Urology

Circumcision :: Vasectomy :: Hydrocele :: Varicocele :: Epididymal cyst
Testicular exploration for torsion

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for permanent birth control or family planning in men. It is a simple procedure often performed as a day surgery in which the vas deferens, a thin tube that stores and transports sperm, is cut and then tied or sealed so as to prevent the release of sperm into the semen.

Vasectomy may not be effective soon after the procedure. The testicles continue to produce sperms but they get absorbed if not ejaculated after a while. For your semen to be sperm-free, it may take 2–3 months from the time of surgery. Therefore your doctor may advise to adopt other measures of birth control until he is sure of zero sperm count.

Vasectomy may be performed by 3 different techniques:

Conventional vasectomy

In conventional procedure, a small puncture or hole is made on one side of the scortum and a part of vas deferens is removed through the opening. The two ends of the vas deferens are then tied off with a synthetic thread or a clip. In some cases electrocautery may be used to seal the ends with the heat. The skin is closed with stitches that dissolves itself and do not have to be removed.

No-scalpel technique

In this technique, surgeon uses a small clamp rather than a scalpel to puncture the scortum. The clamp is poked through the skin of the scortum and then opened. Advantages of this technique are minimal chances of  bleeding, infection and pain and also no stitches are needed in this procedure.

Vas clip implant procedure

This technique does not involve cutting and suturing of the vas deferens, but uses a clip known as vas clip to lock and close the vas deferens. This method is not as effective as other methods of sealing off the vas deferens.

As with other surgical procedures, vasectomy is also associated with certain risks and complications. Common post-operative complications include swelling and pain in the scrotum area, bleeding under the skin, infection at the site of incision, sperm leaking from a vas deferens and formation of sperm granuloma (a small lump), and inflammation of the tubes that carry sperms from the testicles. Another risk is that, the vas deferens grows back together (recanalization) and if it occurs, it could cause lead to failure of birth control measure and cause pregnancy.

Follow the instructions as suggested by your surgeon for better healing and to avoid further risks and complications.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects for a week
• Apply cold packs to the area
• Wearing snug underwear to support the scrotum
• Ensure proper rest