How does a vasectomy work?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure used as a permanent form of male birth control. It blocks the vas deferens, stopping sperm from the testicles to the penis.
How is a vasectomy carried out?
The doctor will explain the procedural steps of a conventional vasectomy as part of the consent form process.
An incision vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic, usually under local anaesthesia, to cut vas deferens. Here are the general steps involved in the procedure:
Before the procedure, the patient is typically given a local anaesthetic to numb the scrotum and surrounding area.
Once the area is numb, the doctor will make a small incision on each side of the scrotum, usually near the base of the penis.
The vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, are then located and pulled through the incision.
The doctor will cut the vas deferens, perform tubal ligation, or use clips to close it. Sometimes, the vas deferens may be cauterized or sealed using a small heat device.
The doctor will then place the ends of the vas deferens back into the scrotum and close the incisions with stitches or surgical glue.
The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, and the patient can usually go home the same day.
Regular ice pack application, bed rest and supportive underwear are recommended.
What is a No-scalpel vasectomy? How does it differ from a conventional vasectomy?
A no-scalpel vasectomy is a type of vasectomy that uses a specialised tool to make a small puncture instead of a traditional incision in the scrotum. This puncture is made using a sharp, pointed instrument and is generally less traumatic to the tissue than a surgical incision. The tool gently stretches the skin and creates an opening. It is through the tiny puncture hole that the vas deferens can be accessed.
The vas deferens are then gently pulled through the opening using a pair of small hooks, and a small section of the tube is removed or blocked using one of several methods, such as cautery, clips, or sutures.
The no-scalpel vasectomy technique has several potential advantages over the traditional method, including:
- Less discomfort and bleeding: Since the procedure involves a minor puncture rather than an incision, there may be less bleeding, bruising, and discomfort afterwards.
- Shorter recovery time: The minor puncture typically results in a faster recovery time, with most patients able to return to work and other activities within a day or two.
- Lower risk of complications: The no-scalpel technique is generally considered safer and has fewer complications than traditional vasectomy methods.
The no-scalpel vasectomy is a safe and effective option for permanent male contraception.
Will my sense of orgasm be changed by having a vasectomy?
One question that some men may have before undergoing a vasectomy is whether the procedure will affect their ability to experience orgasm. While a vasectomy does not directly affect the ability to achieve orgasm, men may experience some potential changes.
First, it must be noted that orgasm and ejaculation are separate physiological responses. While they often occur together, they are not the same thing. A vasectomy does not affect a man's ability to experience orgasm. However, it may result in a change in the volume of ejaculate that is released during orgasm.
After a vasectomy, there may be a decrease in the amount of semen that is ejaculated during orgasm. This is because the procedure blocks the tubes that carry sperm, which comprise a small portion of the overall volume of semen. However, the fluid released during orgasm is still enough to provide sexual pleasure.
Additionally, some men may experience a temporary decrease in sexual desire after a vasectomy. This is thought to be due to anxiety or other psychological factors related to the procedure rather than a direct physiological effect of the surgery. However, this decrease in sexual desire typically resolves within a few weeks to a few months.
It is important to note that while a vasectomy is a highly effective form of birth control, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Men who have had a vasectomy and are sexually active with multiple partners should still use condoms to reduce their risk of contracting an STI.
In summary, a vasectomy does not directly affect a man's ability to experience orgasm. However, there may be a decrease in the volume of ejaculation that is released during orgasm. Any changes in sexual desire are typically temporary and related to psychological factors rather than a direct effect of the surgery. Men must continue practising safe sex after a vasectomy to reduce their risk of STIs.
Recovering after the operation
After a vasectomy, the recovery time varies from person to person. Still, generally, it takes about a week or two for most men to return to work and resume their daily activities.
When can I get back to my sexual life?
As for sexual activity, it is recommended to wait at least a week after the procedure before engaging in any sexual activity to allow for proper healing. However, it's important to note that sperm can still be present in the semen for several weeks after the procedure, so it's essential to use alternative forms of contraception until a post-vasectomy semen analysis confirms is no viable sperm left.
When can I drive?
Driving a car can typically be resumed within a few days after the procedure, as long as the person is not experiencing any pain or discomfort that could affect their ability to drive safely.
When can I exercise?
