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Vasectomy: What You Should Know About It
A vasectomy is a go-to form of birth control for many men and couples who are certain they don’t wish to have children in the future. The outpatient surgery has an efficacy rate of nearly 100 percent and carries a low risk of side effects or complications.
In this post, we review everything you should know about the procedure. Consult a Urologist Brooklyn New York if you are considering it.
Potential Risks and Unfounded Concerns
The results of vasectomy are usually permanent, except in very rare situations where the procedure may be unsuccessful. This means that if you later reconsider your stand on fatherhood, you will have limited to no options of recourse.
Vasectomy is not advisable for men with chronic testicular pain or testicular disease. Also, while the procedure is considered safe, it may cause the following side effects in rare situations:
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Infection
- Blood clot or bleeding in the scrotum
- Blood in the semen
- Bruising on the scrotum
These risks of vasectomy are very rare. It is also untrue that the procedure may affect your sexual performance, permanently damage your sexual organs, or increase your risk of certain cancers.
Preparing for the Procedure
A few days before your procedure, your doctor will likely ask you to discontinue your use of blood-thinning medications. You will also need to clean your genital area thoroughly and trim long hair on the day of the surgery. Remember to carry tightfitting underwear, which you will wear after the surgery to support your scrotum, and arrange for a ride home.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Vasectomy surgery typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your doctor will make an incision or a small puncture in the upper part of your scrotum and locate and withdraw the tube that carries semen from your testicle. Once this is done, they will cut it and seal it by cauterizing it, tying it, it using surgical clips. The ends of the tube will then be returned into your scrotum and the incision closed.
It is normal to experience some swelling, pain, and bruising after the surgery. Although the surgical site will usually heal on its own, your doctor may recommend the following aftercare tips:
- Wear a bandage and tightfitting underwear to support your scrotum for at least 48 hours after the procedure
- Apply ice packs to the surgical site for at least 2 days
- Rest for the first 24 hours after your surgery and move to light activity for the next 2 to 3 days
- Avoid strenuous exercise and sporting activities for at least a week.
- Avoid sexual activity for at least a week.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection.
Vasectomy Results
Vasectomy results are not immediate, which means you will need to use an alternative form of birth control until your doctor says otherwise. Typically, you might need to ejaculate 15 to 20 times until there are no more sperm in your semen. It is also vital to note that while a vasectomy is an effective form of birth control, it does not protect you from STIs. You will need to use other forms of protection.
Contact Lazare Urology Today
Dr. Lazare is an experienced urologist and renowned expert in erectile dysfunction and male sexual health working in Brooklyn, NY. If you are considering a vasectomy, contact him today online or at (718) 568-7143 to schedule a consultation.
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