Vasectomy

The procedure is done in the convenience of our office or in an ambulatory surgery center and takes only about 20 minutes. The skin is anesthetized with Xylocaine (lidocaine) and 1 or 2 small openings are made in the skin. The left and right tubes (vas deferens) are partially removed through these openings. The ends are tied or clipped. The skin is closed with an absorbable suture.

You are advised to relax that evening and most men can resume regular activity the next day. But, heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 7 days.

Less than 1% of men develop a pain syndrome after the procedure. Sperm continue to be made in the testicle. They are stored in the tubular network and disintegrate there over time. Sperm are absorbed just as they would for a man who is celibate and does not ejaculate. This congestion in the tubular network may lead to this pain syndrome.

You may resume sexual activity, but you are not cleared for unprotected intercourse until you have 2 negative sperm analyses about 6 and 8 weeks after the procedure. You must verify the proper lab based on your insurance carrier.

There is a small but finite risk of a vasectomy reversing itself and that risk is as high as 1/165 per lifetime. There is no risk that a vasectomy will cause prostate cancer.

The bottom line is that if you are certain that you want a permanent form of sterilization, vasectomy is clearly the safest and most effective way to achieve that.