Let's Talk About Vasectomies

How Do I Know If a Vasectomy Is Right for Me?

Deciding whether to get a vasectomy is a big step, and it’s normal to have lots of

questions. A vasectomy is a safe, effective, and permanent form of male birth control, but how do you know if it’s right for you?

If you’re certain you don’t want to father (more) children, want a reliable form of

contraception, and are ready for a permanent option, a vasectomy is worth considering.

The most important question to ask yourself is "Do I want children, or do I want more

children?" When considering this question, it is important to consider the age of both you

and your partner, as well as the desire each of you has for kids. For example, a man in

his 20’s may consider a vasectomy because his partner does not want children. In this

case it is important to keep in mind that even the best relationships may change, so it

may be better to hold off on vasectomy. On the other hand, it is also ok to be a single

man your 20’s with no children and have a vasectomy because you are sure you do not

want to bring children into the world. The main point here is to view it as a permanent

form of birth control and to feel certain about your decision.

What is the difference between male and female sterilization?

It is much safer and easier for men to get sterilized via vasectomy than for women to

become sterile by tubal ligation, also known as getting the ‘tubes tied.’ Tubal ligation is a

permanent form of birth control for women that involves blocking, cutting, or sealing the

fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus. Tubal ligation requires general

anesthesia and surgery through the abdominal cavity which means it is significantly

more complicated with a longer recovery time than a vasectomy. Vasectomy is the

simpler, safer alternative.

What Exactly Is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that cuts and seals the tubes (vas deferens)

that carry sperm from your testicles to your urethra. After the procedure, your semen no

longer contains sperm, so pregnancy cannot occur.

There are two main types of vasectomy:

• Conventional vasectomy: Small incisions are made on the scrotum to access

the vas deferens.

• No-scalpel vasectomy: A tiny puncture hole is made instead of a cut,

minimizing bleeding and speeding up healing time.

How Long Does a Vasectomy Take?

The vasectomy is typically done in your doctor’s office or a clinic. The procedure usually

takes about 15 minutes. You’ll be awake the whole time, but the area will be numbed

with local anesthesia.

What Happens During the Procedure?

1. Preparation: The scrotum needs to be shaved. Most men choose to ‘manscape’

themselves at home, however the scrotum can also be shaved in clinic if that is

preferable. The scrotum is then cleaned with antiseptic solution and sterile

drapes will cover all but the scrotal area.

2. Accessing the tubes: The doctor makes a small cut or puncture in the scrotum

to reach the vas deferens. The vas is like a slippery little spaghetti noodle

running from the top of the groin down to the testicle. There is one vas on each

side of the scrotum. You can feel the vas on yourself if you want to--give it a try!

3. Cutting the tubes: Each tube is cut, a small segment is removed, then each of

the ends are tied off and sealed with heat (cauterized) to ensure the tube ends

do not grow back together.

4. Closing up: Each of the tiny incisions are closed with a single suture. The

suture dissolves into the skin so there are no stitches to remove later on. The

sutures take about 2 weeks to dissolve completely.

What’s the Recovery Like?

Recovery Time:

• Most men recover fully within a week.

• Many return to desk jobs within 2–3 days, but strenuous work or heavy lifting

should be avoided for about a week.

What to Expect:

• Mild pain, bruising, and swelling are common and expected in the first few days.

• Using an ice pack, wearing snug underwear, and resting help reduce discomfort.

• The incisions are tiny, over-the-counter pain medication is all you need.

Aftercare:

• Avoid sex and ejaculation for one to two weeks to allow proper healing.

• Use other contraception until your doctor confirms your semen is sperm-free

(usually after about 3 months or minimum of 20 ejaculations).

For any questions, concerns, or if you would like to come in for a check up, please call us at ​458-247-9188.