Facts to Help You Decide
A vasectomy is a surgical form ofbirth controlthat cuts off the supply ofspermto yoursemen.
It is done by severing and sealing two long tubes that transport sperm from thetesticles, called thevas deferens.
Most vasectomies are performed as an in-office procedure underlocal anesthesia.
Illustration by Paige McLaughlin for Verywell Health
This article explains what is involved in a vasectomy, including the different procedures and how they are performed.
It also describes what to expect during and after recovery as well as your options for vasectomy reversal.
While effective, the decision to have a vasectomy is a highly personal one that shouldn’t be rushed.
While manyvasectomies can be reversed, there’s no guarantee that yours will be.
So, this is one of the main factors you’ll need to consider before pursuing a vasectomy.
Thecost of a vasectomycan vary based on where you live and the throw in of procedure used.
(Vasectomies are not a benefit of Medicare Part A or B.
)Contact your insurance provider for details.
With that said, there arerisks associated with vasectomiesthat you oughta be aware of.
A fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) can also develop around a testicle, causing the scrotum to swell.
Both of these can occur many days after the surgery and tend to resolve gradually on their own.
Both methods are equally effective in preventing pregnancy.
After a short rest, you’re able to put on your clothes and return home.
Where Do Sperm Go After a Vasectomy?
The epididymis is “upstream” from the vas deferens.
After a vasectomy, the same will occur.
But if your job involves physical labor or lifting, you may need to wait two to three days.
Should You Expect Pain From a Vasectomy?
Vasectomy Recovery Time
The recovery time for a vasectomy is generally between seven and 10 days.
Even so, there may be lingering pain or discomfort for days and sometimes weeks after.
It is rare for the pain to persist for more than three weeks.
Sexual intercourse can usually be resumed within a week, pending your urologist’s approval.
It’s important to remember pregnancy is still possible as long as yoursperm countis above zero.
Until that time, another method of contraceptive is needed, such as condoms or thebirth control pill.
In the past, two successive counts were needed.
The only thing it changes is your ability to conceive a pregnancy.
A vasectomydoes notprotect againstsexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If you have more than one sexual partner, practice safer sex byusing condoms consistently.
But there are times when a vasectomy may not be healing as it should.
Generally speaking, the wound should be well on its way to healing after a week or so.
This means that your symptoms are starting to ease.
Although the pain may persist, it shouldn’t be getting significantly worse.
Arguably, the biggest concern following a vasectomy is the risk of infection.
What Happens During Vasectomy Reversal
Avasovasostomyis a surgery used to reverse a vasectomy.
A more complicated procedure called avasoepididymostomymay be used if there the vas deferens are blocked.
How Successful Is Vasectomy Reversal?
Age doesn’t disqualify you from a vasovasostomy, but it can affect success rates.
After 15 years, the success rate drops to around 30%.
A vasovasostomy is typically anoutpatient procedureperformed in a hospital undergeneral anesthesia.
It is generally performed as followed:
A vasovasostomy takes between three to four hours to complete.
A follow-up visit is scheduled two weeks later to assess healing.
At six weeks, the first semen analysis is performed.
Summary
A vasectomy is a surgical form of contraception in males.
It involves cutting the vas deferens which transports sperm to your semen.
The in-office procedure takes 30 minutes or less to perform under local anesthesia.
Healing takes around a week, and many people can return to work the next day.
Side effects include pain, swelling, and bleeding.
Vasectomy reversal surgery is available if you later change your mind and want to have kids.
Success rates are relatively high if you had a recent vasectomy and gradually decline thereafter.
American Urological Association.Vasectomy (2015).
doi:10.21037/tau.2018.04.15
Planned Parenthood.How effective are condoms?
Medicare.org.Does Medicare cover vasectomies?
doi:10.1093/molehr/gaac029
Alberta Health Services/Government of Alberta.Vasectomy: what to expect at home.
2013;15(1):44-48. doi:10.1038/aja.2012.79
