The common questions and answers to all you wanted to know about a Vasectomy:
Basically, what is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure used by urologic surgeons to make a man sterile. It is one of the most popular forms of contraception in the United States and worldwide, and is regarded as safe, simple and highly effective. A vasectomy is performed by cutting the vas deferens, the small tube that carries sperm from the man’s testicles to become part of his semen. Although the man continues to have sexual intercourse and climax as before, his semen does not contain sperm and he cannot father a child following a vasectomy.
What is the “Conventional or traditional vasectomy?”
The traditional vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that is performed in the doctor’s office, under local anesthetic, and is usually completed within 30 minutes. The surgeon uses a scalpel to make one or two incisions in the skin of the scrotum-one incision to access and expose the tiny vas deferens tubes from each testicle. The vas deferens is lifted, cut and tied, and often cauterized. The cut tubes are then returned to the scrotal sac and the incisions are then closed with three or four sutures (stitches).
How long does the procedure and recovery take?
The procedure itself usually takes about 30 minutes, sometimes less. However, including the office routine, paperwork and preparation, the total time in a doctor’s office may be about an hour. The procedure is likely to produce tenderness, discomfort and slight swelling in the first two or three days afterwards, with a return to nearly all-usual activities typically within a week. (Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, take your time and use the schedule that is right for you.)
How effective is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy of any type ranks among the most effective means of protection from pregnancy. Although no procedure is totally safe or effective, the failure rate for a vasectomy is less than one percent. (By comparison, the failure rate for latex condoms is 12 percent or more; for diaphragms, it’s 18 percent.) Couples who want a highly reliable and permanent form of contraception often opt for a vasectomy where the success rate is over 99 percent.
Does it work immediately?
No, any vasectomy does not make you sterile right away, and you’ll want to continue using some other means to guard against pregnancy until your doctor tells you otherwise. Immediately after a vasectomy, active sperm remain in the semen for a period of time. It may take 15 to 20 ejaculations and several weeks before your semen is free of sperm. We will test the semen, a couple of times over the next two months, and let you know when you can safely consider the vasectomy to be complete.
What happens to the sperm?
This is a mystery to some people, but the answer is both normal and natural. The body absorbs unused sperm cells normally – whether or nor you’ve had a vasectomy. After the procedure, the testicles will continue to produce sperm, but they will not leave the body in the semen. They dissolve and are simply and naturally absorbed by the body.
Will my sex life be affected?
A vasectomy only blocks sperm and does not affect your sexual drive, your ability to have an erection, orgasm or ejaculation or your ability to have and enjoy sex. Sperm is only a small fraction of the total liquid in your semen. The amount of fluid, intensity – even color and texture – does not appear to change when sperm is absent. Male hormones continue in the bloodstream, and secondary characteristics (such as beard or voice) do not change. Some couples say their relationship is improved by not having to worry about contraceptive techniques or unplanned pregnancy.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
You should consider any vasectomy to be permanent. There are delicate microsurgery operations that may be able to reverse the effects of a vasectomy, but there is no assurance that the flow of sperm can be restored or pregnancy will result in every case. The likelihood of success can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, including how much time has passed since the vasectomy. If you are seriously considering a vasectomy, it’s best to assume that it will be a permanent change.
Are there risks or complications?
Yes, as with any surgical procedure, there could be complications and you should ask your doctor to go over these carefully with you. However, any type of vasectomy ranks among the safest procedures and the majority of complications, if any, are usually minor and easily treated. These include a chance of infection, bleeding or transient bruising, temporary swelling or fluid accumulation.
Following the procedure, some men experience pain, often as a dull ache, caused by a pressure on the miniature tubes of the epididymis. This is usually treated successfully with medication, but the removal of the epididymis is sometimes recommended.
Some studies have found that some men, who had a vasectomy 20 years earlier, have a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer than others who did not have a vasectomy. Most other studies did not support those results. The American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society recommend that men over the age of 50 should have a regular prostatic examination and a PSA blood test to help detect early prostate changes. This recommendation is the same for all men in this age range (50 to 70), including those who have had a vasectomy and those who have not had the procedure.
For a more recent study looking at a group of nearly 2000 men and concluding that there is no increased risk of prostate cancer after a vasectomy, you can see the abstract at The Journal of the American Medical Association.
In Summary:
Be prepared to ask a lot of questions; informed decisions are best.
Always discuss your issues with the doctor of your choice.
A vasectomy is a simple, safe and highly effective procedure.
Results are not immediate; it may be weeks before sterility is complete.
Vasectomy does not change your ability to have an erection or enjoy sex.
The procedure is safe, risks are low and complications are rare.
A vasectomy should be considered permanent and may not be able to be reversed later.
The actual cost is $1,750 however, the cost is covered under many health insurance programs. You will want to ask your insurance company or HMO if any or all of this cost is provided under the benefits of your coverage. (As a point of reference, this cost is significantly lower than the sterilization operation for women – tubal ligation.)
Cost Includes:
- New Patient Visit
- Pre-op Appointment
- Procedure
- Follow-Up
Convenience
- Procedures that are done on Friday afternoons may allow you to be back to work on Monday.
- Office is located in the heart of Midtown and in close proximity to 75/85 and I20.
- Four board certified urologists to choose from.
Saturday, September 10, 2011