What happens during a vasectomy procedure?
Vasectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses very small incisions or punctures to access and snip the vas deferens, small tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra during ejaculation. Vasectomy is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, and sedation is available if needed. Once the vas deferens are severed, they'll be sealed, usually using heat or surgical clips or by tying them off. The entire procedure takes about a half hour to perform.
What is recovery like?
Once the local anesthetic wears off, there may be some residual soreness coupled with minor swelling and bruising, all of which will resolve within a few days of the procedure. During the healing process, patients should:
- wear a supportive bandage or garment to help promote healing and reduce swelling
- apply insulated ice packs as needed to reduce discomfort
- rest for a day after the procedure and limit strenuous physical activity for about a week
- avoid sexual activity for about a week to allow the area to heal
- avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools for 24 hours to prevent infection
- use an alternate form of birth control until a follow-up appointment confirms your ejaculate is free of sperm
Does having a vasectomy affect sexual desire or performance?
No, vasectomies have no bearing on a man's ability to achieve an erection or to ejaculate. Many men (and their partners) find they enjoy sex more once they no longer need to worry about pregnancy or using condoms.
Does having a vasectomy guarantee I won't release sperm during ejaculation?
No, after the vasectomy procedure, it can take about three months for the ejaculate to be free of sperm. Even then, there is a tiny chance pregnancy can occur – about 15 of every 10,000 couples (0.15 percent) will become pregnant during the first year following a vasectomy (by comparison, about 14 percent of couples using condoms will become pregnant).
