Are you considering a vasectomy? Are you and your spouse confident that you already have the right sized family that you desire? Do you have medical problems that make permanent sterilization the best option for you? Approximately 500,000 men in the United States each year make the decision to undergo vasectomy. Vasectomy is a safe, permanent form of sterilization that is commonly utilized for family planning worldwide.
Vasectomy works by disrupting the flow of sperm in the ejaculate during sex. Men who have vasectomy maintain normal ejaculation but the microscopic sperm cells that allow for pregnancy are no longer win the semen. The fluid that is ejaculated appears to be normal but does not have the sperm needed to achieve pregnancy after a man has undergone vasectomy.
The vas deferens are small tubes in the scrotum that transport sperm and are routinely cut and tied during vasectomy to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate. While it is possible to put these back together if a couple has a change of heart down the road, this can occur with mixed results. Therefore, the decision to undergo vasectomy should be under the assumption that vasectomy will be permanent. When the vas deferens are cut during vasectomy the ends are also burned, folded upon themselves and tied thus keeping sperm from finding their way out but also making reversal procedures challenging.
Vasectomy is most often performed in an office setting either awake with numbing medication or with mild anesthesia such as nitrous oxide, a gas commonly used for dental procedures. The procedure is often greatly feared by men who frequently come to realize that the procedure is less scary than they feared.
While other forms of permanent sterilization do exist, vasectomy is the least invasive approach. Permanent sterilization in females via tubal ligation involves a surgery within the abdominal cavity and while very safe and effective does expose the woman to additional risk compared to vasectomy in a male. Vasectomy is performed through a small incision in the scrotum that often measures less than 1 cm.
After vasectomy it is normal to experience swelling in the scrotum for several days that will resolve. While men often feel well enough to perform normal tasks and to pursue interests such as golf, this is discouraged in the immediate period following the procedure. Excessive activity can prolong the normal swelling associated with vasectomy. It also is extremely important after vasectomy that men confirm that there are no further sperm in the ejaculate by providing a semen sample to look at beneath the microscope.
If you feel that vasectomy is right for you contact N.E.O. Urology today at (330) 729-9214 or visit our website www.neourology.com to schedule a consultation.