A vasectomy is a surgical procedure performed as a permanent form of male birth control. A patient may choose to opt for permanent birth control for a variety of reasons. Some have one or several children before deciding to undergo vasectomy while others may prefer not to have children at all and decide to take control of their fertility and reproductive choices. Due to the permanent nature of the procedure, the decision to undergo a vasectomy should be given serious consideration. The procedure works by preventing the release of sperm during ejaculation.
What To Expect During A Vasectomy
The procedure typically lasts from 20 – 30 minutes and can be performed in a board certified urologist’s office or clinic. Patients can have pain and anti-anxiety medication administered orally before the procedure. Patients may also elect to have the procedure with sedation in an outpatient surgical center.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, after which the doctor will make two small incisions in the scrotum. The vas deferens is cut and sealed on both the right and left hand side during the procedure. This structure is responsible for transporting the sperm from the testicle to the urethra. A vasectomy does not prevent the production of sperm or testosterone. The testicles will continue to produce sperm, which is then re-absorbed by the body. The sensation of ejaculation does not change, nor does the volume that is ejaculated.
After the procedure, it may take up to several months for a patient to reach zero sperm count, and therefore alternative methods of birth control may be necessary in the interim.
How Will A Vasectomy Affect Sexual Function?
The process of ejaculation is not affected after a vasectomy, the only difference will be that sperm will not be released, therefore preventing fertilization of the egg and pregnancy during intercourse. Vasectomies do not affect sexual function, ability to perform, or quality of ejaculation. The only way to determine that a man has undergone a vasectomy is to examine the semen under a microscope to confirm the absence of sperm.
Recovering From Your Vasectomy
After the procedure, patients may experience swelling, numbness and discomfort in the scrotum. Typically the pain is minimal due to the local anesthetic administered at the time of the procedure. Patients that do not work in physically demanding occupations can usually return to work within a day or two of the procedure. However, it is important to plan to avoid heavy lifting and straining for at least 48 hours after the vasectomy to minimize swelling and bruising.
Who Is A Candidate For Vasectomy?
Due to the permanent nature of the procedure, men should give careful and serious consideration to whether the procedure is the right choice for their situation. The procedure is a method of permanent, long term birth control and is available to men who have decided they do not wish to father children in the future.
Urology Surgery Los Angeles
Do you have questions about vasectomy, or are ready to schedule your appointment? Contact a skilled urologist at Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills today to learn more about the procedure and to schedule a consultation or appointment. Call (310) 499-2756, or book a confidential appointment online.