| Basic Information |
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| Definition |
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Cutting and tying the vas deferens (sperm channels inside the scrotum). The
surgery stops the flow of sperm, and provides a safe, effective form of birth
control without affecting sexual desire or ability. Personal counseling prior
to the procedure is important to be sure you and your partner understand all
aspects of a vasectomy.
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| Reasons For Procedure |
- Voluntary sterilization.
- Recurrent epididymitis when caused by chronic prostate infection.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Emotional instability.
- Recent illness, especially one with fever.
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| Description of Procedure |
- The procedure may be performed in the doctor's office, outpatient surgical
facility or hospital.
- A local anesthetic by injection is administered.
- Incisions are made on both sides of the scrotum. The vas deferens is identified,
tied in two places and cut between the ties.
- The divided vas deferens is returned to the scrotum.
- The edges of incised skin are reconstructed with fine sutures, which usually
fall out in about 7 days.
- Another method utilized for vasectomy is called no-scalpel technique. It
requires 2 specialized instruments and avoids the usual surgical incision.
It requires no sutures to close the surgical site and may result in fewer
complications. Some men may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure
because of differences in scrotal anatomy.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Expect sterility without complications. You may have up to 30 ejaculations before
sperm completely disappear from semen. Allow 2 to 3 days for full recovery from
surgery.
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| Possible Complications |
- Collection of blood in the scrotum.
- Surgical wound infection.
- Sperm granuloma (benign lump in the surgical area).
- Small possibility of re-establishing fertility.
- Pregnancy may still occur in about 1% of cases (often as a result of unprotected
intercourse too soon after the procedure).
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Have someone drive you home. Wear an athletic support for 24 hours (or longer).
Rest in bed for 24 hours.
- Apply ice bags to both sides of the scrotum (outside the athletic support)
for 20 minutes per hour for the first 6 to 8 hours.
- Hard blunt ridges should form along the incisions. While healing, the ridges
will recede gradually. Keep the incision area clean and dry.
- Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional
pain (beginning 24 hours after surgery).
- Shower as usual (avoid hot baths for 24 to 48 hours following surgery).
- Use another form of birth control until your sterility is confirmed by the
doctor. You will be asked to bring a semen sample to the doctor's office for
testing.
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| Medication |
- Prescription pain medication should generally only be required for 2 to
7 days following the procedure.
- You may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
Avoid aspirin because of increased bleeding risk.
- Antibiotics, if needed to fight infection.
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| Activity |
- Return to daily activities and work as soon as possible (usually 2 to 3
days after surgery).
- Avoid strenuous activity for 5 to 7 days. Don't swim until the incision
is healed.
- Sexual relations may be resumed 1 week after surgery. Use birth control
measures until laboratory studies confirm sterility (about 12 weeks).
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| Diet |
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No restrictions.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
Any of the following occurs (or call the doctor who performed the procedure):
- Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical
area.
- Signs of infection develop: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general
ill feeling and fever.
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