Vasectomy-Male Contraception
Vasectomys General Facts
More and more couples chose vasectomy as their contraception method. Vasectomy is safe and requires only minimal invasive surgery. The intervention consists of the interruption of the tubes that carry the spermatozoids to the prostate. Spermatozoids are formed in the testicles then move to the prostate where they mix with the liquid produced by the prostate and with the seminal liquid synthetized by the seminal glands. During intercourse, following ejaculation, spermatozoids in the semen will attempt to penetrate and fertilize the ova. A vasectomy cuts and closes off these tubes therefore making fertilization impossible.
Preparing for the procedure
Before the procedure is performed it is advisable that the patient discuss the situation in detail with the doctor to clarify any concerns one might have about the procedure, risks involved and potential complications. The doctor will also explain that vasectomy is just a contraceptive measure and doesn’t affect sexual activity or erection. The testicles will continue secreting testosterone, the male sexual hormone, and none of the secondary male sexual features will be affected. Vasectomy won’t have an influence on the quantity or the aspect of the semen produced. To prepare for the intervention a week prior to the procedure no aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory or anti-coagulation medication should to mitigate the risk of increased blood loss post-surgery. The patient is also requested to shave and thoroughly clean the scrotum before the procedure is performed and also to bring a pair of snug briefs or an athletic supporter that can be put on after the procedure to minimize the swelling and provide optimal support for the testicles.
How it’s done
The procedure usually takes no longer than 30 minutes. What happens during that time ?
- Anesthetic will be injected in the scrotum tegument and around the vas deferens so there will be no feeling or pain. A tiny incision is made to identify and isolate the vas deferens.
- A small portion of each of the vas deferens will be cut and disposed of.
- The vas deferens will be sealed off with a cautery or tied off.
- Usually no stiches are needed for the puncture incisions as they will heal naturally.
After the surgery the patient can go home straight away and he will be advised to :
- Put a bag of ice on the scrotum to prevent excessive swelling.
- Wear tight fitting briefs to ensure the proper support for the scrotum.
- Avoid having sex for at least a week after the procedure.
- Use a birth control method when you start having sex again, before your next semen analysis as there might be spermatozoids in the upper portions of the tubes.
- Schedule your semen analysis, usually in 2 months’ time after the intervention.
Risks and complications
The first thing to remember is that vasectomy is an efficient birth control method, but it doesn’t provide any protection for the sexually transmitted diseases. Also the vas deferens can reconnect after some time leading to an unplanned pregnancy. A series of other possible complications after the procedure can be encountered, but they are very rare. Call your doctor if you are confronted with any of these symptoms :
- Excessive post operative bleeding.
- Local infections with pain and inflammation.
- Pain in the scrotum, it is considered a complication and treated as such if it lasts for more than month after the procedure.
- Difficulty in urination.
- Fever.