What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is the most common form of surgical sterilization performed in the United States.
Approximately 600,000 vasectomies are performed annually. It is a procedure done to surgically
sterilize the male. Once a vasectomy has been successfully completed and the semen has been
confirmed to be absent of any sperm, then the couple can enjoy intercourse without the fear of
having an unwanted pregnancy. Vasectomy is 99.9% successful.
Vasectomy is the most common form of surgical sterilization performed in the United States.
Approximately 600,000 vasectomies are performed annually. It is a procedure done to surgically
sterilize the male. Once a vasectomy has been successfully completed and the semen has been
confirmed to be absent of any sperm, then the couple can enjoy intercourse without the fear of
having an unwanted pregnancy. Vasectomy is 99.9% successful.
How is a vasectomy performed?
Vasectomy is usually performed in the doctor's office using a local anesthetic. Only in rare
instances will the vasectomy have to be performed in the operating room. Vasectomy is performed
through a small opening in the scrotal skin. The skin is anesthetized with a local anesthetic similar
to when you have a dental procedure. The vas deferens, the tube carrying sperm from the testicle
to the penis, is isolated. The vas deferens is tied usually in two locations and a small segment of the
vas deferens is cut out. The small opening in the scrotum is then closed. The entire procedure
takes less than 20 minutes.
Vasectomy is usually performed in the doctor's office using a local anesthetic. Only in rare
instances will the vasectomy have to be performed in the operating room. Vasectomy is performed
through a small opening in the scrotal skin. The skin is anesthetized with a local anesthetic similar
to when you have a dental procedure. The vas deferens, the tube carrying sperm from the testicle
to the penis, is isolated. The vas deferens is tied usually in two locations and a small segment of the
vas deferens is cut out. The small opening in the scrotum is then closed. The entire procedure
takes less than 20 minutes.
What is a no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV)?
No-scalpel vasectomy refers to a special technique of vasectomy where the scrotal skin is not cut
with a scalpel. Instead, a fine pair of instruments is used to create an opening in the scrotum. The
remainder of the procedure is similar to a conventional vasectomy. The advantages of a no-scalpel
vasectomy have been reported to be decreased pain at the vasectomy site and decreased chances
of bleeding. There is a big psychological advantage to the patient knowing that a scalpel will not
be used. Most male reproductive surgeons are well trained to perform this type of procedure.
No-scalpel vasectomy refers to a special technique of vasectomy where the scrotal skin is not cut
with a scalpel. Instead, a fine pair of instruments is used to create an opening in the scrotum. The
remainder of the procedure is similar to a conventional vasectomy. The advantages of a no-scalpel
vasectomy have been reported to be decreased pain at the vasectomy site and decreased chances
of bleeding. There is a big psychological advantage to the patient knowing that a scalpel will not
be used. Most male reproductive surgeons are well trained to perform this type of procedure.
What is a no-needle vasectomy (NNV)?
No-needle vasectomy refers to a technique of performing vasectomy where the local anesthetic is
delivered through a jet anesthetic device avoiding the use of a needle. This device delivers the
same type of anesthetic that a regular vasectomy receives. The transient discomfort of placing a
needle into the scrotal skin is alleviated.
No-needle vasectomy refers to a technique of performing vasectomy where the local anesthetic is
delivered through a jet anesthetic device avoiding the use of a needle. This device delivers the
same type of anesthetic that a regular vasectomy receives. The transient discomfort of placing a
needle into the scrotal skin is alleviated.
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Vasectomy Frequently
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How long is the recovery after a vasectomy?
Usually, the recovery after vasectomy is very short. Oftentimes your physician will recommend light
activity for 1-3 days after the procedure. Most people are able to return to work the next day,
especially if they have a sedentary job. Some people prefer to have the procedure performed on a
Friday and are back to work on Monday.
