Vasectomy
Definition
A vasectomy is a surgery to cut the vas deferens, the tubes through which a man's sperm travels. After a vasectomy, sperm cannot move out the testes. A man who has had a vasectomy can not make a woman pregnant.
A vasectomy is sometimes called "tying the tubes."
Alternative Names
Sterilization surgery - male
Indications
Vasectomy may be recommended for adult men who are certain that they wish to prevent future pregnancies. A vasectomy makes a man permanently sterile.
A vasectomy is not recommended as a temporary form of birth control, but it may be reversed if you change your mind. However, revearsal surgery is a much more involved operation. The results vary depending on the location of the vasectomy site along the vas deferens and the experience of the surgeon.
Convalescence
You should wear ascrotal supporter for 3 to 4 days after the procedure. An ice pack may be used to prevent or reduce swelling. Pain medicine, taken by mouth,can usually help relieve discomfort. Most men return to work within 2 to 3 days. You can have sexual intercourse as soon as you feel ready, usually about a week after the surgery.
Expectations after surgery
Most men recover quickly with no problems.
The sperm count gradually decreases after vasectomy. After about 3 months, sperm are no longer present in the semen. A semensample must be examined and found to be totally free of sperm before you can rely onthe vasectomy as a method of birth control. You should continue touse contraceptionuntil 2 to 3 sperm count tests are negative.
Risks
Some swelling and bruising of the scrotum is common. There is no serious risk to vasectomy. A semen sample is taken after the operation to make sure itdoes not contain sperm and that the procedure was done correctly.
On very rare occasions, the tubes can grow back together again (recanalize). If this happens, sperm can mix with semen and it is possible tomake your partner pregnant.
Before and after vasectomy
Review Date: 6/13/2006
Reviewed By: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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