Vasectomy is one of the most common and popular forms of birth control for those whose families are complete. Vasectomy is a male sterilization procedure, designed so that a man will not be able to make a female partner pregnant. To understand vasectomy, it helps to understand how the male reproductive system works. The male anatomy is shown in the picture. The scrotum, or sac, contains a testicle on each side.
The testicle has two functions. It makes testosterone, the male hormone, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. It also makes sperm which travels from the testicle into a series of tubes which collectively form the epididymis. The epididymis sits to the side and in back of the testis. Sperm leaves the epididymis by way of the vas deferens (this is the tube that is divided during a vasectomy) which travels to join the seminal vesicles and prostate. Sperm mixes with fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate to produce semen, the fluid that comes out from the penis at the time of ejaculation.
At a vasectomy, Dr. Nimeh cuts the vas deferens and sutures each of it so as to avoid them re-connecting. The divided ends are then tied with suture and the ends are sealed shut with cautery or heat.
Sperm is still made in the testicle but it cannot get through the block. The testes reabsorb the sperm. The testes do not “back up” or become swollen. Sexual function remains the same. Men still get a normal erection, have a climax, and fluid (semen) still comes out. However, after a period of time – usually about three months – there is no longer any sperm present in the semen that is ejaculated.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL I BE STERILE AS SOON AS THE OPERATION IS OVER?
Contrary to what many people think, a man is not sterile immediately after the procedure. Residual sperm are present above the site where the vas is divided. Until these sperm cells have been released in subsequent ejaculations, a man is still fertile and capable of producing pregnancy. Typically, it takes several months after vasectomy for the remaining sperm above the block to be ejaculated. A semen sample is checked at three months postoperatively to determine if any sperm are left. Until the semen sample shows no sperm left, a couple should continue with another form of birth control.
ARE THE EFFECTS OF THE SURGERY PERMANENT?
Yes. For all intents and purposes, this is a male sterilization procedure and a man should be considered permanently sterile. The chance of the two ends “rejoining” is extremely rare, less than 1 in 200 to 1 in 1,000.
The divided ends of the vas do not actually grow back together. Rather, sperm, which are active swimmers, can escape from one end of the vas and find their way into the other end. If this happens, so called “recanalization,” it is most likely to occur within the first several months after the procedure. That is an additional reason to wait until at least three months after the vasectomy procedure to check the semen analysis to determine if there are any sperm left.
SUPPOSE I CHANGE MY MIND LATER ON. CAN THE OPERATION BE REVERSED?
The divided end of the vas can be rejoined, a so-called vasectomy reversal or vasectomy reanastomosis. However, vasectomy reversal is a more complex procedure than vasectomy. The channel within the vas deferens is so small that it cannot be seen with the naked eye.
When vasectomy reversal is carried out, it is done under an operating microscope with 20-fold magnification using suture that can be seen only under a microscope. Even when the ends of the vas deferens are successfully rejoined surgically, the success rate for subsequent pregnancy is less than half. As such, a vasectomy should be considered a permanent procedure for those whose families are complete.
HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE AFFECT MY SEX LIFE?
Although vasectomy makes a man sterile, it does not affect the ability to have an erection and reach climax. Many couples find that their sex life improves after vasectomy because they no longer worry about the surprise of unwanted pregnancy.
WILL I STILL EJACULATE IN THE NORMAL MANNER?
Yes. Most of the seminal fluid which a man ejaculates during intercourse is produced by the seminal vesicle and the prostate gland. Only a small amount of the seminal fluid consists of sperm. After vasectomy, ejaculation remains the same. There typically is a decrease in the amount of fluid ejaculated, but for most men this difference is barely noticeable.
IS A VASECTOMY PAINFUL?
Dr. Nimeh uses a combination of techniques to minimize pain during the procedure such as local anesthetic and specialized techniques to minimize tissue manipulation. He utilizes a small puncture site in the scrotum to bring the vas up to the outside where the vasectomy can be performed. The less invasive nature of this procedure makes for an easier operative course and postoperative recovery.
ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A VASECTOMY?
Potential risks include bleeding and infection which occur in less than 1% of the men. There will be some pain and tenderness in the area where the surgery is performed. There may also be some swelling and discoloration (black and blue marks). Patients typically feel best if they take two Tylenol every three hours while awake for the first 3-4 days after the procedure. Patients are also given a prescription for pain medication to use in addition to the Tylenol as needed to keep the post-procedure discomfort to a minimum.
ARE THERE ANY LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS?
As far as medical science can determine at this time, there are no long-term complications associated with vasectomy. Past reports in the lay press have focused attention on scientific studies which raised the question of an increased risk of heart disease or an increased risk of prostate cancer. The current consensus is there is no link between vasectomy and other health conditions.
HOW SOON AFTER THE OPERATION CAN I HAVE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE?
Men may resume normal sexual activity 1-2 weeks after surgery. The couple should continue to use some other form of contraception until the semen sample shows no sperm left.
WHAT ABOUT AFTER THE OPERATION. WHAT MUST I DO?
Men typically have a vasectomy procedure on a Thursday or a Friday and take the weekend off. By Monday, they can return to work. They should wait two weeks before resuming strenuous activity, such as running, weightlifting, lawn work, and so forth. An athletic supporter is placed at surgery and can be worn for the first 24-48 hours after the operation. After that, either an athletic supporter or brief-style underpants can be worn as needed to provide comfort.
A shower may be taken on the day following the procedure. There may be some discharge or drainage from the puncture site, which is normal. A small piece of gauze may be placed over the puncture site as needed to keep the drainage from soiling your clothes. Oftentimes, the puncture site does not require a stitch to be closed. If a stitch is present, it will typically dissolve over the course of the next 1-3 weeks which means there are no stitches which need to be removed later. Black and blue or swelling will typically subside over the course of 1-2 weeks.
In summary, vasectomy is a common procedure that works well for those whose families are complete.