The Procedure

Males about to undergo the procedure, "vasectomy" for permanent birth control, usually want to know in advance what they can expect before during and after the vasectomy. The following article will give a brief summary of what if typically expected during the traditional vasectomy procedure.

Before:

Your doctor will give you instructions for what to do before you come in to the office, clinic or hospital the day of your vasectomy. The typical set of instructions include:

You will be told to not take any aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Motrin, or Nuprin for 10 days prior to your vasectomy date. If you were to take any of these medications you would increase your risk for bleeding during your vasectomy.

Bring a list of any questions or concerns that you have for your doctor with you when you come for your vasectomy.

Wash your self, particularly your genital area well and put on a clean, snug fitting underpants, brief or an athletic supporter (jock strap) before coming to your appointment for your vasectomy.

You may also be asked to shave the front portion of your scrotum.

Part of your instructions would have been to be sure that you bring with you someone who can drive you home after the vasectomy.

Your doctor will go over your list of questions and concerns and then ask you to sign a consent form stating that you understand the risks involved and that the vasectomy is not guaranteed to make you sterile.

You can expect your vasectomy procedure to take approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

During the Procedure:

First, you will be asked to change into a gown and to lie down on the examination table.

The incision site will be cleansed with an iodine solution and your genital area will be draped with a sterile drape to prevent infection.

A local anesthetic will be administered after the doctor asks if you are allergic to any local anesthetic that you know of. A small incision will be made in the scrotum on either side and the vas deferens is lifted out of the scrotum, through the opening. The vas deferens is cut, and possibly a section of it may be removed. The ends are then cauterized (heat sealed), clipped or tied before they are returned to the scrotum through the opening. Each vas deferens is done in the same manner. The doctor will choose to close the opening when finished by use of stitches or by letting it heal naturally.

After the vasectomy:

You may feel some discomfort, which is usually mild once the anesthetic wears off in 1 to 2 hours. Your doctor will tell you whom over-the-counter pain relievers are to be used or you may receive a prescription to be used for pain or discomfort. If you had a no-scalpel vasectomy, the recovery time is usually less than with the traditional vasectomy.

You will probably be told to use a ice pack or package of frozen peas or other small vegetable to relieve any discomfort or swelling. Be sure not to put cold packs directly on your skin, cover with a cloth to protect your skin.

Rest and stay off your feet for the first couple of days after the procedure.

You will be told to wear snug cotton briefs or an athletic supporter to help apply pressure against the area and for support to the scrotum for approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.

You will also be told to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least one week from the procedure date. Unless your job is physically challenging or involves heavy lifting the doctor will allow you to return to work within 3 days of having the procedure.

You should wait at least one week before resuming any sexual activity and be sure to use alternative birth control until you have had 20 ejaculations and your sperm count test comes back negative.

You will be given instructions about what to look for after you return home from the procedure. If at anytime you notice a fever or chills, have a large black and blue area, experience increased pain, or see any signs of drainage, which could be a sign of an infection you need to call the doctor. If you notice a growing mass, which may be a sign of either an infection or of internal bleeding or if you notice a swelling of the scrotum (more than a little), or if you have any other concerns about the area that was affected by the procedure you should call your doctor's office for instructions or to be seen.

Recommended Reading

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