Page 1 - Vasectomy
P. 1
Urological Health
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed for permanent birth control.
ou are considering having a vasectomy as a
Ymeans of permanent contraception (birth- Area to be shaved:
control). This is minor surgery in which the vas deferens front and both sides of the scrotum
on each side of the scrotum (the “sac”) is divided and
blocked. The vas is a long tube that runs from each
testicle to the urethra (urinary passage). It conducts
sperm at the time of ejaculation. When the vas is
divided and blocked, the ejaculation fluid (semen) is
free of sperm and the egg produced by the woman
cannot be fertilized to start a pregnancy.
bladder
Area to be shaved: front and
prostate Vasectomies are usually performed with local
both sides of the scrotum
urethra anesthesia. The skin and vas are “frozen” with an
vas deferens anesthetic solution injected through a fine needle.
This blocks the sensation of pain, although you may
still notice some pressure and pulling.
testicle
scrotum A small opening is made in the scrotal skin over the
vas. Each vas is then divided, and blocked off with
clips or sutures. Any bleeding which might occur is
controlled. A dissolving stitch may be used to close
the skin opening. The procedure is completed usually
This procedure should be considered a permanent in about 20 minutes. A small dressing may be applied,
form of birth control. Although the vas can often be which you can remove the next day.
reconnected, achieving a pregnancy may be more
difficult due to a number of factors affecting the
quality of the sperm and the tubes’ ability to heal. After the procedure
The procedure will be performed in your urologist’s You may be required to have someone acompany
office or at your local hospital. On the day of your you home after your vasectomy.
vasectomy, before your appointment, you may be
asked to shave the hair from the front part of the Plan to restrict your activities for the first two or three
scrotum, if advised to do so by your urologist. days after your vasectomy. Avoid strenuous physical
activity, heavy lifting, or exercise for about one week.
Snug underwear or a scrotal support will keep you Any strain may cause bleeding or swelling of the
more comfortable after the procedure. Bring these scrotum.
items with you for your vasectomy.
Use the pain medications as directed by your physician.
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The procedure You may take acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol ) or
ibuprofen (i.e. Advil ) early after the procedure to
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help with any discomfort.
On the day of your vasectomy, you will be taken
to a treatment room and asked to lie down on an Some scrotal swelling after the procedure is common.
examination table. Your scrotal skin will be cleaned An ice pack applied to the scrotum for no more than
with an antiseptic solution, after which you will be 20 minutes at a time, three to four times a day, will
covered with a sterile sheet to minimize the risk of help with pain and swelling.
infection.
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