Vasectomy Q & A
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a procedure performed on men as a form of permanent contraception. It involves cutting the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles. These tubes are called the vas deferens. By interrupting the flow of sperm, men are no longer able to father a child.
“Did you know that sperm only makes us a small percentage of a man’s ejaculation? Most men do not notice a change in semen volume or consistency following the procedure.”
– Dr. Mehan
How do I prepare for a vasectomy?
The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. This involves reviewing the procedure and answering questions you may have.
We also offer several options to make your actual vasectomy as easy as possible. These include prescribing a sedative to take before or even scheduling your procedure with nitrous oxide aka laughing gas or with IV sedation to knock you completely out.
Before your vasectomy, make sure you shave your scrotum and take a warm shower.
“Don’t sweat it, you can trust your balls in our hands.”
- Wadhwa
What happens during a vasectomy?
Here’s an overview of what happens during a vasectomy:
- Accessing the vas deferens: The surgeon will make one or two small incisions in the scrotum to access the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. These incisions are usually tiny.
- Cutting and sealing the vas deferens: The surgeon will carefully cut and seal the vas deferens with cauterization and may apply a tissue interposition. This step effectively interrupts the flow of sperm, preventing it from mixing with semen during ejaculation.
- Closure and recovery: After sealing the vas deferens, the surgeon may close the incisions with dissolvable stitches or leave them to heal naturally. The procedure itself typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
It’s important to note that a vasectomy is considered a permanent method of contraception. While it is possible to undergo a vasectomy reversal or sperm retrieval techniques in some cases, these procedures are more complex and may not always result in restored fertility. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider the decision before proceeding with a vasectomy.
What happens after a vasectomy?
After your vasectomy, you get to be a couch potato for three days. You must avoid all strenuous activities, such as:
- Sports
- Biking
- Weightlifting
- Kick boxing
- Wake boarding
- Sliding down the banister
Unfortunately, you can’t have sex for a week! It’s OK to shower afterwards, but please avoid swimming or taking a bath for a week. We highly recommend wearing supportive briefs or compression underwear during the healing process.
“Netflix and chill, literally, keep those boys on some ice.”
- Peifer
Can I still impregnate my partner after vasectomy?
That’s highly unlikely. The risk of pregnancy after vasectomy is approximately 1 in 2,000 for men. But it does take time for the vasectomy to take effect. The reason for this is that it usually takes 20 to 30 ejaculations to completely clear sperm from the semen due to the vas deferens above the vasectomy site still containing sperm. There are literally millions of sperm that need time and effort to be cleared. You do need to use another birth control method for at least two to three months after your procedure. We sell at home testing kits or can give you a lab order to have your semen tested to ensure you are indeed firing blanks. We can give you the results of these tests by phone once your test is complete.
“When you are ready to retire from the swim team, give us a call.”
-Dr. Lythgoe
Welcome to “SNIP CITY!” Why choose EVU Center for your Vasectomy?
We have performed thousands of safe, affordable vasectomies for men. A vasectomy is one of the safest, easiest, and most reliable forms of permanent birth control. The average procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete. It’s an in-office procedure, so you’ll be back home taking it easy on your couch within a few hours.
Our staff understand that the decision to have a vasectomy is a sensitive one, and we make sure your time with us is as comfortable as possible. We are one of the highest reviewed urology practices in the Phoenix area and offer options to accommodate all patients with all levels of anxiety including nitrous oxide and even IV sedation.
We also have the sweetest vasectomy merch in the business and give a free shirt to all our patients after their vasectomy. Wear it with pride.
Snip City merchandise can also be found and purchased at https://scrotalrecall.com/
Post-Vasectomy
Go home and relax, it’s OVER! Seriously, we ask that you plan 72 hrs of relaxation after the vasectomy. Watch movies, sports, read books, but whatever it is, be a couch potato.
The kids or dog are going to want to jump in your lap the second you get home, so be careful! We ask that you wear your scrotal support/tight underwear for at least one week after the vasectomy. Also refrain from sports, including biking, running, weightlifting, bull riding, and sliding downstairs for at least one week. Several men have tried (unsuccessfully) to get out of general household duties, but we advise that you do so at your own risk. You can shower the day after the procedure, but no swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, or tub-baths for at least one week.
Pain medications are typically only needed the day of the procedure, and typically most men can do fine with a few Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen for the first week.
You can resume sexual activity a week after the procedure. It is critical to understand that there are several hundred million sperm that are still in the vas deferens ahead of the area that was cut, sutured, and cauterized. Pregnancy is still possible after a vasectomy. It is important that you continue using some form of contraception until a semen analysis is shown to be negative. Approximately 30 ejaculations later and two to three months after the vasectomy, we will have you perform a post-vasectomy semen analysis test to make sure that you have ‘cleaned the pipes’. We offer at home testing kits to make this process easy and discreet in addition to traditional testing at a nearby lab.