Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a small operation done as a birth control method for men. It cuts the vas deferens to block the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles.
Semen has sperm and seminal fluid before a vasectomy operation. After a vasectomy, semen still exists, but it has no sperm. The testicles will produce less sperm and the body will easily absorb any sperm that is produced. If a male person has a successful vasectomy, he can no longer make a woman pregnant.
It is a quick (15–20 minute) and less painful surgical procedure. Mostly, the patient gets discharged on the same day itself.
Vasectomy advantages and risks
Advantages:
Vasectomy is a harmless and successful birth control method for males who are determined that they don't want any biological children in the future.
- Vasectomy is an effective operation to prevent pregnancy.
- Vasectomy is an outpatient surgery with significantly fewer complications or any side effects.
- The cost of a vasectomy is less than the cost of tubal ligation (female sterilization) or the combined cost of long-term birth control pills for women.
- There is no need to worry about taking any safety precautions before sex, such as using a condom.
Vasectomy Risks & Complications
The main concern with vasectomy is that many people change their minds about having a biological child in the future. Although it can be possible to reverse the vasectomy, there's no assurance it will be helpful. Reversal surgery is more complicated than vasectomy, and it can be costly and ineffective in a few cases.
If a person has chronic testicular pain or testicular disease, he is not eligible for a vasectomy operation.
Vasectomy Side Effects
The surgery doesn't have any significant side effects and rarely there are any severe complications. A few less common side effects include:
- Bleeding or blood clot formation
- Blood in the semen
- Scrotum bruising
- Infection
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Swelling
If you are willing for a vasectomy surgery then consult a general surgeon.
About the Procedure
How to prepare
- You have to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other blood-thinning drugs before the surgery.
- Carry a pair of tight-fitting underwear or an athletic supporter to wear after the procedure to support the scrotum and lessen swelling.
- Take a bath and clean your genital area. Trim genital hair if required.
- Ask someone to drive you home after the procedure, as there will be slight pain and discomfort.
Vasectomy procedure
There are two types of vasectomy surgical procedures -
- A conventional vasectomy with a scalpel
- A no-scalpel procedure
The doctor will give the best option to the patient.
A conventional vasectomy with a scalpel
The surgeon first desensitizes the scrotum with a local anaesthetic. Two minor cuts are made in the skin on either side of the scrotum to expose the tubes that transport sperm outside the testicles (vas deferens).
Each of the tubes is cut and a small part is removed. The tube ends are then closed, either by tying or closing them with the help of heat. In addition, dissolvable stitches are used to reseal the cuts, which usually go away within a week.
A no-scalpel vasectomy-
The surgeon first desensitizes the scrotum with a local anaesthetic injection. A small puncture is done in the scrotum to expose the tubes, and no cuts are needed in this process.
The tube is then slit, and a small piece of the tube is removed. The tube is tied or sealed, which is repeated on the other side too.
If required, a dissolving stitch is used to seal the incision and wound dressing is done.
After the procedure
- There will be some inflammation, bruising, and pain in the scrotum area. It will heal within a few days. The doctor will give instructions about the safety precautions.
- Seek emergency medical advice if there are any signs of infection or any complications, such as high fever, blood, inflammation, swelling, and severe pain at the surgery site.
- Wear a bandage and tight-fitting underwear for at least two days to support the scrotum.
- Use ice packs on the surgical area for the first few days.
- Avoid physical activity and sexual intercourse for the first few days after the operation.
Vasectomy Care at Medicover Hospitals
We are equipped with the best infrastructure and facilities to perform vasectomy surgery with utmost precision. Our surgeons have delivered highly successful results and faster patient recovery using the latest modes of surgical interventions while following the standard protocols.
