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.