Performing physical exercise is usually advised to be avoided for the first week after the procedure to allow for proper healing. After that, low-impact exercises such as walking and light jogging can be resumed. Still, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least two to three weeks to prevent any strain or injury to the surgical site. Listening to your body and consulting your doctor before resuming any exercise regimen after a vasectomy is essential.
Risks of vasectomy
According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) vasectomy leaflet, the risk factors and complications of a vasectomy can include:
- Bleeding and bruising: Mild bruising and bleeding are expected after the procedure. However, severe bleeding is rare in less than 1% of cases.
- Infection: Infection is a possible complication but rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
- Chronic pain: Even though a conventional vasectomy is a painless surgical procedure, long-term testicle pain after a vasectomy can occur in up to 1-2% of cases. This pain can last several months or even years and may require additional treatment. This is known as post-vasectomy pain syndrome.
- Sperm granuloma: This is a small lump that can form at the site of the cut tubes where sperm leaks out. Sperm leaking occurs in up to 20% of cases and resolves independently.
- Vasectomy failure: In rare cases, the tubes naturally rejoin. The tubes may reconnect, or a new channel may form, leading to vasectomy failure. The failure rate is approximately 1 in 2,000 cases.
- Post-vasectomy pain syndrome: This is a rare but severe complication that can occur after a vasectomy. It is characterized by chronic and severe pain in the testicles and scrotum and can be challenging to treat. It occurs in less than 1% of cases.
- Regret: Although rare, some men may experience regret after a vasectomy. This may occur if their life circumstances change and they decide they want to have children in the future. The rate of regret is estimated to be less than 5%.
What are sperm granulomas? Are they serious?
Sperm granulomas are small lumps that can develop in the scrotum following a vasectomy. These occur due to the leakage of sperm from the cut ends of the vas deferens tubes, which are the tubes responsible for transporting sperm from the testicles to the penis. As a response to this leakage, the body forms a solid, small lump around the sperm, known as a granuloma.
Generally, sperm granulomas are not a serious medical condition and tend to resolve naturally without treatment. However, in some instances, they may lead to mild discomfort with pain or swelling in the scrotum, necessitating medical attention. More severe symptoms, such as pus drainage and fever, may occur if the granuloma infects.
In rare circumstances, sperm granulomas can also cause a vasectomy to fail. This is because they may permit sperm to move through the tissue and re-join the ejaculatory stream.
Can vasectomy cause prostate cancer or testicular cancer?
A meta-analysis indicates that male sterilisation does not appear to increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, the potential link between vasectomy and testicular cancer is still unclear and requires further investigation. Some studies have suggested a potential positive association between vasectomy and testicular cancer, but more research is needed to establish a conclusive link between the two.
After a vasectomy, can I stop using other birth control methods right away?
Both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) recommend that men who have undergone a vasectomy should not rely solely on the procedure for birth control until a follow-up semen analysis confirms that there is no sperm in their ejaculate.
Men are usually advised to provide two semen samples for analysis at least 12 weeks and 24 ejaculations after their vasectomy procedure. This is because the procedure does not immediately stop the release of sperm, and it can take several months and multiple ejaculations for any remaining sperm to clear from the tubes.
Once a semen analysis confirms the absence of sperm, men can stop using other forms of birth control. However, it is essential to note that failure to use other forms of birth control until the absence of sperm is confirmed can result in unintended pregnancy.
Therefore, it is crucial for men to follow the post-operative instructions provided by their healthcare provider and to continue using other forms of birth control until they are cleared to stop.
When can I return to work?
Most men can return to work within a few days after the procedure. However, taking at least 24-48 hours off from work is recommended to rest and recover. During this time, avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or exercise is crucial.
If your work involves heavy physical labour or strenuous activity, you may need to take more time off to ensure a complete and safe recovery. Speaking with your healthcare provider regarding your situation and job requirements is best.
When can I have sexual intercourse?
It is recommended to wait at least a week after a vasectomy before engaging in sexual activity. However, it is crucial to follow the post-operative instructions given by your healthcare provider, which may include waiting for a more extended period before resuming sexual activity.
Your healthcare provider may suggest waiting until a semen sample analysis confirms the absence of sperm in your ejaculate. This analysis is usually done at least 12 weeks after the procedure and after at least 24 ejaculations to ensure that the vasectomy was successful.
It is important to note that a vasectomy does not provide immediate contraception. It is advisable to use other forms of birth control until a semen analysis confirms the absence of sperm.
