Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a highly effective way for men to plan for their future when they have decided not to have more children. This minor surgical procedure offers a permanent solution to contraception.
What to Expect During a Vasectomy
On the day of the vasectomy, our skilled urology partners will ensure your comfort throughout the process. The procedure generally takes about 20 minutes total for both sides. Here’s what you can expect:
- First, you may be offered a mild sedative to ease your anxiety about an hour before the procedure.
- Next, they prep the area, isolate the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm), and bring it up to the skin surface.
- They will place a local anesthetic into the skin and then open the skin to remove approximately one centimeter segment of the vas deferens.
- Finally, the two ends of the vas are cauterized and tied off, interrupting the flow of sperm.
Post-procedure, it is recommend to wear scrotal support and take it easy for about 72 hours. Ice can be applied for 24-48 hours. Generally, within a week, you’ll be back to your usual activities.
How Effective is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy has a very low failure rate and is considered one of the most effective forms of birth control available. Only a very small percentage of men who undergo vasectomy will experience a pregnancy with their partner after the procedure.
Vasectomy Reversal
Want to restore your fertility? You can with a vasectomy reversal procedure.
How Vasectomy Reversal Works
Vasectomy reversal is a specialized procedure that our urology partners are happy to discuss with patients. There are two types of vasectomies: the vasovasostomy and the vasoepididymostomy.
Vasovasostomy
This microsurgical technique is used to reverse the effects of a vasectomy. The vasovasostomy is the more common and straightforward of the two vasectomy reversal procedures. It involves reattaching the two cut ends of the vas deferens that were separated during the initial vasectomy. Recanalization of the tube may take some time, but once it occurs, sperm may be re-established.
Vasoepididymostomy
If there is no clear pathway for sperm to travel through the vas deferens due to scarring, damage, or other issues, a vasectomy reversal can be done with a Vasoepididymostomy.
This is a more intricate procedure where the surgeon connects the upper part of the vas deferens directly to the epididymis, a coiled tube where mature sperm are stored.
Contact a Urologist About Vasectomy or Vasectomy Reversal
For a personalized consultation and to learn more about vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, make an appointment with one of Singing River’s board-certified urology partners.
