Birth Control: How is a Vasetomy Done

Vasectomy: How It's Done

Sterilization is considered to be an irreversible, permanent method of contraception. There is no guarantee that previous fertility can ever be restored. Rejoining the vas deferens is very difficult, specialized surgery and moderately successful at best.

How does the sperm get to the end of the penis?
Sperm is made in the testes. Then travel through the epididymis, where they mature to fully functional sperm. Mature sperm travel through the two Vas Deferens, to the Seminal Vesicles where they are stored for ejaculation. A Vasectomy interrupts the travel through the Vas Deferens by blocking it. Thus, if sperm cannot reach the egg, there is no pregnancy. Remember, however, while a Vasectomy can prevent pregnancy it cannot protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases. A Vasectomy is considered Minor Surgery and is usually performed in a doctor's office. Check to be sure your doctor is experienced in doing vasectomies.

Vasectomy Procedure
Before the surgery, you will be given a mild sedative, such as valium, to relax you. Once it takes effect, you will be prepared for the procedure in the area where it will be done. Lying down, the scrotum and surrounding skin will be shaved, then cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A small amount of Anesthetic will be injected into the penis. Once the are is numb, sterile sheets are placed so that just the penis and scrotum are exposed. You should feel no pain during the procedure.

Two methods are used for vasectomies: Scalpel and No-Scalpel.

Scalpel Method: Two small cuts are made in the scrotum and the tubes (Vas Deferens) are very gently lifted out through the cuts. If surgical clips are to be used, two clips are placed closely together on each tube. The tube is then cut. If bleeding occurs, cautery (electric current) is used to stop it. If tying is done, each tube is tied with surgical thread in two places close together. The tubes are then cut. If cautery (electric current) is to be used, the tubes are cut and the ends sealed with the cautery, thus closing both ends of each tube. The tubes are then placed back into the scrotum and the surgical cut is closed with a few stitches.
No-Scalpel Method: The skin of the scrotum is punctured with a sharp instrument. The skin is then stretched so that the tubes can be reached with the instruments that will be used. Each tube is blocked the same ways as with the scalpel method. After the tubes are blocked, the procedure is finished because no stitches are needed to close the puncture. First developed in China, this method is becoming more and more popular as a way of doing vasectomies. There is little blood loss and fewer complications. About 1/3 of all vasectomies in the US are done this way.

The entire procedure usually takes 20 - 40 minutes for both methods.
After the procedure, you will be sore for a day or two. This can be taken care of with a mild pain killer (Do not take aspirin.). You should use a tight athletic support and ice packs for at least 24 hours to avoid swelling. You must avoid heavy lifting for at least 48 hours. It takes a day or two to get back to normal. Sex can resume when it is no longer uncomfortable.

Clearing Some Misconceptions About Vasectomy:

A vasectomy does not affect the production or secretion of sex hormones. Therefore, it does not affect your masculinity or ability to achieve an erection.
Sterilization IS NOT castration. Castration is the removal of the testicles.
You do not have an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to studies done by the NIH and WHO.
Since a vasectomy does not involve the nerve or blood supply to the penis, there is no reason for impotency after the surgery.
Vasectomies CAN fail - 1% of the time
YOU ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY STERILE AFTER A VASECTOMY. Because some live sperm are still in the ducts, you must have two consecutive negative counts (no sperm found under a microscope from a specimen).
Your testes will continue to make sperm. They are absorbed by your body. This is true whether or not you have a vasectomy. The body absorbs unused sperm cells.
Sperm kept in a sperm bank is no guarantee that it can be used later. (Vasectomy may not be right for you if this is what you are thinking about.)

REMEMBER: This is considered a PERMANENT method of birth control. While reversal is possible in some instances, it is not a guarantee that you will achieve a pregnancy.

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