Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception. The procedure is done to remove a part of the tube called the vas deferens, which carries semen from the testes to the ejaculatory duct allowing it to enter the urethra. This is essentially a non-reversible form of sterilization, so it’s essential to be sure you’re done having kids, and you’re not planning to have anymore.

What is the procedure for a vasectomy

Vasectomy is done following these steps:

• Shave the hair covering the scrotum using a razor.
• Wash the area with an antiseptic solution, either betadine or chlorhexidine.
• Isolate the vas, during which you will feel some tugging and pressure.
• Numb the skin right over the vas as well as alongside the vas called a vassal block using local anesthesia.
• Make a poke hole (Incision) in scrotum using a scalpel or knife, a very sharp instrument, or with the no-scalpel technique.
• Transect the vas or cut it.
• Separate the ends of the vas by tying it, burning (Cauterizing), or with surgical clips.
• Close the Incision using stitches or glue.

What are the risks for vasectomy

There are some minor risks to the procedure but they are exceedingly rare

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Failure of the procedure
• Chronic Scrotal Pain

Is there any swelling after surgery?

Yes, sometimes, after a scrotal surgery or a vasectomy, you can have scrotal swelling afterward. I recommend that patients use a rolled-up towel when they’re either sitting or lying in bed and put it underneath the scrotum to help prevent swelling. Also, using ice packs or frozen peas on the area can be helpful to prevent that sort of swelling. Still, the scrotum has a lot of space in it. So if any fluid or bleeding happens in the scrotum, it can swell up to be pretty big. Usually, it’s not a big deal; but can be uncomfortable. Using the techniques above can help prevent swelling.

What do you feel during a vasectomy?

It’s usually like a tugging or a pulling sensation. Some people temporarily get a little bit of nausea or discomfort in the lower abdomen. The good news is that this feeling only lasts for a couple of minutes and goes away once you are done with the procedure. Hence, it’s really not a prolonged uncomfortable sensation; it is very short and typically very easily manageable.

How painful is a Vasectomy?

You may have a little discomfort, but a paper cut or stubbing your toe can actually be more painful than a vasectomy, so have you had a paper cut? Have you stubbed your toe before? If yes, then you can get through a vasectomy, most definitely. You can expect to feel your normal self very soon after the procedure, and overall there’s very little pain

How much time will it take to recover after a vasectomy?

The recovery for a vasectomy is generally very straightforward. You spend a couple of days relaxing with some frozen peas or some ice packs and some rolled-up towels underneath a scrotum. Typically, It’s a quick recovery and you’re back on your feet in a day or two, a maximum of three days, but really, there’s not a lot of downtimes you can go back to your normal activities in less than a week.

TL;DR

If you are done with your family planning and are ready for some form of permanent contraception, please consider a vasectomy. Ladies, if you are in a committed monogamous relationship, please encourage your partner to get a  vasectomy over getting a tubal ligation because it is much safer and much more minimally invasive. Consider doing it during March madness or a time where you need an excuse to stay home and watch TV!