At Vitality Plus Urology, our urologists have years of experience performing vasectomy procedures that are safe, cause little discomfort and take little time. Here are answers to a few commonly asked questions about vasectomies:
Q. Where is the procedure performed?
A. Most commonly we will perform the vasectomy procedure in the office after administering a local anesthetic.
Q. What steps should I take after the vasectomy procedure?
A. Following your procedure, place ice packs on each side of your testicles to minimize the post procedure swelling and discomfort. Also avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the next several days.
Q. What does the basic procedure involve?
A. After your urologist administers a local anesthetic into the surgical area, he will make a small incision(s) in your upper scrotum, about a quarter inch long. Your vas deferens appears within this small incision and is ligated and divided. The doctor will often place a small suture to close the skin edges. Your vas deferens is isolated within the upper scrotum, ligated, and divided so that sperm can no longer travel from your testicle to outside the body.
Q. Can a vasectomy be reversed?
A. In general, it is not advised to choose a reversal. We will advise you to carefully consider the decision to have a vasectomy BEFORE it’s done, and not count on the ability to “change your mind later.”
Q. Does a vasectomy mean I won’t need to use birth control anymore?
A. While a vasectomy is the most common procedure for men who want to be infertile, note that you aren’t immediately sterile after your vasectomy. A semen specimen must be studied with a microscope to make sure no sperm are present. Your urologist will inform you when it is safe to stop using birth control.
However - note that due to life changes (such as death of a spouse, divorce and remarriage or the death of a child) you may want to reverse the vasectomy process. Some vasectomies are reversible, with varying success rates. Statistics say that if you reverse the procedure within 10 years, there is about a 55% pregnancy success rate. The doctors of Vitality Plus Urology will consult with you to determine the right course of action.
If you’re ready to take control of your reproductive health and desire to enjoy the benefits of a vasectomy, don’t hesitate any longer. Schedule a consultation at Vitality Plus Urology and start your journey towards a worry-free future.
