Have you decided to take steps towards birth control? Have you thought about what form of permanent birth control your partner and you desire? Are you wondering if a Vasectomy may be the right choice for you? At Urologist New York City you will receive urologic care in a warm and sensitive environment. Here you get the answers you are seeking, which will allow you the opportunity to choose treatment opportunities that best suit both your needs and desires.
What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a simple, safe surgical procedure considered a permanent method of birth control for men. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens from each testicle is clamped, cut or sealed, preventing the sperm from mixing with the semen that is ejaculated from the penis during sex.
Your partner’s egg cannot be fertilized when no sperm are available in the semen. It will not change your sexual experience, because you will have the same amount of fluid as you did prior to the procedure. Instead of being discharged when you ejaculate, the sperm are absorbed by your body. This normally also happens during the times that you do not ejaculate.
The vasectomy procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and it can be done in the urologist’s office, hospital or surgery center. The procedure will be done with the aid of a local anesthetic that will numb the area. In a conventional vasectomy the urological surgeon makes one or two incisions with a scalpel and then use sutures or stitches the skin to close the incision at the end of the procedure.
What should you expect after vasectomy procedure
The skin of the testicle will be numb for a few hours after the vasectomy. Your urologist will suggest that you apply an ice pack to the area and lie on your back for the rest of the day. It is recommended to wear snug underwear or a jock strap to decreased swelling and pain. Often, some swelling and pain are common for a few days. Your urologist may prescribe a pain medication to ease the discomfort. In most cases, you should avoid heavy lifting for one week, and may return to work after 1 to 2 days of rest. Your urologist will give you more specific instructions after your procedure.
When Can We Resume Intercourse after a vasectomy procedure?
Normally you can resume intercourse as soon as you are comfortable, most often within one week. Your partner or you will need to use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy until your sperm count is at zero. You will have at least two follow-up sperm count visits to determine the number of sperm still in your semen and you will continue to return to your urologist until your sperm count is at zero.
What are the Risks of Vasectomy Procedure?
The risks are very low, yet a small number of men may have a complication.
1. Bleeding under the skin may cause swelling or bruising.
2. Sperm could leak from the vas deferens into the surrounding tissue around it causing a small lump to form. This is easy to treat with rest and pain medication.
3. Infection, your urologist will often prescribe an antibiotic to be taken as directed.