Vasectomy

Scalpel and No-Scalpel Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a safe, simple, and very effective surgical procedure that makes a man sterile (unable to father a child). It is a serious step to take and should be considered permanent. You and your partner must be absolutely sure that you do not want children in the future. The “no-scalpel” approach is a special technique for performing a vasectomy that can result in less swelling and pain than the traditional method. Tower Urology Physicians are experts in both type of procedures and have provided this service to thousands of men in the Southern California region over the past 50 years.

Vasectomy DiagramTo understand how a vasectomy works, you need to know how sperm are produced and released by the reproductive system. The testes are glands that produce tiny sperm and male hormones. The vas deferens are tiny tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the penis. The seminal vesicles and the prostate gland secrete certain fluids and nutrients to carry the sperm along the urethra out of the penis.  Before someone undergoes a vasectomy the sperm are released out of the penis during ejaculation. After a vasectomy, that cut vas deferens prevents sperm from reaching the penis. It should be noted however that for several months after the procedure some viable sperm may remain in the upper portion of the vas deferens and can still cause pregnancy.

When a vasectomy is performed, the two vas deferens are cut to keep sperm from traveling from the testicles to the penis. This will be the only change in your reproductive system. The testes will continue to produce sperm and testosterone (male hormone), but since the sperm have nowhere to go they will die and will be absorbed by your body. Your prostate and the seminal vesicles will continue to produce fluids (semen without sperm) that come out during ejaculation, therefore your semen will not look or feel any different.  Your testosterone levels will also remain the same, so that your hair distribution, the pitch of your voice, your overall strength, and your sexual drive will not change.

We ask that you don’t take any aspirin, or any aspirin containing products for at least one week before your vasectomy. Please make sure you also tell us of any anti-coagulation or blood thinning medications that you are on. The day of your surgery please shower and thoroughly clean your scrotum. We also ask that you shave your scrotum and we may do additional shaving at the time of your procedure. Make sure you bring a pair of snug briefs in addition to an athletic support with you to the procedure.
You will be asked to undress and lie on a table. Sterile drapes will be placed over you to prevent infection.  Before the procedure begins you will be given injections of an anesthetic into the scrotum to prevent you from feeling any pain. Once the anesthetic has taken place we make tiny puncture incisions in the scrotum with a sharp pointed clamp. The vas deferens on each side are identifi ed and lift ed out of this tiny puncture site. The vas deferens are cut and a tiny section of each will be removed. The two cut ends of the vas deferens are then sealed by heat (cautery) and will also be tied off . Th e puncture incisions will heal naturally usually without any additional stitches.
  • Bleeding or infections are risks associated with any type of procedure, even with a no -scalpel vasectomy. Additional unique side effects associated with vasectomy include the following:
  • The vas deferens can reconnect. In rare cases this can make you fertile again and can result in an unwanted pregnancy.
  • Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis that can cause scrotal pain. Th is usually can go away without any treatment but may require anti-inflammatory medications for relief.
  • Sperm buildup can cause some soreness in the testicles and anti-infl ammatory medications can help with providing relief
  • Sperm Granuloma is a small and harmless lump that can form where the vas deferens is sealed off .
  • Long-term orchalgia or testicular discomfort can occur in very rare cases aft er this type of procedure.

A doctor is available 24 hours a day take your calls.

Call us if you notice any of the following aft er the procedure:

  • Trouble with urination
  • Increasing redness, swelling, and drainage from the incision
  • Fever (Temperature of 101 degrees) or chills
  • Black and blue areas or growing lump

As mentioned above some sperm can remain in the upper portion of the vas deferens after the procedure. It is absolutely necessary the you continue to use a form of birth control after your vasectomy until you have had a semen analysis that shows that your sperm count is zero. Please make sure to schedule this for approximately 2 months aft er your vasectomy.

You will be given pain medications to help you relax, and you will be required to have an adult drive you home. The local anesthetic will begin to wear off after approximately a few hours. You will experience some discomfort and swelling but this is usually very mild. We also ask that you place an icepack on the scrotum for 24 hours aft er the procedure to help with the pain. Additional things that you can do to help with your recovery:

  • Make sure to stay off your feet as much is possible for the first 24 to 48 hours to decrease the chance of any swelling. The ice pack will also help with this.
  • Continue to wear cotton briefs or the athletic support.
  • Avoid heavy lift ing or exercise for at least five days.
  • You a you can return to having sex within about 5 to 7 days as long as it is not uncomfortable for you.