A vasectomy is a male sterilization procedure whereby the vas deferens (ducts that transport sperm into the ejaculate stream) are tied off, ensuring that sperm do not enter the ejaculate stream, making this one of the most effective forms of birth control for men. Your doctor can perform the traditional “scalpel” method of vasectomy, or may perform one of several alternative “non-scalpel” methods.

How is a Vasectomy Performed?

A traditional vasectomy is performed in your doctor’s office or in an outpatient treatment center, and can take up to 30 minutes. Following your vasectomy, you may experience pain for several days which can be alleviated by ice and over the counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen.After sanitizing and shaving the scrotal area, your urologist will administer a local anesthetic into the scrotum. A small incision is made with a scalpel on the side of the scrotum and then the vas deferens is pulled out and clamped. The section between the vas deferens is removed, and the tubes are tied off by sutures (stitches). The procedure is performed on both sides of the testes.

No Scalpel Options

In a “no-scalpel” vasectomy, the vas deferens is clamped through the scrotal sac and a sharp surgical tool is used to puncture the skin. The vas are stretched through the puncture sealed by suture or cauterization (burning the opening).As an additional step to your “no scalpel” vasectomy, your doctor may perform a facial interposition in which the fibrous layer of tissue (fascia) removed from the vas is sewn over the vas ending which is connected to the prostate gland. This provides an extra barrier to the sperm, and may make the vasectomy more fail-proof.

What is an Open Ended Vasectomy?

In both the “scalpel” vasectomy and the “no-scalpel” vasectomy, the vans deferens is sealed at the location where the it connects with the testicle. In an open-ended vasectomy, the vas is sealed at the end which leads to the prostate. Both methods of sealing the vas deferens are effective in stopping sperm from entering the male ejaculate, but some men have fewer complications from the “open-ended” procedure and find it less painful.

After Your Vasectomy

Men are not rendered completely sterile immediately following vasectomy. It may take up to several months to ensure that sperm are no longer present in the vas deferens. Your doctor will test your semen during several follow up visits to confirm that sperm are no longer present in the ejaculate.Talk to your urologist about which vasectomy procedure is right for you.