Usually, the recovery after vasectomy is very short. Oftentimes your physician will recommend light
activity for 1-3 days after the procedure. Most people are able to return to work the next day,
especially if they have a sedentary job. Some people prefer to have the procedure performed on a
Friday and are back to work on Monday.
Will my vasectomy be covered by my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover the total or partial costs of a vasectomy. It is cheaper for the
insurance company to pay for the vasectomy than it is to pay for another pregnancy. Even if your
insurance carrier does not cover the costs of a vasectomy, most male reproductive surgeons will
perform this procedure for under $1000. Considering the cost to raise a child per year is
approximately $10,000, vasectomy is a very affordable option.
Most insurance companies will cover the total or partial costs of a vasectomy. It is cheaper for the
insurance company to pay for the vasectomy than it is to pay for another pregnancy. Even if your
insurance carrier does not cover the costs of a vasectomy, most male reproductive surgeons will
perform this procedure for under $1000. Considering the cost to raise a child per year is
approximately $10,000, vasectomy is a very affordable option.
What are the alternatives to vasectomy?
There are many different options for male contraception, however, none of them are as reliable
as a vasectomy. Unfortunately, a reliable male contraceptive pill is not available. A couple can
choose to use condoms. These come in various sizes and brands. Condoms offer the additional
advantage of preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms can break and
they must be applied every time prior to intercourse. Many men report decreased satisfaction
during sexual intercourse when they wear a condom. Also, care must be taken not to use a latex
condom in couples who have latex allergies. The "withdrawal" method/coitus interruptus or the
timing method are other techniques used to prevent pregnancy. These techniques are not
reliable and are associated with unacceptable pregnancy rates.
Female contraception includes birth control pills, spermicides, sponges, intra-uterine devices,
implantable hormone pellets, and tubal ligation. Birth control pills and implantable hormone
pellets are reliable forms of contraception but increase the woman's risk of multiple medical
problems such blood clots and cancer. Spermicides and sponges can be irritating to both the
male and female partners. Intra-uterine devices can migrate out of position and require a small
office procedure to place them by a physician. Tubal ligation is an operation that must be done
under general anesthesia and requires abdominal surgery.
There are many different options for male contraception, however, none of them are as reliable
as a vasectomy. Unfortunately, a reliable male contraceptive pill is not available. A couple can
choose to use condoms. These come in various sizes and brands. Condoms offer the additional
advantage of preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms can break and
they must be applied every time prior to intercourse. Many men report decreased satisfaction
during sexual intercourse when they wear a condom. Also, care must be taken not to use a latex
condom in couples who have latex allergies. The "withdrawal" method/coitus interruptus or the
timing method are other techniques used to prevent pregnancy. These techniques are not
reliable and are associated with unacceptable pregnancy rates.
Female contraception includes birth control pills, spermicides, sponges, intra-uterine devices,
implantable hormone pellets, and tubal ligation. Birth control pills and implantable hormone
pellets are reliable forms of contraception but increase the woman's risk of multiple medical
problems such blood clots and cancer. Spermicides and sponges can be irritating to both the
male and female partners. Intra-uterine devices can migrate out of position and require a small
office procedure to place them by a physician. Tubal ligation is an operation that must be done
under general anesthesia and requires abdominal surgery.
Should I freeze sperm (cryopreserve) prior to my vasectomy?
Most people who wish to have a vasectomy are sure that they do not want to have any more
children in the future. Any doubts about their decision to have a vasectomy can be alleviated by
knowing that they have two very important options. The first is to freeze some sperm prior to the
vasectomy. This can be arranged by your physician. Sperm can be frozen for many years. The
latest successful pregnancy after using frozen sperm is 28 years. The other option is to have a
vasectomy reversal. This procedure is greater than 95% successful when done by a fellowship
trained male reproductive surgeon. Vasectomy reversal has been successfully accomplished up
to 30 years after a vasectomy.
