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Vasectomy
What is
Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that
cuts and closes off the tubes or the vas
deferens which is responsible for delivering
sperm from the testes. This procedure is usually
done for contraception. It generally takes
approximately 30 minutes with only a few
complications and there are no changes in sexual
function.
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Effects
of Vasectomy
This
procedure results in a safe, simple, and
effective way of birth control.
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Candidates for Vasectomy
The
ideal candidates for this procedure are men
seeking out a permanent form of birth control.
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Your Consultation
The
following should be done prior to undergoing the
procedure:
-
Avoid the use of
anti-inflammatory medications such as
ibuprofen and aspirin as these medications are
blood thinners and may cause excessive
bleeding.
-
Make sure to bring a pair
of snug underwear or a jock strap in order to
support the scrotum and lessen swelling.
-
Thoroughly wash the scrotal
area to avoid any infection. The patient may
also shave the front of the scrotum as
instructed by the urologist.
-
Arrangements should be made
for someone to drive home the patient after
the procedure in order to minimize exertion
and movement which can intensify swelling.
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The
Vasectomy Procedure
The
urologist usually performs the vasectomy
procedure on an outpatient basis, which is often
done in the office. This procedure typically
takes approximately 30 minutes. The patient will
be asked to lie on his back and usually remains
clothed from the waist up. A local anesthetic (lidocaine)
is administered with one or more injections into
the scrotum. The vas deferens is then gathered
under the skin of the scrotum and a small
incision measuring 1 cm or less is created. The
vas deferens is pulled through the incision made
and is cut in two places wherein a 1-cm segment
is removed. Surgically, each end of the vas
deferens is tied off or clipped and then placed
back in the scrotum.
Finally, the incision is sutured. This procedure
is repeated on the other side of the scrotum.
Cauterization of the ends of the vas deferens is
done by some urologists. On the other hand,
other urologists think that cauterizing the vas
deferens complicates reversal and is
unnecessary. After the procedure, the doctor
dresses the incisions and patients may go home
right after the procedure.
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Recovery
Unless the patient's work is strenuous, one may
be able to go back to work in one or two days.
It is important though to avoid heavy lifting
for one week.
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Risks
Minor pain
and some swelling in the scrotum may be
experienced several days after the vasectomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What are the benefits of undergoing a vasectomy?
A:
Unlike in females wherein tubal ligation is
done, that is the procedure used to stop a
woman's egg from reaching the uterus, the
vasectomy is a less invasive procedure and this
may be easily reversed. Reports show that many
couples are choosing this method as a means of
permanent birth control.
Q:
Is vasectomy permanent?
A:
Vasectomy is permanent. Once the procedure is
announced successful, the patient will be
permanently sterile. It is extremely rare for
two cut ends of the vas deferens to be
spontaneously rejoined with a probability of 1
in 1000. Because of this reason, one should be
absolutely sure that the patient has no
intention of having more children before you
consent to the surgery.
Q:
What should be expected after a vasectomy?
A:
Some patients may occasionally experience some
mild aching in the testicles during sexual
arousal a few months postoperatively. On the
other hand, this procedure does not get in the
way of a man's sex drive, ability to have
erections, sensation of orgasm, or ability to
ejaculate.
Q:
What is a no-scalpel vasectomy?
A:
The no-scalpel vasectomy makes use of a surgical
clamp to hold the vas deferens while a puncture
incision instead of a cut is created with the
use of special forceps. The skin is stretched
by opening the forceps creating a small hole
through which the vas deferens is lifted out,
cut, sutured or cauterized, and then put back in
its place. Since a puncture incision is used
instead of a cut, no suturing is needed. The
no‑scalpel method is quicker and lessens
postoperative discomfort, as well as the risk
for bleeding and infection which is why this
method is recommended more by some urologists.
The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
please click the links to find out more:
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