Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to block sperm from reaching the semen ejaculated from the penis.

Procedure

Conventional vasectomy: Small cuts are made in the skin of the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. The vas deferens is cut and a small piece may be removed, leaving a short gap between the two ends. Your urologist then may cut the ends of the vas deferens and then tie the cut ends or put some tissue in between them. These steps are repeated on the other vas deferens. The scrotal cuts may be closed with dissolvable stitches or allowed to close on their own.

No-scalpel vasectomy: Your urologist feels for the vas deferens under the skin of the scrotum and holds it in place with a small clamp. A tiny hole is made in the skin and stretched open so the vas deferens can be gently lifted out. It is then cut, tied or seared and put back in place.

Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the best procedure for you.

After the Procedure

Swelling and pain can be treated with pain medication and an ice pack on the scrotum. Wearing a supportive undergarment, such as a jockstrap, may help. You should avoid sex and activities that take a lot of strength for three to seven days. Generally, you should heal in less than a week.

See your urologist if you experience severe pain, as this could be a sign of infection or other problems.