy involves cutting the two vas deferens tubes so that sperm can no longer get into the semen. The patient is awake during the procedure and a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. During the procedure, we close or block the tubes that carry sperm. This prevents sperm cells from ever leaving your body. Instead, your body reabsorbs the sperm.

It is important to note that you will need to continue other birth control methods for about three months following a vasectomy, or until you use all sperm beyond the blocked tube. A simple analysis shows when your semen no longer contains sperm.

There may be temporary mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising following surgery. We will provide care instructions for managing these symptoms.

Vasectomy Consultation & Method:

Recovering From a Vasectomy:

How quickly you recover from a vasectomy depends on your general health and lifestyle. Most men do not require time off work, and only a day or two of rest. You will need to avoid strenuous work or exercise for about a week. Most men can resume sexual activity within one week. A vasectomy does not change your hormones, sex organs, sexuality or sexual pleasure. Your semen will look just like it always has and be about the same amount.

Recovery Tips:

• Limit activity
• Utilize ice packs (20 minutes on/20 minutes off)
• Take anti-inflammatory medication

While a vasectomy is an effective form of birth control, it can be reversed in many cases. Reasons for a vasectomy vary, as a man’s relationship and family goals change over time.  

A vasectomy reversal is a relatively simple procedure that reconnects the vas deferens or the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen. The reversal is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, requiring either general or local anesthetics.