Vasectomy Information
A vasectomy is a simple operation which makes a man sterile, or unable to father a child. This is similar to a woman having her tubes tied. When a man ejaculates, the sperm from his testes goes through tubes called vas deferens. The sperm mixes with a liquid called seminal fluid, and then leaves the man’s body. When a vasectomy is done, both vans deferens are cut or blocked so that the man’s sperm will not leave his body during ejaculation. This ensures that his partner will not be able to get pregnant during sexual intercourse. There are around a half a million vasectomies performed each year in the US.
There are a couple of different ways in which a doctor will perform a vasectomy. In the most common method, the doctor will make one or two small incisions. Working through these small incisions, the doctor will locate the van deferens. He will then cut the tube and tie each side. A small piece of the tube may be removed. After stitching the incision in the skin of the testes, he will repeat the process for the other vas deferens, and stitch the incision.
Another method is done which uses no scalpel. This method is fairly new, only being used since the 1970’s. The doctor will feel through the skin for the vas deferens, and clamp it to hold it still. He will then make a small hole in the testicle skin which he will stretch. After he gets the hole big enough to work through, he will find the van deferens and cut it. He will then tie the tubes on either side. He will repeat this process for the other testicle. This method is growing more and more popular, as there is less bleeding than with the first method, and no need for stitches. There is also less pain reported, and a lower chance for complications.
A vasectomy takes about a week to heal from. Although there may be pain and sensitivity, most men are up and moving within a day or two. There can be swelling, bruising, and pain in some rare cases. There are rare cases of painful, swollen, or tender testis after a vasectomy, however, it is not serious, and is treated with heat. This will usually go away in about a week. Contrary to some myths a vasectomy does not increase the risk for testicular cancer.
A vasectomy is a very simple operation; however, to reverse the vasectomy is much more difficult. It is more expensive, more painful, and often unsuccessful. This is because of the tissue damage that is done during the vasectomy. Currently, research is being done to find a way to minimize the amount of tissue damage that results. However, there are no clear ways to be able to do this yet.
Doctors will advise their patients about getting a vasectomy. They want to make sure that the patient is able to make the choice of getting the vasectomy, knowing for sure that he wants no children now or for the future. If the man has children, he needs to know that he doesn’t want anymore. A lot of doctors are hesitant to do a vasectomy on a man who is less than 25 years of age, or who have no children yet. This form of contraceptive is used less than the birth control pill or condoms; however, the demand is growing as people learn more and take on more responsibility.
