Vasectomy
Is Vasectomy For You?
Vasectomy
is a simple, safe, and effective surgical procedure that makes a
man Sterile (unable to father a child). Because a vasectomy
should be considered irreversible, it's a serious step to take.
You and your partner should understand all the facts and share in
the decision.
A Permanent Decision
Few
decisions in life are permanent, but
having a vasectomy is one of them. So, before you make this decision,
you and your partner must be sure that you don't want any more
children. Is there any circumstance that might make you change
your mind? For instance, if you divorced or became a widower and
remarried, would you want more children? If you choose to have
a vasecotmy, you should have no doubts about these issues.
Fact :
A
vasectomy does not affect your ability to have sex. Sterilization
won't affect your ability to have erections or orgasms, and doesn't
visibly change your semen.
Fact :
There
is no conclusive evidence that vasectomy causes health problems.
You may have heard that sterilization causes prostate cancer,
heart disease, or other health problems, but there's no conclusive
evidence that this is true. If you're concerned, your doctor can
give you more information. Note, however, that having a vasectomy
does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
Fact :
A vasectomy will
not solve marital problems. The only aspect of your life that a
vasectomy changes is your ability to father a child. Sterilization
is not a solution for sexual or marital problems.
How a Vasectomy Works
When
you have a vasectomy, the two vas deferens are cut to keep sperm
from traveling from the testes to the penis. This is the only
change in your reproductive system. The testes still produce sperm,
but since they have nowhere to go, they die and are absorbed by
your body. Your prostate and seminal vesicles still produce fluids,
so your semen doesn't look or feel any different. Your male hormone
level remains the same, so your hair distribution, the pitch of
your voice, and your sexual drive don't change.
The Vasectomy Procedure
A
vasectomy is an outpatient procedure that can be done in a doctor's
office, clinic, or hospital. Several days before your vasectomy
can be performed, you''ll be asked to read and sign a consent form
that states you're aware of the possible risks and complications
and understand that the procedure, though usually successful, is
not guaranteed to make you sterile. Be sure that you have all your
questions answered before signing this form.
Preparing For Surgery
Don't
take any aspirin for three to five days before your procedure,
and ask you doctor about any other medications you take. The day
of your surgery, shower and thoroughly clean your scrotum. Your
doctor may also ask you to shave your scrotum. Eat a light snack
instead of a heavy meal before your surgery. Bring a pair of clean
cotton briefs or an athletic supporter with you to the doctor's
office or hospital. If you're nervous before your surgery, the
doctor may give you some medication to help you relax.
During Surgery
You
will be asked to undress and lie on the exam table. Sterile drapes
are placed over you to help prevent infection. You're given injections
of a local anestictic in your scrotum or lower groin. This anesthetic
takes effect, one or two small incisions are made in the skin
of the scrotum with a scalpel or a pointed clamp (no-scalpel method).
Each of the vas ferens is lifted through the incision and cut,
and a section may be removed. You may feel a pulling sensation
during this process. The two cut ends are tied or clipped closed,
or they may be sealed by heat (cauterized). The incision or incisions
may be closed with one or more stitches.
After Surgery
If
you have been given medication to help you relax, you will need
to have someone drive you home. The local anethetic begins to
wear off after and hour or so. Any discomfort you feel is usually
mild. If you need it, pain medication can help.
Healing
Once
you're home, you can do several things to aid your recovery:
- Stay
off you feet as much as possible for the first two days to lessen
the chance of swelling. An ice pack or bag of frozen peas can
help keep swelling down.
- Wear
snug cotton briefs or an athletic supporter for support.
- Ask
your doctor how long to wait before bathing (usually 48 hours).
- Wait
until you doctor says it's okay to return to work.
- *Avoid
heavy lifting or exercise for at least five to seven days after
surgery.*
- Ask
your doctor when you can begin having sex again. Remember that
you must use another form of birth control until your doctor says
you're completely sterile.
- Collect
the semen specimen at home and take to the lab of your choice.
**DO
NOT BRING
THE SPECIMEN TO DR. SCHOENFELD'S OFFICE.**
For
about a week, your scrotum may look bruised and slightly swollen.
You may have a small amount of bloody discharge from the incision
site. You may also feel a little pain. These symptoms are normal.
Possible Risks And Complications
Even
with a minor operation like vasectomy, problems can occur. If
you experience any of the following or any other symptoms you're
concerned about, call your doctor. The following complications
might occur during the first few days after your surgery:
Sex After A Vasectomy
A
vasectomy won't affect your sexual functioning. When you start
having sex again, you'll still have erections and orgasms, and
your sexual relations will feel the same as before. If you had
a good relationship with your partner before vasectomy, it shouldn't
change because of a vasectomy.
Until You're Sterile
It's
absolutely essential that you continue to use some other
method of birth control after your vasectomy until your doctor
tells you that your sperm count is zero. To make sure no sperm
are left in your semen, you'll have a postoperative semen exam.
This exam is commonly done about six weeks after surgery and
again about three months after surgery. You will need to continue
having a semen analysis periodically during the first year. You
usually collect the semen at home in a small jar, and take it
to the lab of your choice. You're sterile only when these semen
samples show no evidence of sperm.
**DO
NOT BRING
THE SPECIMEN TO DR. SCHOENFELD'S OFFICE.**
After You're Sterile
After
your doctor tells you you're sterile, you no longer need another
form of birth control. You're free to have sex without the fear
of unwanted pregnancy. However, keep in mind that a vasectomy
does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. If you're
not in a mutually monogamous relationship, practice safe sex by
using condoms.
If You Change Your Mind About Having Children
Some
unforeseen event in your life after your vasectomy may make you
want to have more children. Although a vasectomy must be considered
irreversible, a surgical procedure call a vasovasostomy
might restore fertility. During this procedure, the cut ends of
the vas ferens are reconnected to allow the free flow of sperm.
It's a major operation that's expensive and not always covered
by insurance. It's also not guaranteed to restore your ability
to father a child. As an alternative, sperm banks can freeze sperm
collected before yur vasecotmy and store it in case you want a
child in the future. However, achieving pregnancy with stored
sperm is also expensive and uncertain.
Other Birth Control Methods
- Condoms
- Birth Controll Pills
- Diaphram or Cervical Cap
- Spermicides
- Time-release Hormones
- Female Sterilization
- Vaginal Sponge
- IUD
- Natural Family Planning
Other Birth Control Methods
Choosing
sterilization requires careful consideration. Once youv'e decided
that vasectomy is right for you, you can enjoy newfound freedom
and spontaneity. And you can feel comfortable knowing that your
family won't get unexpectedly larger.