How will I know if my vasectomy has worked?
After undergoing a vasectomy, it is essential to confirm if it was successful by having a semen analysis.
The semen analysis is usually performed at least 12 weeks after the procedure and after 24 ejaculations. During this test, a sample of your semen is collected and examined under a microscope to check for the presence of sperm.
If no sperm are detected in the semen sample, the vasectomy has been successful, and you are unlikely to be able to impregnate your partner. However, it is essential to note that a vasectomy does not provide immediate contraception. Until the semen analysis confirms there are no sperm in your semen, you should use alternative birth control methods.
What happens to sperm after a vasectomy?
The body reabsorbs sperm following a vasectomy.
Initially, there may still be some sperm in the tubes beyond the point where they were cut or blocked. It can take several weeks or even months for the remaining sperm to be cleared from the tubes.
It is essential to continue using other forms of birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy until a follow-up semen analysis confirms no sperm in the ejaculate.
Over time, the body will naturally reabsorb any remaining sperm and cannot fertilize an egg. Once the vasectomy is successful, and there are no sperm in the semen, a person can have sex without worrying about the risk of pregnancy.
After a vasectomy, does the quality of the sperm change?
After a vasectomy, the quality of the sperm does not change significantly. The semen still contains the same amount of fluid and the same number of non-sperm cells, such as white blood cells and other components.
After a vasectomy, does the ejaculate change?
The semen may appear thinner or less viscous than before the procedure.
After a vasectomy, does testosterone production go down?
It is important to note that a vasectomy does not affect the production of testosterone or other male hormones, and it does not affect a person's sex drive or ability to have an erection or orgasm.
Testicles are feeling full. Is it normal?
Following a vasectomy procedure, it is common for the testicles to feel full or slightly swollen for a brief period. This is due to the body's natural healing process, which may cause inflammation or bruising.
After a vasectomy, the testicles may continue to produce small amounts of sperm until all remaining sperm are cleared from the vas deferens. As a result, the epididymis can become filled with sperm, causing the sensation of fullness or heaviness in the testicles.
However, this feeling typically resolves over time as the body absorbs any remaining sperm.
Could being sterile affect me emotionally?
Being sterile can affect individuals emotionally through a vasectomy or another cause. Some people may experience various emotions, including sadness, depression, anger, frustration, and feelings of loss or grief. These emotions could be particularly difficult if the individual hoped to have children in the future.
It is important to note that these feelings are valid and routine, and seeking support and help to work through them is okay. Speaking with a therapist, support group, or trusted loved one can help manage these emotions.
In addition, it is essential to understand the reasons for and implications of sterilisation and make an informed decision based on personal values and circumstances. If the decision was made under duress or without adequate information, it could lead to feelings of regret or resentment.
Overall, while sterilisation can have emotional effects, it is a personal decision that should be made with careful consideration and open communication with healthcare providers and loved ones.
Can I have the operation if I'm single?
You can have a vasectomy procedure regardless of marital or relationship status. The decision to have a vasectomy is personal and is typically based on individual circumstances and preferences, such as completed family size or desire to avoid pregnancy.
The healthcare professional will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure and make sure that the individual fully understands the implications of the procedure, such as the fact that it is considered a permanent form of birth control or contraception.
Typically, urologists or doctors are reluctant to offer a vasectomy to males younger than 30 years and without any children.
Can I get a vasectomy reversed?
The success rates of vasectomy reversal can vary based on several factors, including the length of time since the original vasectomy, the type of vasectomy procedure performed, and the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the reversal.
Recent studies indicate that the success rates of vasectomy reversal are generally higher if the reversal is performed within 3 years of the original vasectomy, with a success rate of around 75%. However, success rates gradually decrease with each passing year after the vasectomy.
If it's been 3–89–14years since the vasectomy, the success rate drops to around 50–55%.
If it's been 9-14 years since the vasectomy, the success rate decreases to around 40-45%.
If it's been 15-19 years since the vasectomy, the success rate drops to around 30%.
If the vasectomy was performed over 20 years ago, the success rate drops to less than 10%.
Can I use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to father a child?
If the man wishes for more children and the vasectomy reversal has failed, one can retrieve sperm directly from the testicle and directly fertilise the woman's egg in the lab.
Can I store sperm in a sperm bank, just in case?
Yes. Even though one has an option of vasectomy reversal.
