Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Will I still be the same sexually?


Yes.
The only thing that will change is that you will not be able to make your partner pregnant. Your masculinity will not be affected. Vasectomy is not castration and does not cause impotence. Since your testicles are unaffected by the procedure, they will continue to produce the same amount of the male sex hormone (testosterone). This means that having a vasectomy should have no effect on your sex drive, your ability to get an erection, the volume of ejaculate, your body composition, muscle mass, facial hair, voice, or other male characteristics. Some men say that without the worry of accidental pregnancy and the bother of birth control methods, sex is more relaxed, spontaneous, and enjoyable than before.

Does vasectomy really prevent pregnancy?


Yes.
Male sperm are made in the man’s testicles. During his sexual climax (ejaculation) the sperm travel through two tubes in the scrotum called the vas deferens, mixes with semen and comes out of the penis. In a vasectomy, these tubes are blocked so the sperm cannot reach the semen. Without sperm in the semen, you cannot make your partner pregnant. Some men say that without the worry of accidental pregnancy and the bother of other birth control methods, sex is more relaxed and enjoyable than before.

Will I be comfortable during the procedure?


Yes.
Your comfort is our primary concern. At the time of your consultation, the doctor will prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure. You may notice a brief sting for a few seconds when the anesthetic is being administered. As soon as the anesthetic takes effect, you should feel no pain, but you may notice a slight pulling sensation. Please note that there will be no injection into the testicle! Because the no-scalpel vasectomy is a minimally invasive procedure with no incision and no stitches, there is minimal soreness, if any. Any soreness you may have afterwards can be relieved simply by taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®). This is also a great opportunity to receive a little TLC and some pampering from your partner!

What happens to the sperm?


Not much.
The sperm will continue to be produced, but there is nowhere for them to go because the tubes have been sealed. The sperm linger around the tubes, and are eventually dissolved. The proteins are then recycled back into the system for use in other body functions. This does not change the production or release of hormones (i.e. testosterone) from the testicles after the vasectomy.

When can I go back to work, sports and exercise?


The next day.
The day after your vasectomy, you will remove the wound dressing, take a shower, and can plan on returning to work. As long as you feel comfortable, you may participate in sports, activities, and exercise as tolerated.

Will I be sterile right away?


No.
After a vasectomy, there are always some active sperm left in your system. More ejaculations will expedite flushing out the remaining sperm. For most men, this is approximately 2-3 months, but can take up to 6 months. You and your partner must use some other form of birth control until you have had two sperm counts and we inform you that your semen is free of sperm.

When can I start having sex again?


Soon.
As a rule, we suggest waiting 3 days before having intercourse. Remember that a vasectomy is not effective immediately so it is important to use a backup method of birth control until two consecutive tests show your semen is free of sperm.

Will sex be better after my vasectomy?


There should be no change (neither better nor worse) after your vasectomy.
Spontaneity is definitely a plus after having a vasectomy! In fact, some couples report feeling more relaxed because they are no longer worrying about having an unwanted pregnancy.

Can I store my sperm?


Sure.
There are many companies that specialize in long-term storage of sperm. If you are considering sperm storage at this time, it sounds like you may not be ready to have a vasectomy. We would recommend waiting until later when you know that you definitely do not want to father any more children.

Will having a vasectomy protect me from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?


No.
Having a vasectomy will only help prevent you from making your partner pregnant; it does not provide any protection against any STDs such as HIV/AIDS, genital herpes or gonorrhea. If you or your partner have a sexual disease of any kind or have more than one sexual partner, the best way to protect yourself and your partner is to use a condom.

Can a no-scalpel vasectomy be reversed?


Yes.
You should go into a vasectomy considering it permanent, as reversal operations can be expensive and are not always successful. If you are thinking about reversal at this time, it sounds like you may not be ready for a vasectomy. Wait until later when you know that you definitely do not want to father any more children. Although considered “permanent”, it is sometimes possible to reverse the operation, but there are no guarantees. The procedure involves intricate surgery and success in restoring fertility is variable.

Is no-scalpel vasectomy safe?


Yes.
Vasectomy is regarded as both safe and simple, but as with any operation, some problems could result. Although it is rare, problems resulting from a vasectomy are usually treated easily if they do appear. These include the possibility of infection or swelling around the wound or inside the scrotum, bleeding beneath the skin causing bruising or inflammation, and the development of a small lump due to a sperm leak from the vas which will resolve spontaneously in a few weeks.

Does Vasectomy cause any medical issues?


No.
Most medical experts, including special panels convened by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and by the World Health Organization (WHO), have concluded that vasectomy is a safe procedure. There have been many studies including many thousands of men that have examined the health effects of vasectomy. The body of research evidence at this time continues to be reassuring and suggests that men who have vasectomies are no more likely than other men to develop heart disease, prostate cancer or any other illnesses.

Does no-scalpel vasectomy work?


Yes.
It is as effective as female tubal ligation (getting the tubes tied) and the conventional vasectomy method. It is 99.8% effective.

Will it take long?


No.
A no-scalpel vasectomy generally takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.

Can’t my wife just have her tubes tied (tubal ligation)?


Yes.
In comparison, tubal ligation (sterilization) for a woman is a more significant operation, which is more difficult for a woman than a vasectomy is for a man. While a vasectomy is performed in-office under local anesthesia, tubal ligation is more invasive and is done in the hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. Tubal ligation can result in greater discomfort, has potentially higher risks, has a longer recovery period, and has a lower success rate than a vasectomy. In addition to being a more gentle solution for many couples, vasectomy is also the less expensive option (tubal ligation oftentimes costs six to seven times more than a vasectomy.)

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