Vasectomy Overview

A vasectomy is a surgery that makes a man unable to make a woman pregnant. This is done by blocking the tubes through which sperm normally pass on their way from the testes to the penis. These tubes are called the vas deferens.

Male Reproductive Anatomy © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:

• Physical exam
• Medical history
• Review of medicines
• Discuss the effects of this procedure

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure like:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)

In the days leading up to your procedure:

• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Take any medicine as ordered by your doctor. A mild sedative before the procedure may be recommended.
• Shower before leaving home.
• You may be asked to clip your scrotal hair.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia will be used. It will numb the area.

Description of the Procedure

There are three techniques for a vasectomy:

• Conventional approach—One small cut will be made in the skin on each side of the scrotum. The vas deferens will be pulled through the openings. The tubes will then be cut. A small piece of the tubes may also be removed. The ends of the tube will be sealed off with stitches, clips, or an electrical pulse. The vas deferens will then be placed back into the scrotum. The incision will be closed with stitches.
• No-scalpel vasectomy—The doctor will locate the vas deferens under the scrotal skin. A clamp will be attached to hold it in place. A special tool will be used to punch a small hole in the skin. The hole will be stretched open to pull the vas deferens through. The tubes will then be cut and sealed as above. The holes will heal without stitches.
• Vas clip vasectomy—The vas deferens will be exposed in either of the two manners above. Special clips will be placed around each vas deferens and cinched in place. The clips will block the flow of sperm beyond the position of the clip.

Conventional Approach © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

How Long Will It Take?

Conventional vasectomy takes about 30 minutes. No-scalpel procedures take about 20 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You can expect some soreness for a few days. Take pain medicines as directed by your doctor.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Apply ice packs, covered with a towel, on and off during the first eight hours.
• You may shower the next day.
• Wear an athletic supporter, if recommended by your doctor.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Cover the incisions with clean gauze for three days, or as directed by your doctor.
• A small amount of blood on the gauze pads is normal. Tell your doctor if you have excessive bleeding or need to change the gauze pads more than 2-3 times daily.
• Your doctor may give you antibiotics for several days following the procedure. Take all medicines as instructed.
• Do not lift heavy objects or participate in sports for 2-3 weeks.
• Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .

Most men may feel fine to go back to work in a few days. They may also feel ready for sexual activity in about a week. Ejaculation may cause some discomfort in the groin and testicles until the tissues heal. You will have two tests, 4-6 weeks apart, to check to make sure that no sperm are present. You will need to use an alternate method of birth control until it has been confirmed that there are no sperm in your semen.

RESOURCES:

American Society of Reproductive Medicine
http://www.asrm.org/

American Urological Association
http://www.urologyhealth.org

National Institutes of Health
http://www.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/

Men's Health Centre
http://www.menshealthcentre.net/

References:

Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC. Procedures for Primary Care Physicians. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby-Year Book; 1994.

Vasectomy. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vasectomy.cfm . Accessed October 21, 2009.

Vasectomy. Planned Parenthood website. Available at: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/vasectomy-4249.htm . Updated June 25, 2008. Accessed October 21, 2009.