A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for permanent male birth control. Every year, over half a million men in the United States undergo a vasectomy, making it the most common urological medical procedure in America. It is also a highly effective method of birth control. Typically performed as an outpatient procedure, a vasectomy involves the cutting of the vas deferens (which supply sperm from the testicles to the penis). As with any surgical procedure, the process surrounding having a vasectomy can leave a patient with many questions. Being well informed and ready for your procedure goes a long way towards being comfortable with your decision and the process involved.
Questions patients frequently asked when about to undergo a vasectomy
· Will the procedure make me completely sterile? The success rate regarding sterilization in men after receiving a vasectomy is incredibly high, with around a 99% success rate. It is estimated that around only one or two women out of 1000 become pregnant with their partner after a vasectomy.
· Will the procedure make me sterile immediately? While the vasectomy procedure is incredibly successful, it will not take effect immediately. After the procedure is completed, it can still take months, and multiple ejaculations, for the remaining sperm to be either absorbed into the body or discharged. A minimum period of three months, or 20 ejaculations is recommended before considering the process finished. The timing varies from person to person, and it is highly recommended to have regular checkups with your doctor after the procedure to do a sperm count check.
· What is the amount of recovery time needed before I could resume regular sexual activity? Recovery time can vary from person to person, but most men are able to return to normal daily physical activity within 2 to 3 days of the procedure, though some swelling and discomfort in the scrotum can remain after the procedure. It is possible that there will be some pain or discomfort in the testicles when you are sexually aroused for a few months after the procedure.
· Is it Painful? Immediately after the procedure you may feel a dull ache or mild pain in the area of the scrotum. This usually subsides in a matter of days and most pain can be controlled by over the counter medications such as ibuprofen. If you are concerned about any discomfort, you can talk to your doctor about appropriate pain relieving medications.
· Is the procedure reversible? The procedure is usually reversible. Certain factors, such as how much time has elapsed since the original vasectomy will determine the likely outcome, however, the success rate for vasectomy reversals is extremely high.
· Can I still ejaculate after the procedure? Following the vasectomy, you should notice no changes in arousal, orgasms, ejaculations, or the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. The big difference is that your sperm is not mixed into the semen anymore.
If you would like to know more about vasectomies, or about any other men’s health issue, please contact Dr. Desiderio Avila today to discuss your specific medical needs. You can call (480) 961-2323 to schedule an appointment or make a personalized appointment online.
