Vasectomy

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Physical exam
• Medical history
• Review of medications
• Discussion of the effects of this procedure

In the days leading up to your procedure:

• Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, or nonsteroidal medications such as ibuprofen for one week before the procedure; discuss this with your doctor prior to your procedure.
• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
• The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
• Wear comfortable clothing and tight-fitting underwear.
• Take any medication 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.

During Procedure

Description of the Procedure

There are three techniques for a vasectomy: the conventional approach, the no-scalpel vasectomy, and the Vas Clip vasectomy. In all three techniques, local anesthesia is administered into the scrotal skin before any incision is made.

• Conventional approach—The doctor makes one small cut in the skin on each side of the scrotum and brings the vas deferens through the opening. The tube is cut, a small piece may be removed, and the ends are sealed off with stitches, clips, or cauterization (using an electric needle to destroy the tissue). The vas deferens is placed back in the scrotum and the incision closed with stitches.
• No-scalpel vasectomy—The doctor locates the vas deferens under the scrotal skin and attaches a clamp to hold it in place. Using a special instrument, the doctor punches a small hole in the skin and stretches it open enough to pull the vas deferens through. The tubes are cut and sealed using the same methods as in the traditional approach. The holes heal without stitches.
• Vas clip vasectomy—The doctor locates the vas deferens in either of the two manners mentioned above, and then once the vas deferens are delivered through the skin, specially designed clips are placed around each vas deferens and cinched in place, thereby blocking the flow of sperm beyond the position of the clip. The defects in the skin are then managed as noted above.

Conventional Approach

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After Procedure

You will rest at doctor's office for a short time.

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, but you can expect some soreness for a few days after. Take pain medication as ordered by your doctor. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medications without the approval of your doctor.

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Inflammation
• Anesthesia-related problems
• Chronic pain in and around the testes
• Sperm granuloma (development of lumps due to immune system response to sperm leaking from the reproductive organs)
• Swollen, painful testes occurring during the year following a vasectomy
• Continued fertility, or rejoining of the ends of the vas deferens resulting in renewed fertility, potentially resulting in pregnancy in a sexual partner
• Psychological issues related to lack of fertility

Average Hospital Stay

There is no hospital stay associated with this procedure.

Postoperative Care

• Apply ice packs, covered with a towel, on and off during the first eight hours.
• Rest in bed for at least one day and at home for a couple of days.
• You may shower the next day.
• Wear an athletic supporter, if recommended by your doctor.
• Keep the area clean and dry, and cover the incisions with clean gauze for three days or as directed by the 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 that 2-3 times daily.
• Your doctor may administer antibiotics for several days following the procedure.