Most people who wish to have a vasectomy are sure that they do not want to have any more
children in the future. Any doubts about their decision to have a vasectomy can be alleviated by
knowing that they have two very important options. The first is to freeze some sperm prior to the
vasectomy. This can be arranged by your physician. Sperm can be frozen for many years. The
latest successful pregnancy after using frozen sperm is 28 years. The other option is to have a
vasectomy reversal. This procedure is greater than 95% successful when done by a fellowship
trained male reproductive surgeon. Vasectomy reversal has been successfully accomplished up
to 30 years after a vasectomy.
How soon can I have unprotected intercourse after my vasectomy?
Normally, your physician will require proof that your vasectomy is successful prior to authorizing
unprotected intercourse. This is usually determined by demonstrating two semen samples without
any sperm. It can take up to 24 ejaculates to clear all of the sperm downstream from the
vasectomy site. Your physician will arrange the timing for your semen analysis. It is important to
remember that vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Other
precautions are required in these situations.
Normally, your physician will require proof that your vasectomy is successful prior to authorizing
unprotected intercourse. This is usually determined by demonstrating two semen samples without
any sperm. It can take up to 24 ejaculates to clear all of the sperm downstream from the
vasectomy site. Your physician will arrange the timing for your semen analysis. It is important to
remember that vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Other
precautions are required in these situations.
Last updated 11/24/2007
| California Vasectomy & Reversal Center |
Dr Karpman answers hundreds
of reader's questions regarding
vasectomy and vasectomy
reversal on:
www.vasectomy-information.com
Visit this site to see if your
question has been answered.
of reader's questions regarding
vasectomy and vasectomy
reversal on:
www.vasectomy-information.com
Visit this site to see if your
question has been answered.
Vasectomy incision pictures
The following pictures demonstrate the general healing process immediately after the vasectomy
procedure. These pictures are only representative of what to expect after the vasectomy perform
a vasectomy. Dr Karpman uses a No-Scalpel Technique with tiny "keyhole" openings through
which the procedure is performed. Typically, maximal swelling is seen 48-72 hours after the
procedure and maximal bruising is seen 4-5 days after the procedure.
The following pictures demonstrate the general healing process immediately after the vasectomy
procedure. These pictures are only representative of what to expect after the vasectomy perform
a vasectomy. Dr Karpman uses a No-Scalpel Technique with tiny "keyhole" openings through
which the procedure is performed. Typically, maximal swelling is seen 48-72 hours after the
procedure and maximal bruising is seen 4-5 days after the procedure.
Day 1
Pictures immediately after vasectomy procedure.
Two small openings performed high on the scrotum
using a no-scalpel vasectomy technique.
Pictures immediately after vasectomy procedure.
Two small openings performed high on the scrotum
using a no-scalpel vasectomy technique.
Day 2
Incisions are clean and dry. Minimal swelling, no
bruising.
Incisions are clean and dry. Minimal swelling, no
bruising.
Day 3
Maximal swelling is seen approximately 48 hours
after the procedure. Minimal swelling is seen in
these pictures. Slight bruising is seen above the
left incision which is normal.
Maximal swelling is seen approximately 48 hours
after the procedure. Minimal swelling is seen in
these pictures. Slight bruising is seen above the
left incision which is normal.
Day 4
The swelling usually begins to subside at this
point. Incisions have two small scabs. Bruising
seen over the left incision is not progressing.
The swelling usually begins to subside at this
point. Incisions have two small scabs. Bruising
seen over the left incision is not progressing.
Day 5
Swelling has completely subsided. Maximal
bruising is usually seen at this point after the
vasectomy. The bruising remains small and
confined to just above the left incision.
Swelling has completely subsided. Maximal
bruising is usually seen at this point after the
vasectomy. The bruising remains small and
confined to just above the left incision.
Immediate post operative pictures after vasectomy, scroll down below
Would you like to ask a question about your vasectomy procedure? Click on the links below.