What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a simple, safe, and effective form of permanent birth control for men. It is a gentle, office-based procedure that takes about 15 minutes to complete. Vasectomy works by blocking the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles. This prevents sperm from entering the semen.
How is it done?
During a vasectomy, the vas tubes are accessed through a single, tiny skin opening in the scrotum. Each tube is divided and sealed off using heat (cauterization) and a very tiny clip. This prevents the passage of sperm but does not change the amount of semen any way that can be noticed. (Most semen is made in glands above the tubes.)
Does it hurt?
Your vasectomy will be pain free... or almost. The majority of patients say that it is better than going to the dentist or getting blood drawn!
You will have little or no discomfort during the vasectomy. The doctor uses a spray applicator or very fine needle (the size of a hair) for local anesthesia. This numbs the skin and area around the tubes. General anesthesia is not needed. The vasectomy site does NOT touch the testicles, penis, or other sensitive areas.
How long does it take?
It typically takes 10-20 minutes.
What is the difference between “no scalpel” and classic vasectomy?
No-scalpel vasectomy does
not use a scalpel. It uses special small tools to reach the vas tubes by making one small opening in the scrotum without cutting. Because this opening is so small, stitches are not needed. This is different from the “classic” vasectomy that makes two larger openings on the scrotum and sometimes needs stitches. The chance of complications (infection and bleeding) is less with the “no scalpel” technique. Recovery is faster. The no scalpel vasectomy is as effective as classic vasectomy for birth control.
No scalpel vasectomy techniques are the most advanced medical methods available.
How well does it work?
Vasectomy is
extremely effective (it fails less than 1 time in 1000). But, it can take up to 3 months for it to start working. The semen needs to be checked after the surgery to make sure there is no more sperm in it. Until then, another method of birth control must be used or pregnancy can occur. Most men have no more sperm in their semen the first time it is tested. Sometimes it takes more than one test before it is clear of sperm.
Is a vasectomy permanent?
Vasectomy is
permanent.
Vasectomy is for life. After vasectomy you will no longer be able to get someone pregnant. If you are unsure about not wanting more children some day, or don’t know, vasectomy might not be a good choice for you. Surgical procedures do exist to reverse vasectomy; but these operations are expensive and do not always work. On average, only half of couples that try having children after reversal do have a child. We do not do reversals. For information about this, we can refer you to a urologist who does reversals.
What are the risks?
Vasectomy is a very safe, low-risk procedure, but with any surgery some complications can occur. Mild bruising is the most common reaction. We recommend wearing tight underpants or a jock strap for the first few days after the vasectomy to decrease your chances of bleeding.
Other rare complications include: infection (very rare and can be treated with antibiotics), a painful bump on the vas (sperm granuloma), and bleeding into the scrotum causing a collection of blood (scrotal hematoma). Several weeks after the procedure some people experience pain in the testicles that usually only lasts a few days (about 5%). This resolves with oral anti-inflammatory medications, like Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Chronic pain is very rare (about <1%).
Although unlikely, the continuing ability to get someone pregnant is also a risk of vasectomy.
How much does a vasectomy cost?
The self-paid cost (not using insurance) is $800 with Northeast Vasectomy. This includes the consultation visit, the vasectomy procedure, and the follow-up semen check.
Please inquire about insurance coverage.
