Vasectomy
Vasectomy is the most effective form of permanent contraception for men. A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that stops the flow of sperm between the testicle and the urethra by blocking the vasa deferentia, the tube-like structure that carries sperm to the testicle and through the urethra to the ejaculatory duct.
A vasectomy is a minor procedure that consists of the cutting and sealing of the vas deferens tubes, which are responsible for transporting sperm to the prostate for ejaculation. The testes will continue to produce sperm, but it will be absorbed back into the body soon after production and will not be present in semen. It can, however, take up to three months after surgery before the patient is completely sterile. This is due to sperm lingering within the various tubes of the penile anatomy and may require at least twenty ejaculations to ensure complete sterility.
A vasectomy can be performed at our Pioneer Valley Urology offices in Springfield and Palmer located in south central Massachusetts, and at our Enfield, Connecticut office. We are close to the communities of Westfield, Chicopee, Agawam, Longmeadow, Holyoke, Wilbraham, Brookfield, Hampden, Palmer, Monson, Belchertown, Ware, Warren, Sturbridge, Granby, and northern Connecticut nearby Ellington, East Granby, Suffield, and Windsor.
The Vasectomy Procedure
A vasectomy is an out-patient procedure and it is usually performed right in the surgeon's office. Local anesthesia is used to numb the surgical area. The doctor makes a small incision in the upper part of the scrotum. The vas deferens (the tube that carries semen from the testicles) is then pulled through the incision and is cut and sealed. It is usually sealed by using heat (cauterizing) or surgical clips. Vasectomy surgery usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to perform.
Side Effects of a Vasectomy
A vasectomy has few side effects. Patients may experience the following after a vasectomy:
- Sore and swollen scrotum
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Bleeding
- Bruising
Most patients experience minimal discomfort that can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication and by applying ice to the affected area.
Complications of a Vasectomy
Risks of a vasectomy are minimal and include bleeding, blood clots, and infection. It is also possible for sperm to leak into the tissue of the scrotum after surgery. They are usually attacked by the patient's own immune system and may cause a small lump called a sperm granuloma. This usually clears up on its own, and on rare occasions may need to be surgically removed. In rare cases, some men develop chronic pain syndrome after a vasectomy.
Recovery from a Vasectomy
The scrotum should be supported with a bandage and tight fitting underwear for at least 48 hours after the vasectomy. Ice packs can also be applied to the scrotum to help alleviate any swelling. If employed at a desk job, the patient can usually return to work within one or two days after the vasectomy procedure. Manual labor jobs require a a longer period of time before the patient can return to work.
Sexual activity can be resumed within about a week, but it is important to note that the vasectomy is not effective immediately, and if necessary, other means of birth control should be used temporarily. A follow-up sperm count test is recommended after two months to ensure sterility, as well as a second testing one month afterwards for complete confirmation. Patients should not assume that their vasectomy is effective until the semen analysis indicates the absence of sperm. The libido of most men is unaffected by surgery.
