A vasectomy is a medical procedure used as a form of permanent male contraception. It involves cutting, tying or blocking the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. By preventing sperm from being released during ejaculation, a vasectomy effectively stops pregnancy. It is considered a highly effective, and permanent solution for men who are certain they no longer want biological children.
There are several different types of vasectomy procedures, including:
A vasectomy is a straightforward procedure that is performed in a medical office or outpatient clinic. It typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and is done under local anesthesia. The method of blocking, cutting, or sealing the vas deferens ensures that sperm cannot mix with semen, so the man’s ejaculate no longer contains sperm.
At Allen Sim Urology, we will perform a physical examination to examine your testes, and scrotum. Additionally, our urologist will also review, and enquire about your medical history to determine:
Of course, this initial consultation is essential in determining your suitability for the procedure.
Days before your vasectomy procedure, Dr Allen Sim will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare. You may be asked to avoid taking certain medications that could increase bleeding, such as aspirin. It is also recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you may feel a bit groggy from the local anesthesia.
The procedure itself is relatively quick. The area is numbed with local anesthesia, and then the surgeon either makes small incisions (in the case of a conventional vasectomy) or a small puncture (for a no-scalpel vasectomy) in the scrotum. The vas deferens can either be cut, blocked, or sealed to prevent sperm from accessing the urethra:
The incision or puncture is usually small enough that no stitches are required. The procedure is typically well-tolerated, and you will remain awake throughout. Rest assured, an anaesthetic is used and you will be kept as comfortable as possible.
Once the procedure is complete, you will be allowed to rest briefly in the clinic. You will be given specific aftercare instructions to follow for a smooth recovery. Most men can return to normal activities within a few days, but you should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for about a week.
Some of the benefits that a vasectomy offers are:
Generally, a vasectomy is only recommended if you are absolutely sure you do not want to have children in the future. That being said, a vasectomy may be possible via surgical procedures that reconnect the vas deferens. The main technique includes:
The success rates of vasectomy reversal highly depend on the time of the vasectomy, surgical technique, and individual factors.
A vasectomy is generally a safe, and effective procedure. But like any surgery, it carries some risks. Although most men experience few issues, it is important to be aware of the possible risks that can occur, both in the short term, and over time.
These risks can include:
some men may feel a sense of pressure or fullness in the scrotum due to sperm accumulation in the testes or epididymis. This sensation is known as congestion, which can last anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks after the procedure.
a vasectomy can sometimes led to nerve irritation. In rare cases, residual testicular pain can occur. Additionally, post-vasectomy pain syndrome, which affects about 1% to 2% of men, can cause ongoing discomfort in the testicles or during ejaculation. The exact cause of this syndrome remains unclear, but it can sometimes lead to emotional distress.
after a vasectomy, sperm can leak from the cut vas deferens, potentially forming a small, pea-sized lump known as sperm granuloma. While the lump may cause discomfort, it is not harmful, and usually resolves on its own.
Shortly after the vasectomy, it is common to experience:
In some cases, delayed complications may occur, including:
It is important to note that some mild pain or discomfort, bruising, and swelling are common after a vasectomy. These symptoms typically subside within a few days, but following proper aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth recovery. Below are the key aspects of what to expect during your recovery process:
A vasectomy is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, making it one of the most reliable forms of contraception. However, it is important to understand that although the procedure itself is highly effective, it does not provide immediate sterility. In fact, after the surgery, sperm can remain in the reproductive system for a period of time.
It typically takes about 8 to 16 weeks for the sperm to be cleared from the vas deferens. During this time, multiple ejaculations are necessary to expel the remaining sperm. Until your reproductive system is fully cleared of sperm, there is still a risk of pregnancy if another form of birth control is not used.
To confirm that sperm is no longer present, and that the vasectomy has been successful, a semen analysis is required. This test checks the presence of sperm in the semen, and assures that the procedure was a success. Our clinic will schedule this analysis with our urologist a few months after the procedure.
If you are considering a vasectomy, and want to learn more about the procedure or determine if it is the right choice for you, we at Allen Sim Urology are here to help. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalised care, and answering any questions you may have.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss your options, and take the first step toward a more confident, worry-free future.
Preparation includes avoiding blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen before the procedure, shaving the scrotal area, and wearing supportive underwear on the day of the surgery.
At Allen Sim Urology, our urologist will advise you on the necessary pre-procedure preparations to ensure a smooth procedure.
Most men recover within a few days. It is recommended to rest for 24 to 48 hours, and avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise or sexual activity for about a week. Meanwhile, swelling, and mild discomfort usually subside within a week.
After a vasectomy, the body continues to produce sperm, but the sperm are naturally absorbed by the body since they can no longer travel through the vas deferens.
No, a vasectomy does not impact testosterone levels, masculinity or the ability to produce sperm. The testicles continue to produce testosterone, and function normally.
No, a vasectomy does not affect libido, sexual performance or ejaculation. Most men experience no change in their sex drive, and some even report greater sexual confidence due to the removal of pregnancy concerns.
Not immediately. It takes several weeks or months to completely clear sperm from the semen. As such, a follow-up semen analysis is necessary to confirm sterility before discontinuing other birth control methods.
Vasectomy is a simpler, safer, and more cost-effective procedure compared to tubal ligation (female sterilisation). On the other hand, a tubal ligation is a more invasive surgery with a longer recovery time. For that reason, a vasectomy is often preferred as a permanent contraceptive solution.
Rest assured that long-term complications are rare. Some men may experience chronic testicular pain, but this is uncommon. Additionally, there is no proven link between vasectomy, and an increased risk of prostate cancer (link to prostate cancer page), testicular cancer (link to testicular cancer page) or other health concerns.
Yes, a vasectomy is considered a permanent form of contraception. Although reversal procedures exist, they are complex, costly, and not always successful. It is important to consider vasectomy only if you are certain about not wanting more children.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so there is minimal pain. Some men may feel mild discomfort or pulling sensations during the procedure. After the anaesthetic wears off, there may be slight soreness or swelling, which can be managed with ice packs, and pain relief medication.
